First IMO Ships’ Routing Workshop Strengthens Navigation Safety in Asia
Government officials and maritime experts from Asian coastal States gathered in Singapore from 2–6 February for the first IMO workshop on ships’ routeing and ship reporting systems.
The event brought together specialists from across the region to enhance cooperation and technical capacity in navigational safety.
Strengthening Expertise in Navigational Safety
The workshop aimed to support participating States in strengthening regional expertise on navigational safety measures, International Maritime Organization (IMO) procedures, and the effective implementation of ships’ routeing and reporting systems.
IMO Sulfur Cap and The Changing Dynamics of Global Shipping
Particular emphasis was placed on the needs of coastal States experiencing rapidly increasing maritime traffic.
Understanding Ships’ Routeing
Ships’ routeing refers to the practice of directing vessels along predetermined routes designed to organize maritime traffic in busy or complex sea areas.
Properly designed routeing measures enhance the safety of navigation, improve traffic flow, and reduce the risk of incidents in areas where traffic density or navigational conditions require greater coordination.
Key Topics and Technical Focus
Participants explored a range of technical and operational issues, including:
Reviewing existing ships’ routeing measures and ship reporting systems
Planning and designing appropriate routeing and reporting arrangements for national and international waters
Analysing traffic patterns and navigational risks to support the justification and design of routeing measures
Understanding IMO procedures related to safety of navigation and ship reporting obligations
Practical Training and Site Visits
The programme combined theoretical instruction with hands-on learning. Participants took part in practical exercises and on-site visits to the Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) Operations Centre and the Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) operated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
During these sessions, participants examined how Automatic Identification System (AIS) data can support ship reporting requirements and reduce reliance on traditional voice reporting, allowing ship crews to focus more fully on safe navigation.
Legal Framework and International Obligations
Discussions highlighted that ships’ routeing measures must be designed with due consideration for the rights of international shipping, in accordance with the UNCLOS and SOLAS Conventions.
Ensuring compliance with international law was emphasized as a cornerstone of effective and widely accepted routeing systems.
A Model for Future Capacity Building
The workshop is expected to serve as a model for future training initiatives. By strengthening technical knowledge and practical skills, it supports participating States in enhancing navigational safety and contributing to the prevention of marine pollution through effective ships’ routeing and reporting systems.
Programme Delivery and Participation
The workshop was delivered under the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and supported by the IMO–Singapore Third Country Training Programme (TCTP).
Participants included sixteen representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
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