Simply Me Fishing: Singapore Kayak regulations and prohibited area.

MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

PORT MARINE CIRCULAR

NO. 11 OF 2011

21 Dec 2011

Shipping Community

Harbour and Pleasure Craft Community

THE USE OF CANOES AND KAYAKS WITHIN THE PORT LIMITS OF SINGAPORE
1 Under Regulation 52 of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Pleasure Craft)

Regulations, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) hereby permits the use of any canoe or kayak within Singapore port limits, (excluding any inland water body regulated by the

Public Utilities Board) owned by –

(a) any individual; or

(b) any organisation if used solely by members of that organisation;

without the requirement for a licence, subject to the condition that any individual or
member of any organisation using the canoe or kayak must wear an appropriate life
jacket or life vest during such use and the individual owner or organisation must ensure
that this condition is complied with.

2 “Organisation” shall mean any one of the following

(a) an organisation not operated or conducted primarily for profit, which is engaged in
or connected with the promotion of sports; or

(b) an educational institution not operated or conducted for profit, which is engaged with

or connected with the advancement of education; or

with or connected with charitable activities that benefit the community as a whole.

3 Failure to comply with paragraph 1 would result in the cancellation of the

exemption from licensing.

4 Individuals or organisations planning to organise, promote or conduct any race, display,
regatta,expedition, special event or any other operation or activity involving the use of
canoe(s) or kayak(s)within the port limits of Singapore are reminded that they are required
under Regulation 46 of theMaritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Pleasure Craft)
Regulations to apply for and obtain a permit from the Port Master to do so. The Port
Master’s contact details are as follows:

Marine Environment and Safety Department

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

Tel: 63252488 or 63252489

Fax: 6325 2484

Email: pms@mpa.gov.sg.

5 The requirements in paragraph 1 of this Circular shall not apply to canoes or kayaks
owned or operated by Government agencies or public authorities.

6 The MPA may also, on an annual basis, conduct an audit on the following:

(a) Any organisation which has the facilities to store canoes and kayaks, to ensure the

seaworthiness of the canoes or kayaks;

(b) Any organisation that provides canoes or kayaks for use (as described in paragraph 2
of this Circular), to ensure that the organisation has fulfilled its obligations under
paragraph

1 (b) of this Circular; and

(c) Any person who owns a canoe (or canoes) or kayak (or kayaks) which are stored at the premises of any organisation mentioned above.

7 Pursuant to Regulation 53 of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Pleasure Craft) Regulations, the Port Master as determined that the areas described in

Annex 1 are prohibited areas for canoes and kayaks (“the Prohibited Areas Restriction”).

Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with the Prohibition Areas Restriction shall be guilty of an offence punishable under Regulation 54 of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Pleasure Craft) Regulations, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $1,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.

8 Users of canoes and kayaks should note that they are to cross the channels and fairways
only when it is safe to do so.

9 Users of canoes and kayaks are encouraged to read the safety guidelines drawn up by
MPA and the Singapore Canoe Federation before proceeding out to sea (website
address:

http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/recreation_and_leisure/recreation).

10 This circular will come into force with immediate effect and will remain in force until further
notice.

11 Port Marine Circular No 21 of 2003 dated 29 May 2003 will be cancelled.

LEE CHENG WEE

PORT MASTER

MARITIME AND PORT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE

Annex 1

A. PROHIBITION ON MOVEMENT OF CANOES AND KAYAKS IN FOLLOWING AREAS:

(1) All Anchorages Channels and Fairways (See chartlet in Annex 2);

(2) Prohibited areas (See chartlet in Annex 3)

(a) Jurong Island;

(b) Pulau Busing and Pulau Bukom;
(c) Pulau Sebarok and Shell SBM;

(d) Sembawang Wharves and approaches;

(e) Cafhi Jetty;
(f) Changi Naval Base;

(g) Selat Sengkir;

(h) Pulau Satumu (Raffles Lighthouse);

(i) Southern Islands (Pulau Sudong, Pulau Pawai and Pulau Senang);

(j) Tuas Naval Base;

(k) West Johor Straits from 2nd Link to Sarimbun adjacent to SAFTILive firing area

(l) Cruise Bay;

(m) Chek Jawa Wetlands;

(n) Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve;

(o) West Jurong Channel;

(p) Tuas Channel;

(q) Temasek Fairway;

(r) Ferry terminals and Piers (Changi Point Ferry Terminal, Changi Ferry Terminal,

Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Marina South Pier and West Coast Pier)

(s) Tuas Explosive Jetty;

(t) All Port Marine Notice (PMN) working areas.

