1 S 161/2020

First published in the Government Gazette, Electronic Edition, on 13 March 2020 at 5 pm.

No. S 161
MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT
(CHAPTER 179)

MERCHANT SHIPPING
(PLEASURE CRAFT) REGULATIONS 2020

ARRANGEMENT OF REGULATIONS

PART 1
PRELIMINARY
Regulation
1. Citation and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Exemption from certain provisions of Act

PART 2
REGISTRY OF PLEASURE CRAFT
4. Conditions for registry
5. Owner or authorised person to apply
6. Application for initial registry
7. Application for registry anew
8. Application to renew registry
9. False or fraudulent declaration or representation
10. Name of pleasure craft
11. Registry for Singapore pleasure craft
12. Validity period of registry of pleasure craft
13. Register of Singapore pleasure craft
14. Certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft)
15. Change in particulars in certificate of registry (Singapore
pleasure craft)
16. Change of ownership of Singapore pleasure craft
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PART 3
SURVEY OF PLEASURE CRAFT
Regulation
17. Requirement for survey of pleasure craft in certain cases
18. Survey of pleasure craft
19. Accredited organisations and recognised surveyors

PART 4
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND
EQUIPMENT FOR SINGAPORE PLEASURE CRAFT
20. Safety requirements for Singapore pleasure craft
21. Warning device
22. Other fitting, material, etc., may be fitted

PART 5
USE OF SINGAPORE PLEASURE CRAFT
23. Singapore pleasure craft not to be used for commercial purpose
24. Owner to ensure Singapore pleasure craft is properly marked
25. Alteration of Singapore pleasure craft prohibited
26. Certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft) to be kept on
board
27. Class of pleasure craft driving licence to be held by master
28. Number of persons to be carried
29. Report of collision, etc.

PART 6
MISCELLANEOUS
30. Offence to represent vessel not registered under Regulations as
Singapore pleasure craft
31. Exemption powers
32. Saving and transitional provisions
The Schedules

In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 44(2), 45, 100(1),

116(1) and 216 of the Merchant Shipping Act, the Maritime and Port
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Authority of Singapore, with the approval of the Minister for

Transport, makes the following Regulations:

PART 1
PRELIMINARY
Citation and commencement
1. These Regulations are the Merchant Shipping (Pleasure Craft)
Regulations 2020 and come into operation on 1 July 2020.

Definitions
2. In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires —
“accredited organisation” means an organisation authorised by
the Director to conduct surveys in accordance with Part 3;
“Convention” means the International Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea, 1974 and any amendment to it which has come
into force and has been accepted by the Government;
“gross tonnage”, in relation to a pleasure craft, means the gross
tonnage of the pleasure craft as specified in its Singapore
Tonnage Certificate or, if none, a builder’s certificate
recognised by the Director, or, if none, as determined by
the Director —
(a) for a craft with a load line length not exceeding
24 metres, in accordance with the tonnage
measurement method set out in the First Schedule; or
(b) for a craft with a load line length of 24 metres or
more, in accordance with the International
Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships,
1969;
“IMO” means the International Maritime Organization;
“load line length”, in relation to a pleasure craft, means —
(a) 96% of the total length on the waterline of the
pleasure craft at 85% of the least moulded depth
measured from the top of the keel; or
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(b) the length from the fore-side of the stem to the axis of
the rudder stock on that waterline,
whichever is greater, and in determining the load line length
in relation to a pleasure craft that is designed with a rake of
keel, the waterline that is used to measure the load line length
of the pleasure craft must be parallel to the designed
waterline;
“owner”, in relation to a pleasure craft, means any person who is
the sole, joint or part owner of the pleasure craft;
“passenger” means every person on board a pleasure craft other
than any of the following:
(a) the master;
(b) any crew member of the pleasure craft;
(c) any person employed or engaged in any capacity in
connection with the business of the pleasure craft;
(d) any child below one year of age;
“pleasure craft” means any ship that is intended to be used
exclusively by its owner, or a guest of the owner without
payment of any fee or other form of consideration, for sport
or pleasure;
“recognised surveyor” means —
(a) a person who is employed by an accredited
organisation to conduct a survey of a pleasure craft
and to issue a survey report under Part 3; or
(b) a person who is authorised by the Director to conduct
a survey of a pleasure craft and to issue a survey
report under Part 3;
“Singapore business entity” means any of the following entities
that is carrying out any business activity in Singapore,
whether for profit or not:
(a) any body corporate that is incorporated under any
written law in Singapore;
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(b) any firm or partnership registered under the Business

