IMO To Hold Maritime Security Conference in December 2002
In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the USA and the subsequent global reaction, the issue of maritime security was to the fore at the 22nd Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which met at the Organization's London headquarters from November 19 to 30, 2001. The Assembly agreed to hold a Conference on Maritime Security in December 2002, to adopt new regulations to enhance ship and port security and avert shipping from becoming a target of international terrorism. This decision followed the adoption of a resolution put forward by Secretary-General William O'Neil on Review of measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism which threaten the security of passengers and crews and the safety of ships.
Singapore and the Netherlands Sign MOU
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Directorate-General for Freight Transport (DGFT) of the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. The MOU was signed by Mr Chen Tze Penn, Director-General, MPA and his Dutch counterpart, Mrs Jacqueline Tammenoms Bakker, Director-General, DGFT. The signing ceremony took place on 9 Jul 02 at the headquarters of the DGFT at the Hague, Netherlands. This MOU follows on the Letter of Intent on maritime co-operation signed between Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong and the Dutch Minister of Transport, Tineke Netelenbos in 2000.
MPA Launches ISC of Singapore
Developed in close cooperation with the Singapore Polytechnic at a cost of S$12 million, the Integrated Simulation Center (ISC) is one of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's (MPA's) latest initiatives to meet the shipping industry's increasing demands for well-trained seafarers. The ISC employs some of the latest maritime simulation technologies available, covers all aspects of a ship's operations from ship-handling to crisis management and fully meets the requirements of STCW95. Speaking at the Ceremony, the Minister for Transport, Mr Yeo Cheow Tong, commented that such a facility will boost the quality and efficiency of maritime training in Singapore.
USCG Commandant Visits Singapore
Admiral Thomas H Collins, Commandant, US Coast Guard (USCG) is in Singapore for a 2-day visit under the Distinguished Visitors Program of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Over the two days, ADM Collins will be calling on Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Transport. He will also be meeting Peter Ho, Chairman, MPA; Chen Tze Penn, Director-General, MPA; and other MPA senior officials. His itinerary will include meetings with key personnel from other Singapore maritime agencies. A highlight of ADM Collins’ visit will be the keynote address which he will be delivering at the opening of the International Maritime and Port Security Conference (IMPSC) on January 21. ADM Collins will be speaking on the “New Challenges to Maritime and Port Security”.
Singapore Initiates Y2K Readiness Drill On NOL Vessel
As the conclusion of 1999 comes quickly and worries surrounding the unknown effects of the Y2K bug grow stronger, more maritime entities around the globe are increasing the pace of testing and compliance. Last week, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) tested the first of several drills with a shipper involving Year 2000 (Y2K) preparations. The test aboard the Neptune Orient Lines' (NOL) APL Japan, a 64,500 gt container vessel, involved the mock failure of computer-aided functions such as engines, steering mechanisms and shipboard communications. "The objectives of the exercise were to test the preparedness of staff from the MPA and NOL, as well as the Y2K contingency plans of both organizations," MPA's Director-General Chen Tze Penn said.