(Please see following link for the work areas listed in PMN)

http://www.mpa.gov.sg/sites/port_and_shipping/circulars_and_notices/port_marine_notices.page

B. CANOES AND KAYAKS ARE TO EXERCISE DUE CAUTION WHEN IN THE VICINITY

OF FOLLOWING TIDAL GATES:

(a) Sungei Seletar;

(b) Sungei Ponggol;

(d) Kranji Tidal Gate

(e) Pandan River;

(f) Sungei Jurong

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CANOEING AND KAYAKING

A. Personal Safety
1. Using a canoe or kayak requires a certain level of expertise. It is not recommended to
do this sport alone. For beginners, follow an experienced person until you are
competent. Users are advised to stay in a group during the sport, preferably under the
supervision of a club or school.
2. Extend your range i.e., distance from the base at comfortable stages. Do stay near the
coast.
3. If you are not an experienced swimmer, be certain that the persons near you are aware
that you may need assistance in the event of any emergency.
4. Know your limitations and allow for fatigue during paddling.
5. Do not mix drinking with canoeing/kayaking.
6. Wear a proper life jacket/vest throughout the sport.

B. Safe Practices for Canoeing and Kayaking
1. Inform someone ashore your intended location and duration of the trip. If you are not
back at the intended time, he/she must call for help.
2. Keep track of developments in the port through the latest charts, Port Marine Circulars
and Notices. Such circulars and notices are posted on MPA’s website:
www.mpa.gov.sg.
3. Do not enter the anchorages, prohibited areas or areas outside the Singapore port
limits.
4. Beware of tides and currents. In the event of inclement weather, the user must
immediately return to shore.
5. Canoeing and kayaking shall be carried out during the day.
6. If there is any doubt about equipment conditions, weather conditions, or user’s condition,
stay ashore. Do not take any chances.
7. Important Note: Users of canoes and kayakas must note the movements of other
vessels especially the large ones. Such vessels are limited by the manoeuvring room
available in a fairway. Therefore, users of canoes and kayaks should cross the fairway
only when it is safe to do so.

C. Check List for Care and Maintenance of Sea Worthiness
Each canoe/kayak has a distinct characteristic on the water. All users must treat the
canoes with respect and keep them in seaworthy condition. In order to maintain its
seaworthiness the following guidelines are recommended:
(a) Canoe Etiquette
1. Never sit or lean on a canoe except in the designated seat area once the canoe is in
the water.
2. Note that sitting in the seat area on land can cause the canoe to crack.
3. Never step over the body of the craft. If you need to move to the other side, walk
around the craft.
4. Canoes should not be dropped or dragged, but set down lightly.
5. Do not place any heavy objects in the craft as it may cause dents.
(b) Storage
1. Do not leave your craft in the water.
2. When not in use, remove the craft from the water and store it by turning the craft
over off the ground or hanging it from the ceiling with pulleys. Do not turn the boat
over and leave it on the ground as it may wear the tips over time.
3. Store the craft in the shelter as long weather exposure will wear out the craft.
4. Always tie up your craft during storage as they can be easily blown around by winds.
5. Cover your canoe with a tarp. Do not put a tarp directly on a craft if you are storing
it outdoor. Due to the possibility of moisture being trapped between the tarp and hull,
it is best to drape the tarp like a tent using supports, to prevent discoloration or other
damage to the craft.
(c) Maintenance
1. Paint or varnish your craft to remove scratches or tarnished areas about once a
year. You do not have to repaint or revarnish the whole canoe since this will only add
weight and lead to premature cracking. Always remove the old finish before adding
any new paint or varnish.

2. A good UV protectant (a car wax or boat wax) will help slow the fading process. It
also helps to maintain a slick finish, which helps to prevent scratches.
3. Treatment for protection on the inside of the hull is not recommended as it may the
cause the inside of the hull to be slippery.
4. Always inspect the craft thoroughly use.
5. Check for any visible damages after each incident.

Singapore Kayak regulations and prohibited area.

Annex 1

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR CANOEING AND KAYAKING

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