Bunkering Safety Training in Singapore Introduced
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will require all bunker tanker officers to attend an 'Enhanced Bunkering Course'
From 1 July this year all new cargo officers will be required to not only be familiar with the requirements of the Singapore Standard on Bunkering (SS 600), but also to have successfully completed the Enhanced Bunkering Course, prior to working independently on board bunker tankers. Existing cargo officers will be required to attend and successfully complete the course by 30 June 2013.
The move is part of MPA’s on-going efforts to enhance cargo officers’ professionalism and competency.
IBIA, along with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), has run a cargo officers’ course since 2009, to enhance cargo officers’ technical knowledge on bunkering related shipboard operations as well as to raise general awareness of maritime security and personal safety.
Trevor Harrison, IBIA’s acting Chief Executive said: “Credit must go to the Regional Manager of IBIA Asia, Kwok Fook Sing, who has invested a great deal of time and effort in devising the course structure and producing its content, as well as liaising with the MPA to ensure that the course fulfils its objectives and meets the MPA’s high standards.
” Mr Kwok said: “We are pleased to be able to have worked with the MPA in developing this course to members of the bunkering community and we look forward to working with them to achieve their targets for quality standards through the delivery of these courses."
