Government officials and maritime experts from several Asian coastal states convened in Singapore earlier this month for the inaugural IMO workshop focused on ships’ routeing and reporting systems. The event included representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The primary goal of the workshop was to enhance regional expertise in navigational safety, familiarize participants with IMO procedures, and facilitate the effective implementation of routeing and reporting systems in areas experiencing rising maritime traffic.
Key topics discussed included the evaluation of existing routeing measures, the design of suitable systems for both national and international waters, and the analysis of traffic patterns to better understand navigational risks. Participants also gained insights into IMO protocols related to navigation safety and reporting requirements. The program combined theoretical learning with practical exercises, including site visits to the Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) operations center and the Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) managed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The workshop underscored the importance of designing routeing measures that respect the rights of international shipping, as outlined in conventions such as UNCLOS and SOLAS. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for future training programs aimed at improving navigational safety and reducing marine pollution through effective routeing and reporting systems. The event was part of the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme, in collaboration with MPA and supported by the IMO-Singapore Third Country Training Programme.
