MPA Advises Mariners of Underwater Ops Off Singapore

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has informed that from September 14 to 23, an underwater communication and networking experiment will be conducted north of Pulau Semakau.

Meanwhile, seabed characterisation works will be carried out east of St John’s Island.

According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Circular No.98 of 2015, the works will be carried out from 09:00 to 17:00 hours daily, including Sunday.

The experiment includes the deployment of acoustic communication nodes, Acoustic Doppler Profilers (ADP) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) by work boats. Divers will be on standby during the deployment and recovery of acoustic communications nodes and ADP.

A safety boat will be deployed in the vicinity to warn other craft about the work.

Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.

When in the vicinity of the working area, mariners are reminded to:

– Keep well clear and not to enter the working area;
– Maintain a proper lookout;
– Proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution;
– Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 12 (East Control);
– Communicate with East Control on VHF Channel 12 for assistance, if required.

Furthermore, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Port Marine Notice No.97 of 2015, the seabed characterisation works will be conducted from 09:00 to 17:00 hours daily, including Sunday.

The work involves the use of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). Work boats will be used to deploy and recover the AUV.

The same as the above mentioned safety procedures will be used in this operation as well.

Image Source: MPA Singapore