14 SRS operators are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure compliance with the IMO 2020 regulations in order to safeguard Singapore’s Quality Flag status.
Service enhancements and digitalisation of SRS
15 I mentioned earlier about the new technologies in our midst. In our push to better serve our shipping community and embrace the digitalisation of the maritime industry, we have embarked on several service enhancements. Let me share some of these initiatives with you.
16 Towards end of last year, we have launched the 24/7 customer service hotline to respond to urgent ship technical, crewing and registry matters after office hours. This service has been well-utilised. I would encourage everyone to continue to make use of this service when you have really urgent issues to address.
17 MPA has also commenced the issuance of E-certificates to Singapore-registered ships since December 2017. We are expanding it in phases. All Singapore-registered ships will be receiving their E-certs upon issuance of new certificates or renewal of existing certificates. To date, about 10,000 E-certs have been issued by MPA to Singapore-registered ships. Recognised Organisations (ROs) such as ABS, BV, DNV GL, CCS and ClassNK have also started issuing statutory E-certs to Singapore-registered ships on MPA’s behalf.
18 To promote the adoption of remote inspection techniques such as the use of drones, we have published our acceptance criteria for the use of remote inspection techniques for surveys. The use of remote inspection techniques enhances safety as marine surveyors do not need to put themselves in precarious positions on board ships to conduct inspections. More can be done in this regard as the technology improves.
19 To ensure Singapore ships operate at a high standard of safety worldwide and perform well when inspected by foreign port authorities, we have earlier this year implemented the SRS Quality Flag Assessment 5-year Programme, or SRS QP5 for short. Under this programme, in addition to local inspections, our Flag State Control officers will also conduct overseas inspection on selected Singapore ships. Ships are selected for overseas inspection based on a risk matrix, taking into account whether the ships call at Singapore. During these overseas trips, our officers will also take the opportunity to visit and enhance our bilateral ties with the local port authorities.
20 In addition, we have expanded the suite of services on MARINET. For example, application for the Singapore Seaman Discharge Book and the Maritime Labour Convention financial security certificates can now be completed on MARINET. To minimise delays in crew signing on board Singapore ships, the Receipt of Acknowledgement will be automatically issued upon application of MPA’s Certificate of Endorsement.
21 To embrace and harness new technologies for productivity, we have, in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Pacific International Lines, Lloyd’s Register and Microsoft, completed the Proof of Concepts for the use of Blockchain for ship registration and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) for the issuance of crew and ship certificates. We will continue to explore the use of these new technologies and implement them by the third quarter of 2019.
22 Moving ahead, we are working on improving our processes for online submissions and e-appointments so as to enhance the experience for our customers.
23 Let us work together to ride this digitalisation wave for a more productive, efficient and sustainable future.
In Closing – Close Collaboration Remains Key
24 Ladies and gentlemen, before I close, I want to recognise Singapore companies that have helped us cross the 90th and 91th million GT milestones. We will be presenting the SRS Milestone Gifts to these ship owners later. We will also be recognising companies that have made good on their commitments to the Maritime Singapore Green Initiative by awarding them with MPA’s Green Ship certificates.
25 Finally, we will also be giving out Manpower Recognition Awards to companies that have contributed significantly to the training of Singaporeans. We are proud to have these companies and ships with the Singapore Flag and we urge them to continue their good efforts.
26 There is much to look forward to today at the SRS Forum 2018. We have achieved so much only because we have come together as one community to resolve issues constructively always with an eye to the future and what we can do to enhance the competitiveness of our SRS.
27 Let me also take this opportunity to introduce my successor Ms Quah Ley Hoon, who will take over from me on 1 Jan 2019. This will be my last address to the shipping community. I have benefitted tremendously from everyone’s cooperation and friendship, and I am confident you will extend this to Ley Hoon. Let’s continue to work together to transform Maritime Singapore into one of the world’s leading maritime hubs. On this note, I wish everyone a rewarding discussion today.
28 Thank you.
