Crew of Singapore-registered Vessels Encountering Difficulties in South China Sea

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Transport what practical steps and mechanisms does the Government have in place to help owners and crew of Singapore-registered civilian vessels avoid encountering difficulties when sailing over the disputed South China Sea.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The "practical steps and mechanisms" for passages by vessels are implemented within the framework of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. Freedom of navigation, including navigation by Singapore-registered civilian vessels, is a fundamental element of that framework. This freedom of navigation enables vessels to ply their trade to different parts of the world, including through vital sea lines of communication in the South China Sea.

More recently, ASEAN Member States and China have also reaffirmed their commitment to the freedom of navigation and overflight above the South China Sea in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including UNCLOS.

To ensure a smooth voyage, all vessels must exercise due care. Vessels are required to carry nautical charts to plan its route and monitor its position throughout the voyage, exercising care to avoid navigational hazards.

Ships owners should also ensure that their vessels are properly maintained and adequately manned by competent crew. To this end, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, or MPA, ensures that Singapore-registered vessels are seaworthy and crew on-board are duly certified.

Singapore-registered vessels in situation of distress should contact MPA and the surrounding coastal states for assistance. To date MPA has not received any reports of interference from Singapore-registered vessels traversing the South China Sea.