TNAG-2897-FCO40-4171-Hong-Kong-piracy-in-the-South-China-Sea-1993 — Page 69

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Recommendations

70 In view of all the foregoing, the Group recommends:

.1 The present Rule 8 be renumbered Rule 8(a) and a new rule 8(b)

should be added to the IMO "Rules for Vessels Navigating through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore" as follows:

.2

.3

.4

5

.6

"All vessels and tows of 300 gross tons or more and all passenger vessels transiting the Singapore Strait are strongly recommended to participate in the Singapore Vessel Traffic Information Service (VTIS)".

Singapore be requested to review the VTIS to ensure that additional traffic can be catered for and to ensure that the training of operators complies with the IMO Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services (resolution A.578(14)).

Resurvey of such shoal patches as may be necessary to effectively ensure the safe navigation of deep-draught vessels in the Malacca Strait and Singapore Strait should receive high priority.

The OCIMF proposal (MSC 61/7/1) is basically supported.

The NAV Sub-Committee be invited to request the Ships' Routeing Working Group to consider the need for additional TSSs and/or other routeing measures in the Strait.

The Maritime Safety Committee is invited to re-emphasize the need for proper training of both shipboard and shore-based (VTS operators and staff manning radio stations, SAR units, pilot stations, etc.) personnel making use of the Straits in their respective areas of activity.

W/9181e