Names Registration Act 2014 (Act 29 of 2014);
(c) any limited partnership registered under the Limited
Partnerships Act (Cap. 163B);
(d) any society registered under the Societies Act
(Cap. 311);
(e) any unincorporated association that is formed in
Singapore under any written law;
“Singapore pleasure craft” means a pleasure craft —
(a) which is registered or registered anew, or that has its
registry renewed, under these Regulations; and
(b) which registry under these Regulations is not closed,
or deemed to be closed, under these Regulations.

Exemption from certain provisions of Act

3.—(1) Sections 9(2), 10 to 16, 18, 19, 20(1)(a) and (2), 25 to 32,
34, 35 and 42(1)(a) of the Act do not apply in respect of a Singapore
pleasure craft.
(2) Sections 99(2) and (3), 101, 104 to 114 and 116(3) of the Act do
not apply in respect of a Singapore pleasure craft.

PART 2
REGISTRY OF PLEASURE CRAFT
Conditions for registry
4.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), a pleasure craft that is wholly
owned by —
(a) a person who is ordinarily resident in Singapore; or
(b) a Singapore business entity,
may be registered or registered anew as a Singapore pleasure craft, or
may have its registration renewed as a Singapore pleasure craft.
(2) A pleasure craft may not be registered or registered anew, or
have its registration renewed as a Singapore pleasure craft if it —
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(a) is a passenger ship;

(b) is less than 7 metres in load line length;
(c) does not have an enclosed deck;
(d) has a wooden hull;
(e) is inflatable (whether or not it is an inflatable craft with a
rigid board); or
(f) is above 17 years of age.
(3) Despite paragraph (2)(f), if the Registrar is satisfied that a
pleasure craft above 17 years of age is in a satisfactory condition, the
Registrar may grant the renewal of the registry of the pleasure craft,
or the registry anew of the pleasure craft, in accordance with these
Regulations.

Owner or authorised person to apply

5.—(1) An application for the initial registry, registry anew or the
renewal of the registry, of a pleasure craft under these Regulations
may be made by —
(a) the owner of the pleasure craft; or
(b) a person authorised by the owner to apply on the owner’s
behalf.
(2) If the application is made by a person mentioned in
paragraph (1)(b), the authorisation must be in the form and manner
the Registrar determines.

Application for initial registry

6.—(1) A person applying for the initial registry of a pleasure craft
as a Singapore pleasure craft must provide the Registrar with —
(a) the following information and documents relating to the
owner of the pleasure craft:
(i) the name, address and any other particulars of the
owner that the Registrar requires for the purposes of
these Regulations;
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(ii) the following proof of the owner’s residence in

Singapore, as applicable:
(A) for an owner that is a Singapore business entity,
a copy of its certificate of incorporation,
formation or registration, as the case may be;
(B) for an owner that is a person registered under
the National Registration Act (Cap. 201), a
copy of the person’s identity card issued under
that Act;
(C) for an owner that is any other person ordinarily
resident in Singapore, proof of the person’s
residence in Singapore at the address provided
and —
(CA) a copy of the person’s passport; or
(CB) a copy of the person’s work permit or
S pass, as issued by the Controller of
Work Passes;
(iii) evidence of the ownership of the pleasure craft, to the
satisfaction of the Registrar; and
(b) the following information and documents relating to the
pleasure craft for which the initial registry is sought:
(i) the name of the pleasure craft;
(ii) the type, dimensions, carrying capacity, gross
tonnage and specifications of the pleasure craft;
(iii) a survey report of the pleasure craft;
(iv) full coloured photographs displaying the name of the
pleasure craft and its enclosed deck;
(v) every policy of insurance held by the owner of the
pleasure craft with respect to the use or navigation of
the pleasure craft;
(vi) evidence of cancellation of any foreign registry in
respect of the pleasure craft, if applicable;
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(vii) any other particulars and documents in respect of the

pleasure craft that the Registrar requires for the
purposes of these Regulations.
(2) A survey report of a pleasure craft must be based on a survey of
the pleasure craft provided for the purpose of an application for initial
registry (called in these Regulations the initial survey) that must be
completed not earlier than 3 months before the date of the application.

