Vessels are transiting through, or anchoring in, the territorial waters
of Singapore, including the Eastern and Western outer port limit (OPL) anchorages of
Singapore, are urged to be especially careful in the avoidance of collisions with other
ships. An
increased risk of collisions in this area where there has been a considerable accumulation of
vessels are lying at anchor.
It would appear that the most recent spate of collisions has occurred at the Eastern
OPL anchorage, where several ships maneuvering within the area have collided
with vessels already at anchor.
Evidence suggests that the collisions have, for the most part, occurred due to the
maneuvering vessel’s failure to correctly estimate the strength and direction of the
local tidal currents. Besides, in the case of unexpected weather changes involving
thunderstorms, etc., there have also been contacts between vessels already lying at
anchor.
Experts familiar with these circumstances suggest that caution should be used in
selecting a suitable location to anchor, with due regard to the proximity of other
anchored vessels, the strength, and direction of prevailing tidal currents and the
speed and direction of the wind at the time maneuvering take place.
While a vessel is at anchor, it is advised that a full anchor watch should be
maintained at all times, with the vessel’s engines being kept in an appropriate state of
readiness. It is also suggested that bridge watchkeeper(s) should not be distracted
from their duties by other work at that time.
The congestion at Singapore has become a matter of considerable anecdotal
comment – not least for those flying into Changi Airport on certain approaches which
are best able to see with their own eyes the multitude of vessels anchored in the
areas in question!
The area around Singapore has traditionally been one of the busiest in the shipping world due to
large numbers of vessels transiting the straits or calling at the port. It is common to see a
large number of vessels anchored off the port, many of them outside port limits to the east and
west of the island.
Anchoring in non designated areas can be extremely dangerous and cause
considerable risks to traffic moving around in this busy seaway. The area between the outer port
limits and the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) is quite small. Some vessels have drifted or anchored too near or inside the TSS as the area has filled with ships.
Vessels found to be anchored in the TSS risk being boarded by officers of the Singapore MPA,
reported to Flag state and named on the regular Navtex warnings.
It is to consider anchorages carefully in this area and if
any doubts to contact the local correspondent or port authority, vessels should anchor
in designated anchorages and ensure that they are not obstructing the TSS or other local
hazards.
Other notable areas for congested waters around the world
The following areas are suggested to be considered as Congested Waters:- The Japan Coast Including Osumi Kaikyo & Tsugaru Kaikyo
- Taiwan Strait
- Singapore Straits (including 20nm NE of Horsburgh) and
Malacca Straits (including 20nm NW of One Fathom Bank)
- Strait of Bab-El-Mandeb
- Gulf of Suez (Including Strait of Gubal)
- Gibraltar Strait (including 20 nm either side of Europa Point)
- The English Channel (Including TSS off Ushant)
- Dover Strait
- Maas Approach
- TSS off Texel & Vlieland
- Areas of Heavy Fishing Traffic (e.g. East Coast of China)
- Any other area where heavy traffic is encountered
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Risks of heavy weather with containerized cargo onboard
Ships motion in heavy weather
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Collecting Information and Data for Passage Planning
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