Asia/Pacific News
MPA: Human Error Caused Singapore Bunker Spill Collisions
An investigation into three collisions resulting in bunker spills around Singapore early this year found that human error was the main cause of all three incidents, the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority says.
The investigation found a "lack of situational awareness" among the ships' bridge teams, including the pilots, despite advisories and traffic warnings provided by the MPA's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC).
Crews also did not use all the available means to avoid the collisions, such as an automatic identification system (AIS), automatic radar potting aid (ARPA), radar, and electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS).
"Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the members of the bridge teams, including the pilots, for contravening the relevant regulations," MPA said.
A Safety Review Committee (SRC), including members from MPA, Ministry of Transport, local academics, and the shipping industry, also found no significant overall increase in incidents between 2007 and 2013.
The SRC recommended that, going forward, MPA should work with the industry on safety management awareness, that PSA Marine should encourage more information sharing between pilots and ship masters, and that MPA should consider offering more active advisories for vessels in high-traffic areas of Singapore and Singapore Strait waters.
MPA will form two new working groups to address these measures.
The three collisions occurred in Singapore waters in January and February.