Application for registry anew

7.—(1) A person applying for the registry anew of a pleasure craft
may do so only if —
(a) the pleasure craft was previously registered under these
Regulations or Part V of the Merchant Shipping
(Registration of Ships) Regulations (Rg 7) as in force
immediately before 1 July 2020; and
(b) the previous registry of the pleasure craft was closed, or
deemed to be closed, under these Regulations or Part V of
the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations
as in force immediately before 1 July 2020, no earlier than
3 years before the date of application for registry anew.
(2) A person applying for the registry anew of a pleasure craft must
provide the Registrar with —
(a) the same information and documents as mentioned in
regulation 6(1); and
(b) where the previous registry of the pleasure craft was closed
or deemed to be closed upon the transfer of ownership of
the pleasure craft, sufficient evidence of the transfer of
ownership of the pleasure craft.
(3) A survey report of a pleasure craft that is provided for the
purpose of an application for registry anew of the pleasure craft must
be based on —
(a) a registry anew survey of the pleasure craft that —
(i) was conducted for the purpose of the application; and
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(ii) was completed not earlier than 3 months before the

date of the application;
(b) an initial survey of the pleasure craft that —
(i) was conducted for the purpose of a previous
application for initial registry; and
(ii) was completed not earlier than 3 years before the
date of the application for registry anew;
(c) a registry anew survey of the pleasure craft that —
(i) was conducted for the purpose of a previous
application for registry anew; and
(ii) was completed not earlier than 3 years before the
date of the current application for registry anew; or
(d) a renewal survey of the pleasure craft that —
(i) was conducted for the purpose of an earlier
application for the renewal of the previous registry
of the pleasure craft; and
(ii) was completed not earlier than 3 years and 3 months
before the date of application for registry anew.

Application to renew registry

8.—(1) An application to renew the registry of a pleasure craft
under these Regulations must be made within a period of 3 months
before the expiry date of the registry of the pleasure craft.
(2) A person applying to renew the registry of a pleasure craft under
these Regulations must provide the Registrar with —
(a) the details of any change in the particulars of the pleasure
craft, or the owner of the pleasure craft, that was previously
submitted to the Registrar;
(b) a survey report of the pleasure craft; and
(c) any other particulars and documents in respect of the
pleasure craft that the Registrar requires for the purposes of
these Regulations.
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(3) A survey report of a pleasure craft that is provided for the

purpose of an application (called in this paragraph the current
application) to renew the registry of the pleasure craft must be based
on —
(a) an initial survey of the pleasure craft that was completed
not earlier than 3 years before the date of the current
application;
(b) a registry anew survey of the pleasure craft that was
completed not earlier than 3 years before the date of the
current application; or
(c) a renewal survey of the pleasure craft that —
(i) was conducted for the purpose of an earlier
application to renew the registry of the pleasure
craft, and that was completed not earlier than 3 years
and 3 months before the date of the current
application; or
(ii) was conducted for the purpose of the current
application to renew the registry of the pleasure
craft, and that was completed not earlier than 3 years
and 3 months before the date of the current
application.
(4) Despite paragraph (1), the Registrar may accept an application
to renew the registry of a pleasure craft under these Regulations that
is made earlier than 3 months before the expiry date of the registry of
the pleasure craft, if the Registrar is satisfied that the application
complies with the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3).

False or fraudulent declaration or representation

9.—(1) Where a person makes any false or fraudulent declaration
or representation when applying to register or register anew, or renew
the registry of, a pleasure craft under these Regulations, the person
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine
not exceeding $5,000.
(2) In proceedings for an offence under paragraph (1) in relation to
a declaration or representation, it is a defence to the charge for the
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accused to prove, on a balance of probabilities, that the accused took

all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the
declaration or representation was not false or fraudulent.

