Impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak on Singapore-registered ships
- Safety Flash
- Published on 3 March 2020
- Generated on 7 November 2025
- IMCA SF 08/20
- 2 minute read
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued Shipping Circular No. 3 of 2020 relating to the impact of COVID-19 on Singapore-registered ships
The circular applies to Ship owners, managers, operators, masters of Singapore-registered ships, recognised organisations, agents and the general shipping community.
The circular notes the following: “The MPA understands that in view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, owners and managers of Singapore-registered ships (SRS) are facing challenges in meeting various statutory requirements under the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Act (the MLC Act), the Merchant Shipping Act and the subsidiary legislations.
These challenges may include the timely repatriation of seafarers onboard SRS at the end of the period in the seafarer’s employment agreement (SEA), deployment of seafarers who are not able to obtain revalidation from training institutes for their expiring certifications, inability to obtain shipyard dry-docking services, inability to carry out mandatory periodical surveys, audits and inspections in time, etc.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) empathises with the situation faced by the owners and managers of SRS and desires to take a pragmatic approach to assist the industry in overcoming these challenges.”
The circular goes on to deal with a pragmatic approach (in the face of COVID-19) to a number of issues including the following:
- extension of sea service beyond contract period
- extension of sea service period beyond qualification revalidation deadline
- extension of mandatory surveys, audits and expiry of statutory certificates.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 04/20
31 January 2020
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.