Staying Safe at Sea during the Monsoon Season 2025

04 December 2025

As the Northeast monsoon, which would persist until March 2026, may at times bring stronger winds, waves, and moderate to heavy rain, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) advises all stakeholders to exercise caution at sea, put appropriate safety measures, and be properly prepared for sea during this period. According to the MPA, passengers travelling on vessels should comply with safety practices, learn how to use safety equipment, and remain calm in an emergency. Masters of passenger ships should ensure that crew members maintain a proper lookout, observe safety speeds. In addition, embarkation and disembarkation procedures should be strictly observed. The authorities say that individuals participating in sea-based recreational activities should always wear life jackets, check weather forecasts, and follow safety guidelines. The MPA states that all port users should secure vessels and cargoes properly and maintain firefighting and life-saving appliances in full working order in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations and applicable Singapore Port Regulations. During the monsoon season, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore will step up safety checks on various types of vessels to strengthen safety readiness. One member of the MPA said that as the monsoon season set in, port users and the public were advised to remain vigilant and the institution would cooperate with the maritime community. An institution that advises the MPA on maritime safety matters pointed out that for safety at sea, collective efforts were necessary and a strong partnership between the government and industry was essential. 

For the original article, please visit https://www.mpa.gov.sg/media-centre/details/staying-safe-at-sea-during-the-monsoon-season-2025 or scan the QR code below.

Two International Treaties to Protect the Ocean Reach 100 Accessions

17 December 2025

During the 34th session of the Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Solomon Islands deposited its instrument of accession for the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) and Equatorial Guinea for the BWM Convention and the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention (AFS Convention). By doing this, the Solomon Islands became the 100th State Party to the BWM Convention and Equatorial Guinea the 101st to the BWM Convention and 100th to the AFS Convention. As a result, these two key IMO instruments that protect the marine environment have achieved the milestone of 100 ratifications.

The BWM Convention, which has been in force since 2017, was adopted to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms to new environments via ships’ ballast water. Therefore, ships are required to manage ballast water and sediments in accordance with the Convention. The AFS Convention has come into effect since 2008 and bans the use of anti-fouling paints that are used to prevent organisms such as algae and mollusks from attaching to the hull as they contain harmful substances to marine life and ecosystems. These conventions are one of the main pillars of more than 50 international treaties, conventions, and protocols, which are the basis of IMO’s global maritime framework to support environmentally-sound international shipping. 

For the original article, please visit https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/pages/whatsnew-2409.aspx or scan the QR code below.