Name of pleasure craft

10. A pleasure craft must not be registered or registered anew as a
Singapore pleasure craft, nor have its registry renewed as a Singapore
pleasure craft under these Regulations if the name of the pleasure
craft provided at the time of the application for initial registry,
registry anew or renewal of the registry —
(a) is the name of a Singapore ship;
(b) is a name which, in the Registrar’s opinion, is so similar to
that of a Singapore ship as to be calculated to deceive or
likely to confuse;
(c) is a name which may be confused with a distress signal;
(d) is a name which is prefixed by any letters or a name which
might be taken to indicate a type of ship;
(e) is a name which is prefixed with any other word, prefix or
suffix which might cause confusion as to the name of the
pleasure craft;
(f) is a name which might cause offence or embarrassment; or
(g) is a name which appears to be undesirable for any other
reason.

Registry for Singapore pleasure craft

11.—(1) Upon the receipt of an application for the initial registry,
registry anew or the renewal of the registry of a pleasure craft under
these Regulations, the Registrar may grant the initial registry, registry
anew or renewal of the registry of the pleasure craft if —
(a) the Registrar is satisfied that the pleasure craft meets the
requirements for the initial registry, registry anew or
renewal of the registry under these Regulations; and
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(b) the applicant has paid the applicable fee prescribed in

Part VII of the First Schedule to the Merchant Shipping
(Fees) Regulations (Rg 17).
(2) Any fee payable under paragraph (1)(b) is not subject to
pro-ration.
(3) The Registrar may grant, for the applicable period mentioned in
regulation 12, the initial registry, registry anew or the renewal of the
registry of a pleasure craft under these Regulations subject to any
conditions or restrictions that the Registrar considers fit.
(4) Where the registry of a pleasure craft that is registered, or
registered anew, under these Regulations is not renewed in
accordance with these Regulations, the registry of the pleasure
craft is deemed to be closed on the expiry date of the registry of the
pleasure craft.

Validity period of registry of pleasure craft

12.—(1) The registry of a pleasure craft that is granted initial
registry under these Regulations is valid for a period starting on the
date of the grant of the initial registry and ending on the day before
the first anniversary date of the completion of the initial survey.
(2) Subject to paragraph (4), the registry of a pleasure craft that is
granted registry anew under these Regulations —
(a) if based on a registry anew survey of the pleasure craft
mentioned in regulation 7(3)(a), is valid for a period —
(i) starting on the date of the grant of the registry anew;
and
(ii) ending on the day before the first anniversary date of
the completion of that registry anew survey;
(b) if based on an initial survey of the pleasure craft mentioned
in regulation 7(3)(b), is valid for a period —
(i) starting on the date of the grant of the registry anew;
and
(ii) ending on the day before the next anniversary date of
the completion of that initial survey;
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(c) if based on a registry anew survey of the pleasure craft

mentioned in regulation 7(3)(c), is valid for a period —
(i) starting on the date of the grant of the registry anew;
and
(ii) ending on the day before the next anniversary date of
the completion of that registry anew survey; or
(d) if based on a renewal survey of the pleasure craft
mentioned in regulation 7(3)(d), is valid for a period —
(i) starting on the date of the grant of the registry anew;
and
(ii) ending on the day before the next anniversary date of
the completion of that renewal survey.
(3) Subject to paragraph (4), the registry of a Singapore pleasure
craft that is granted renewal of the registry under these Regulations —
(a) if based on an initial survey mentioned in
regulation 8(3)(a), is valid for a period —
(i) starting on the expiry date of the current registry; and
(ii) ending on the day before the next anniversary date of
the completion of that initial survey of the pleasure
craft;
(b) if based on a registry anew survey mentioned in
regulation 8(3)(b), is valid for a period —
(i) starting on the expiry date of the current registry; and
(ii) ending on the day before the next anniversary date of
the completion of that registry anew survey; or
(c) if based on —
(i) a renewal survey mentioned in regulation 8(3)(c)(i),
is valid for a period —
(A) starting on the expiry date of the current
registry; and
(B) ending on the day before the next anniversary
date of the completion of the initial survey of
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the pleasure craft, or on the day before the next

