Source: mpa.gov.sg · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
mpa.gov.sg/port-marine-ops/port-safety-security/search-rescue (checked 2026-10-14) — “24-hour emergency contact … Tel (+65) 6226 5539 or (+65) 6325 2493”; “MPA's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) is the operational headquarters for a maritime SRR”
MPA's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC), Singapore's maritime rescue centre, watches VHF Ch 16 and DSC Ch 70 round the clock. 24-hour contact: VHF 16, +65 6226 5539 or +65 6325 2493.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore · Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore ▾
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “The POCC operates the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and monitors distress alerts and calls from ships round the clock via: VHF Channel 16 VHF DSC Channel 70”
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “Tel (+65) 6226 5539 or (+65) 6325 2493”
Vessel traffic (VTIS) works on VHF Ch 7, 10, 14 and 73. Harbour and pleasure craft must report navigational hazards, unsafe conditions and incidents to MPA's Marine Safety Control Centre on VHF Ch 07 or +65 6325 2488 / +65 6325 2489.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore · Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port Marine Circular No. 06 of 2026) ▾
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “VTIS working channels 7, 10, 14, and 73”
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “All owners, operators, masters and crew shall report any navigational hazards, unsafe conditions, or marine incidents promptly to the Marine Safety Control Centre (MSCC) via VHF Channel 07 and/or by calling 6325 2488 / 6325 2489.”
Weather and season
MPA's POCC broadcasts navigational warnings and weather on VHF Ch 9 every two hours from 0100 UTC and on NAVTEX (station C); the weather bulletin goes out at 0020 and 1220 UTC. The Meteorological Service Singapore publishes a 24-hour marine forecast on weather.gov.sg.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore · Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore · Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore · Meteorological Service Singapore ▾
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “Routine broadcast of navigational warnings, weather bulletin and other information related to safety of navigation is conducted via the following: VHF Channel 9 Timing of broadcast: Once every two hours commencing from 0100h (UTC).”
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “POCC transmitter identification character is “C”.”
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “The weather bulletin is broadcast twice daily at 0020h and 1220h (UTC).”
Northeast Monsoon December – early March; Southwest Monsoon June – September. April–May and October–November are inter-monsoon periods with light, variable winds.
Meteorological Service Singapore · Meteorological Service Singapore ▾
weather.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March, and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September.”
weather.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “The inter-monsoon months (April, May, October, and November) serve as transitional periods between the monsoons, characterised by light and variable winds.”
Rules: life jackets, licence, charter
Singapore-registered pleasure craft must carry one lifejacket per person on board. MPA advises people canoeing, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing to wear a life jacket at all times.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Shipping Circular No. 5 of 2026) · Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore ▾
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “All lengths Lifejackets 1 per person carried onboard”
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “Individuals participating in sea-based recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing should wear life jackets at all times.”
Any pleasure craft used in Singapore port waters must be licensed, and powered pleasure craft must be driven by the holder of an MPA Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) or Advanced PPCDL.
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore · Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore ▾
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “All pleasure craft to be used in Singapore port waters must be licensed.”
mpa.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “Drivers of powered pleasure craft must possess a valid Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) or an Advanced Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (APPCDL) issued by the Port Master.”
Official warnings
Piracy and armed robbery against ships occur in and around Singapore waters and the Malacca Strait; set up secure areas on board and report incidents.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “against ships in and around the waters of Singapore and the Malacca Strait. Set up secure areas on board and report all incidents to the coastal and flag state authorities.”
Divers: recompression
Singapore General Hospital's Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine Centre provides a 24-hour service for diving emergencies: +65 6222 3322.
Singapore General Hospital (SingHealth, public healthcare) · Singapore General Hospital (SingHealth, public healthcare) ▾
sgh.com.sg (2026-10-14): “24-hour service for Diving Emergencies”
sgh.com.sg (2026-10-14): “Call 6222 3322 (24 hours for diving emergencies)”
Arriving by boat
Foreign pleasure craft owners apply to ICA through digitalPORT@SG for arrival or departure immigration clearance of vessel and crew. CIQ clearance for pleasure craft is done mainly at the designated ONE°15 Marina and Raffles Marina.
ica.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “Foreign Sea Crew and Pleasure Craft owners must submit the following types of applications to ICA via digitalPORT@SG: Arrival or departure immigration clearance of vessel and crew”
ica.gov.sg (2026-10-14): “For pleasure craft, CIQ clearance is conducted mainly at designated marinas at OneDegree15 Marina and Raffles Marina, which also supports craft waiting and layover requirements.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Singapore?+
In Singapore, call MRCC Singapore (MPA POCC) on +65 6226 5539. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Singapore?+
The general emergency number in Singapore is 999. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for Singapore. In a sea emergency, call +65 6226 5539.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Do I need a licence to skipper a boat in Singapore?+
Any pleasure craft used in Singapore port waters must be licensed, and powered pleasure craft must be driven by the holder of an MPA Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence (PPCDL) or Advanced PPCDL.
When is the storm season in Singapore?+
Northeast Monsoon December – early March; Southwest Monsoon June – September. April–May and October–November are inter-monsoon periods with light, variable winds.
Are life jackets compulsory in Singapore?+
Singapore-registered pleasure craft must carry one lifejacket per person on board. MPA advises people canoeing, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing to wear a life jacket at all times.
Where do I get the marine weather forecast for Singapore?+
MPA's POCC broadcasts navigational warnings and weather on VHF Ch 9 every two hours from 0100 UTC and on NAVTEX (station C); the weather bulletin goes out at 0020 and 1220 UTC. The Meteorological Service Singapore publishes a 24-hour marine forecast on weather.gov.sg.
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