Three major flag states are calling on IMO to introduce a global requirement for vessels crossing IMO-adopted traffic separation schemes (TSSs) to display a uniform night signal.
The joint proposal calls for amendments to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (Colregs), which would apply to vessels of 50m and more in length. Supported by Liberia and the Marshall Islands, the proposal is spearheaded by Singapore as part of an ongoing, wider effort by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to improve the prevention of collisions in the Singapore Strait and thus reduce the risk of fatal accidents and oil pollution incidents. A reminder of the potential magnitude of the risk came with the recent collision between a very large crude carrier and a 14,000 teu container ship off Singapore in August this year.
The proposal for a mandatory night signal consisting of three green lights mounted on a vertical line is co-sponsored by the governments of Liberia and the Marshall Islands and supported by…
[Read more…] Source: Marine Electronics & Communications