anniversary date of the completion of the
registry anew survey of the pleasure craft if
the registry anew survey was conducted; or
(ii) a renewal survey mentioned in regulation 8(3)(c)(ii),
is valid for a period —
(A) starting on the expiry date of the current
registry; and
(B) ending on the day before the next anniversary
date of the completion of the renewal survey.
(4) The period of the grant of any registry anew or renewal of the
registry of a pleasure craft (whether or not registered anew) —
(a) where the application for registry anew or for renewal is
granted based on an initial survey, cannot exceed 3 years
starting on the date of completion of that initial survey;
(b) where the application for registry anew or for renewal is
granted based on a registry anew survey, cannot exceed
3 years starting on the date of completion of that registry
anew survey; or
(c) where the application for registry anew or for renewal is
granted based on a renewal survey, cannot exceed 3 years
and 3 months starting on the date of completion of that
renewal survey.
(5) For the purposes of this regulation, where the date of the
completion of a survey falls on 29 February in any year, then, in any
subsequent year that is not a leap year, the anniversary date of the date
of the completion of that survey is deemed to occur on 1 March of that
subsequent year.

Register of Singapore pleasure craft

13.—(1) The Registrar must maintain a register (called in these
Regulations the register of Singapore pleasure craft) containing the
following particulars of every pleasure craft that is registered, or
registered anew, under these Regulations:
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(a) the name of the pleasure craft;

(b) the name, address and other particulars of the owner of the
pleasure craft.
(2) Where the registry of a pleasure craft is closed or deemed to be
closed under these Regulations, the Registrar must make an entry of
the closure in the register of Singapore pleasure craft.
(3) The Registrar may, at any time, make any other entries to the
register of Singapore pleasure craft as the Registrar considers
necessary.
(4) The register of Singapore pleasure craft may consist (wholly or
in part) of paper or computerised records or any other form of records
as the Registrar considers expedient.

Certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft)

14.—(1) The Registrar must issue a certificate of registry
(Singapore pleasure craft), whether or not in hardcopy form, to the
owner of a pleasure craft when the pleasure craft is registered, or
registered anew, under these Regulations.
(2) Where the registration of a Singapore pleasure craft is renewed
under these Regulations, the owner of the pleasure craft must, if the
Registrar requires, immediately surrender any hardcopy form of the
certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft) to the Registrar for
the renewal of registration to be endorsed on the certificate of registry
(Singapore pleasure craft).
(3) The owner of a Singapore pleasure craft must, if the Registrar
requires, immediately surrender any hardcopy form of the certificate
of registry (Singapore pleasure craft) to the Registrar if —
(a) the pleasure craft is or is to be altered so that its particulars
no longer correspond to its particulars contained in the
certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft); or
(b) the pleasure craft is involved in any event mentioned in
regulation 29(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d).
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(4) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (3) shall be guilty
of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding
$5,000.
(5) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (4), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Change in particulars in certificate of registry (Singapore

pleasure craft)
15.—(1) If, in relation to any Singapore pleasure craft, there is or is
to be any change in the particulars of the pleasure craft as stated in its
certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft), the owner of the
pleasure craft must, no later than 30 days after the change occurs,
notify the Registrar in writing.
(2) If the Registrar is satisfied that the Singapore pleasure craft may
continue to be registered under these Regulations, the Registrar must
amend the register of Singapore pleasure craft and the certificate of
registry (Singapore pleasure craft) accordingly.
(3) If the Registrar is not satisfied that the Singapore pleasure craft
may continue to be registered under these Regulations, the Registrar
may recommend to the Authority to close the registry of the pleasure
craft and to cancel its certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft).
(4) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(5) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (4), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Change of ownership of Singapore pleasure craft

16.—(1) Where there is to be a change in the ownership of a
Singapore pleasure craft, the owner of the pleasure craft must, before
the change of ownership takes effect, notify the Registrar in writing.
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(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.
(4) Where the ownership of a Singapore pleasure craft is to be
transferred to another person (called in this paragraph the
transferee) —
(a) the registry of the pleasure craft is deemed to be closed
immediately upon the transfer; and
(b) if the transferee is a person who qualifies for Singapore
registry under regulation 4, the pleasure craft may be
registered anew subject to the requirements of regulation 7.

PART 3
SURVEY OF PLEASURE CRAFT
Requirement for survey of pleasure craft in certain cases
17.—(1) A pleasure craft may not be granted initial registry,
registry anew or renewal of registry under these Regulations
unless —
(a) a survey is conducted in respect of the pleasure craft in
accordance with the requirements of this Part; and
(b) the pleasure craft is certified to be fit for its intended use
following the survey.
(2) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must, if the
Director requires, produce the pleasure craft as soon as practicable for
a survey to certify that the pleasure craft is fit for its intended use, at
the place and time specified by the Director if —
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(a) the pleasure craft is altered so that its particulars do not

correspond to the particulars of the pleasure craft contained
in its certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft); or
(b) the pleasure craft is involved in any event mentioned in
regulation 29(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d).
(3) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (2) shall be guilty
of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding
$5,000.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (3), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.
(5) The Director may, at any time, on the Director’s own motion,
require the owner of a Singapore pleasure craft to produce the
pleasure craft for a survey at the place and time specified by the
Director if the Director has reasonable grounds to suspect that the
pleasure craft is not fit for its intended use.

Survey of pleasure craft

18.—(1) A survey of a pleasure craft required under these
Regulations —
(a) must be conducted by a recognised surveyor in accordance
with the requirements specified by the Director from time
to time; and
(b) must include an examination of the pleasure craft, its
machinery and its equipment to ensure that the pleasure
craft, its machinery and its equipment —
(i) are in compliance with the requirements of the
Second Schedule;
(ii) are in satisfactory condition; and
(iii) are fit for the service for which the pleasure craft is
intended.
(2) The cost of undergoing the survey mentioned in paragraph (1)
must be borne by the owner of the pleasure craft undergoing the
survey.
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(3) Where a Singapore pleasure craft is required to undergo a

survey under regulation 17(2), the survey conducted under this
regulation may be general or partial depending on the extent of the
alteration or damage to the pleasure craft (as the case may be) so as to
ensure that the pleasure craft remains, in all respects, fit to proceed to
sea without danger to the pleasure craft or to any person on board.
(4) Upon the completion of any survey under this regulation, the
recognised surveyor must provide the owner of the pleasure craft with
the original survey report.
(5) Where a Singapore pleasure craft is found to be unfit for its
intended use following the survey mentioned in paragraph (3), the
owner of the pleasure craft —
(a) must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the pleasure
craft is fit for its intended use; and
(b) upon completion of the reasonable steps, must produce the
pleasure craft for a further survey to certify the pleasure
craft as fit for its intended purpose.
(6) A survey required under these Regulations is deemed to be
completed on the date on which the survey report in respect of the
survey is issued.

Accredited organisations and recognised surveyors

19.—(1) The Director must publish the list of accredited
organisations on the Authority’s website at http://www.mpa.gov.sg.
(2) A person that, not being an accredited organisation, represents
itself to be an accredited organisation, shall be guilty of an offence
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 of a day during which the offence
continues after conviction.
(3) A person who, not being a recognised surveyor —
(a) carries out any survey required under these Regulations; or
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(b) represents himself or herself to be a recognised surveyor

for the purposes of carrying out a survey required under
these Regulations,
shall be guilty of an offence 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 of a day during
which the offence continues after conviction.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2) or (3), it is
not necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged
with the offence intended to commit the offence.

PART 4
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND
EQUIPMENT FOR SINGAPORE PLEASURE CRAFT
Safety requirements for Singapore pleasure craft
20.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
ensure that the pleasure craft satisfies the safety requirements
specified in the Second Schedule.
(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Warning device
21.—(1) Where a Singapore pleasure craft is propelled by
machinery, the owner or master of the Singapore pleasure craft
must ensure that the pleasure craft is equipped with an audible
warning device approved by the Director that is capable of emitting
short and prolonged blasts.
 21 S 161/2020

(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Other fitting, material, etc., may be fitted

22. Despite anything in these Regulations requiring the fitting,
carrying or provision on a Singapore pleasure craft of any material or
equipment, the Director may allow another material or equipment
(called in this regulation the alternative material or equipment) to be
fitted, carried or provided on the pleasure craft if the Director is
satisfied that the alternative material or equipment is at least as
effective as that required by these Regulations.

PART 5
USE OF SINGAPORE PLEASURE CRAFT
Singapore pleasure craft not to be used for commercial
purpose
23.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
not cause or permit the pleasure craft to be used for any commercial
purpose.
(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.
S 161/2020 22

(4) In this regulation, “commercial purpose”, in relation to a

Singapore pleasure craft, means any activity where the owner of the
pleasure craft is paid a fee or other consideration for the use of the
pleasure craft.

Owner to ensure Singapore pleasure craft is properly marked

24.—(1) The owner of a Singapore pleasure craft must ensure that,
before the end of a period of one month starting on the date the
pleasure craft is registered, the following words are clearly painted on
or affixed to the pleasure craft as follows:
(a) the name of the pleasure craft, above the water line on the
exterior of the hull of the pleasure craft;
(b) the word “Singapore” at the stern of the pleasure craft.
(2) The owner of a Singapore pleasure craft must ensure that the
markings required under paragraph (1) are effectively maintained and
renewed when necessary during the period of the registry of the
pleasure craft.
(3) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) or (2) shall be
guilty of an offence 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 of a day during which
the offence continues after conviction.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (3), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Alteration of Singapore pleasure craft prohibited

25.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
not cause or permit the pleasure craft to be so altered so that the
particulars of the pleasure craft do not correspond to its particulars
relating to gross tonnage or description, as contained in its certificate
of registry (Singapore pleasure craft), unless the owner or master of
the pleasure craft has prior permission from the Director for the
alteration.
 23 S 161/2020

(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft) to be kept on

board
26.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
ensure that its certificate of registry (Singapore pleasure craft),
whether or not in hardcopy form, is carried on board the pleasure craft
at all times.
(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Class of pleasure craft driving licence to be held by master

27.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
ensure that the pleasure craft is driven by a competent person who
holds a valid powered pleasure craft driving licence or equivalent.
(2) In this regulation, “powered pleasure craft driving licence”
means a licence granted under Part IV of the Maritime and Port
Authority of Singapore (Pleasure Craft) Regulations (Cap. 170A,
Rg 6).

Number of persons to be carried

28.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
not cause or permit the pleasure craft to carry on board a number of
S 161/2020 24

persons that is greater than its carrying capacity as determined in

accordance with the Third Schedule.
(2) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must not
cause or permit the pleasure craft to carry more than 12 passengers.
(3) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) or (2) shall be
guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding $5,000.
(4) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (3), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Report of collision, etc.

29.—(1) The owner or master of a Singapore pleasure craft must
immediately report to the Director any of the following occurrences:
(a) breaking-up, damage or loss of the pleasure craft;
(b) collision, accident or other incident, causing the
breaking-up, damage or loss of the pleasure craft;
(c) accident, damage, pollution, injury or loss of life which the
pleasure craft has caused;
(d) accident, damage, injury or loss of life which occurs on
board the pleasure craft from any other cause.
(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.
(4) In this regulation, “damage” includes any damage which affects
the safety of the pleasure craft.
 25 S 161/2020

PART 6
MISCELLANEOUS
Offence to represent vessel not registered under Regulations as
Singapore pleasure craft
30.—(1) A person must not represent a vessel that is not a
Singapore pleasure craft to be a Singapore pleasure craft by —
(a) the display of any marking on the vessel;
(b) the production of any document in respect of the vessel; or
(c) any other means.
(2) A person who fails to comply with paragraph (1) shall be guilty
of an offence 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 of a day during which the
offence continues after conviction.
(3) In a prosecution for an offence under paragraph (2), it is not
necessary for the prosecution to prove that the person charged with
the offence intended to commit the offence.

