Navigation Working Group News

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center (NAVCEN) is involved in a number of activities that have an impact on all Americans, even if they don’t realize it.From motorists checking directions with their Global Positioning System (GPS) to boaters to ships coming and going to U.S. ports, the NAVCEN plays an unseen but vital role.With a staff of19 officers, 17 enlisted personnel and 19 civilians, NAVCEN falls under the Director of Marine Transportation Systems (CG-5PW) at USCG Headquarters…

Singapore has to further develop and strengthen the pillars of marine insurance and shipping finance if it is to be fully regarded as an influential International Maritime Centre, according to Singapore Shipping Association President Patrick Phoon. Addressing a Gala Dinner to celebrate the SSA’s 29th Anniversary, Phoon said work was underway to achieve these goals. He told the gathering of over 2,000 guests at the Sands Grand Ballroom, “Some of you may be aware that over the past year, the SSA Council had commissioned consultants to assist in producing reports in these two areas.

Following the three collision incidents[1] resulting in oil spills which took place in the Singapore port waters and Singapore Strait between January 29 and February 10 early this year, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) conducted investigations to determine the causes of the incidents. MPA also formed a Safety Review Committee (SRC) to review the overall system of navigational safety in Singapore's port waters and Singapore Strait. Members comprised experts from MPA, Ministry of Transport, the local academia and shipping industry.

On March 31, 2005 the Vessel Traffic Service San Francisco (VTS) will implement a standardized system of dock addresses throughout the San Francisco Bay Region. This new system was developed by the Navigation Working Group of the San Francisco Bay Region Harbor Safety Committee to remedy the problem of frequently changing dock names after changes in ownership. Implementation of this system will significantly enhance the safety of vessels operating on San Francisco Bay by reducing confusion regarding each vessel’s destination. In addition, this new system offers benefits to maritime security, including increased ability for emergency responders to quickly identify exact dock locations during a maritime incident.