200903 Traffic hazards off Singapore

Traffic hazards off Singapore
MARS Report 200903

 

There are routine transgressions of Colregs Rule no.10 (traffic separation schemes) in the Singapore Straits. On arrival at Tanjung Pelepas, I noted that due to the number of vessels at anchor in the inshore traffic zone north of the westbound lane (Singapore Western Boarding Ground Alpha (WBGA) to Tanjung Piai (BA Chart 4038), the inshore traffic zone is effectively closed to larger vessels proceeding eastbound from Tanjung Pelepas and Singapore.

 

 

Many vessels occupy the Tanjung Pelepas general anchorage and the inshore zone to the south of this, as well as the anchorage area to the south and east of Johor Bahru port limits. The area of anchored vessels actually extends into the westbound traffic lane. Accordingly, vessels that transit eastbound between Tanjung Pelepas and Singapore WBGA routinely call the vessel traffic information system (VTIS) and request to proceed the wrong way eastbound against the traffic flow in the westbound lane. This situation inevitably leads to head on encounters with westbound traffic and alterations of course by each vessel to port, so that eastbound vessels occupy the northern limits of the lane and westbound vessels move towards the centre of the lane. My point is that, in following this seemingly routine procedure, if a vessel should be involved in any incident, the legal repercussions would be particularly great for the eastbound vessel. Note that vessels undertaking this procedure are without pilots onboard.

It would be prudent for masters of eastbound vessels between Tanjung Pelepas and Singapore to plan the passage only after carefully scanning the main strait by Ecdis/radar. Should the inshore traffic zone appear congested, then instead of risking a hazardous direct passage of some six miles to WBGA, it would be safer to follow the TSS by crossing the west bound lane, entering the east bound lane, going south of 'Delta' buoy and Takong Kecil beacon and exiting at Raffles light house in order to rejoin the west bound lane – in all some 37 miles of steaming.

Editor's note: The convenience of a direct course and a shorter transit time must not justify the selection of a route that plainly contravenes the Colregs. If the volume of eastbound traffic between TPP and Singapore justifies it, shipping lines and agents may take up the issue with the authorities of both the ports to ensure that anchorage area limits are clearly marked and complied with and that a clear corridor is available for safe eastbound transits through the inshore zone.