Singapore Hosts Inaugural Asia VTS Forum

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is presently hosting the inaugural Regional Forum on Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) which runs until 4, October 2013.

A first in Asia, the Forum provides a platform for officers from maritime administrations from around the world to interact and discuss issues related to VTS, safety of navigation, maritime safety, and to identify capacity building needs in VTS for the region to enhance navigational safety. About 20 overseas and local speakers speak on a wide range of VTS subject matters such as the implementation and operation of VTS, VTS training and legislation.

Officiating at the Forum was MPA Assistant Chief Executive (Operations), Capt M Segar. In his opening address, Capt Segar highlighted the importance of navigational safety in Singapore's busy port waters. "As one of the world's busiest ports, Singapore places a strong emphasis on navigational safety and continually invests in enhancing navigational safety in and around our port waters. The upgrading of Singapore's Port Operations Control Centres (POCC) with the next generation Vessel Traffic Information System underscores Singapore's commitment to the maritime community in providing maritime safety," says Capt Segar. He added, "The Singapore economy is dependent on global trade and it is in Singapore's interest to share their VTS experiences and expertise with like-minded countries through this Forum."

The Forum is jointly organised by MPA, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities World-Wide Academy (IALA WWA) under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme.