How to Entering - Passing - Crossing - Transiting | Singapore Strait

Summary

The Singapore Strait is a vital maritime corridor, handling a third of the world’s traded goods. The video provides essential navigational guidance for vessels transiting the Strait, highlighting key areas of caution such as the narrow channels, busy traffic sectors, and precautionary zones. Mariners are advised to maintain communication with the Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS) for safer navigation, particularly in high-traffic areas. It also emphasizes the importance of following proper procedures when navigating through the Strait’s various sectors, ensuring safety amidst unpredictable weather, heavy traffic, and other maritime challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Singapore Strait, along with the Strait of Malacca, is one of the busiest maritime corridors in the world, with over 400 nautical miles in length.
• 😀 About one-third of the world's traded goods pass through these waters annually, and this figure is expected to increase as regional economies grow.
• 😀 The narrowest point of the Singapore Strait is just three nautical miles between Singapore and Indonesia, with a reduced navigable channel of less than two nautical miles.
• 😀 The Singapore VTIS (Vessel Traffic Information Service) operates 24/7 and provides mandatory reporting for vessels entering specific sectors of the Singapore Strait.
• 😀 Mariners must always follow VTIS advice but remain solely responsible for the safe navigation of their vessels.
• 😀 When entering Sector 7, it is mandatory to report to VTIS on VHF channel 73 with essential details such as destination and dangerous goods carried.
• 😀 Vessels should be cautious when navigating through precautionary areas in the Singapore Strait, as they may encounter heavy crossing traffic, especially from smaller local vessels.
• 😀 It's important to regularly check AIS (Automatic Identification System) data of nearby vessels, as not all ships are fitted with AIS or may have it turned off.
• 😀 VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) and other deep-draft vessels should maintain an under-keel clearance of at least 3.5 meters and avoid overtaking in narrow channels.
• 😀 The five pilot boarding grounds north of Sector 8 require vessels to maintain safe distances from other vessels, especially during the hours of darkness or when approaching boarding areas.
• 😀 Sector 9 is generally less crowded but still requires vigilance due to crossing traffic and the potential for strong currents or sudden shifts in navigation conditions.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Singapore Strait in global maritime trade?

The Singapore Strait, along with the Strait of Malacca, forms a crucial maritime corridor over 400 nautical miles in length. It handles about one-third of the world’s traded goods annually, and this figure is expected to rise as the region’s economies grow.

What is the minimum distance between Singapore and Indonesia in the Singapore Strait?

At its narrowest point, there are just three nautical miles between the shores of Singapore and Indonesia.

What is the role of the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS)?

The VTIS operates 24/7 and provides advisory services, helping mariners with traffic management and navigation safety, especially in areas with dense maritime traffic.

What information is mandatory when reporting to the VTIS in sector 7?

When entering sector 7, mariners must report their course, destination, and whether they are carrying dangerous goods, including IMO class and weights. This information is passed along as the vessel moves through different sectors.

What are the main risks when navigating through the precautionary areas in the Singapore Strait?

The precautionary areas are often congested with crossing traffic, including smaller vessels that may not follow standard navigation rules, fishing boats, tugs, and ferries. Mariners need to be extra cautious, especially in low visibility conditions.

How should vessels approach pilot boarding grounds in the Singapore Strait?

Vessels should approach pilot boarding grounds at a safe speed, maintaining a minimum separation distance of one nautical mile from vessels ahead. They should avoid arriving too early to prevent congestion.

What should mariners do if they plan to use the deep water route in the Singapore Strait?

If a vessel draws less than 15 meters, it is not classified as a deep-draft vessel. Mariners should notify the VTIS if they intend to use the deep water route to avoid interference with deeper draft vessels.

Why is it essential to follow VTIS advice even if it doesn't give the right of way?

Following VTIS advice helps to maintain safe navigation by ensuring mariners have a better understanding of traffic movements over a wider area, but the bridge team remains solely responsible for safe navigation.

What specific navigational challenges exist in sector 8 of the Singapore Strait?

In sector 8, mariners face risks from crossing traffic, especially fast ferries, and fishing boats that may not be visible to radar. There are also shallow reefs and tidal considerations, which require regular position checks.

What actions should vessels take when crossing the TSS to pick up a pilot?

Vessels should position themselves early on the north side of the eastbound lane and cross the TSS at right angles, in accordance with the rules and good seamanship practices. If uncertain, they can request information from the VTIS about other vessels’ intentions.