Exemption powers
31.—(1) The Director may, subject to any conditions that the
Director considers fit, exempt any particular categories of pleasure
craft from the application of any provision of these Regulations
generally, or for any time or for any voyage that the Director may
determine.
(2) The Director may exempt any Singapore pleasure craft from the
application of any provision of these Regulations generally, or for any
time or for any voyage determined by the Director.
S 161/2020 26

Saving and transitional provisions

32. If, before 1 July 2020, a pleasure craft is registered, or the
registry of a pleasure craft is renewed, under Part V of the Merchant
Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations as in force immediately
before that date (called in this regulation the relevant Regulations), or
a pleasure craft is registered anew under section 35 of the Act —
(a) the registry of the pleasure craft remains valid for the
period mentioned in regulation 19 of the relevant
Regulations; and
(b) regulations 18, 20, 21 and 22 of the relevant Regulations
continue to apply for so long as the registry of the pleasure
craft remains valid under paragraph (a).

FIRST SCHEDULE
Regulation 2

SIMPLIFIED GROSS TONNAGE MEASUREMENT METHOD

Application
1.—(1) The following simplified method of measuring gross tonnage is to be
used for pleasure craft that are less than 24 metres in load line length and of normal
proportions and form.
(2) The Director’s determination of whether a pleasure craft is of normal
proportions and form is conclusive.
 27 S 161/2020

FIRST SCHEDULE — continued

Definitions
2. In this Schedule, unless the context otherwise requires —
“breadth” or “B” means the maximum width of the pleasure craft, excluding
rub rails and deck caps, measured in metres from the outside of the hull on
one side to the outside of the hull on the other side of the pleasure craft;
“depth” or “D” means the maximum depth of the pleasure craft measured in
metres vertically from the top of the deck at the side to the underside of the
hull where it meets the keel or to the point where the projected line of the
bottom intersects with the pleasure craft’s centreline;
“length” or “L” means the distance in metres measured along the main deck
at the centreline of the pleasure craft from the fore-side of the hull to the
aft side of the transom;
“volume” means the product of length, breadth and depth.
.

Measurements
3.—(1) In this Schedule, all measurements must be made in accordance with the
following sub-paragraphs:
(a) all lengths and depths must be measured in a vertical plane at
centreline;
(b) all breadths must be measured in a line at right angles to that plane;
(c) all dimensions must be expressed in metres.
(2) For multihull pleasure craft, each hull must be measured separately for
overall length, breadth, and depth and the pleasure craft as a whole must be
measured.
S 161/2020 28

FIRST SCHEDULE — continued

(3) When measuring the length of a pleasure craft, the measurement must not
include any bowsprit, stern mounted diving platform or other appendage that does
not contribute to the volume of the pleasure craft.

Deck structures
4.—(1) If any deck structure on a pleasure craft is excessive in size, the gross
tonnage of the pleasure craft is calculated by adding the tonnage of the principal
deck structure to the total gross tonnage of all of the pleasure craft’s hulls.

(2) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (1), a deck structure is considered

excessive in size if the tonnage of the principal deck structure calculated using the
following formula is equal to or exceeds the total gross tonnage of all of the
pleasure craft’s hulls:

LBD
principal deck structure tonnage ¼
2:831
 29 S 161/2020

FIRST SCHEDULE — continued

Calculations
5. The gross tonnage of the following types of hulls is calculated as follows:

Multihull pleasure craft

6. The gross tonnage of a multihull pleasure craft is the sum of the gross tonnage
of each hull as calculated using the formulas listed above. For example:

Where L is the length of the centre hull and L1 is the length of the outside hulls.
S 161/2020 30

SECOND SCHEDULE
Regulations 18(1)(b)(i) and 20(1)

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR SINGAPORE PLEASURE CRAFT

PART 1
RADIO AND NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Radio communication
1.—(1) A Singapore pleasure craft must be provided with a VHF radio capable
of transmitting and receiving in the International Maritime Mobile VHF
Radiocommunication Service in the 156 to 174 MHz Band or any channel that
may be specified by the Registrar from time to time.
(2) The VHF radio must be mounted, or placed, in an easily accessible position
on the wheelhouse.

Navigational lights, shapes and sound signals

2. A Singapore pleasure craft must exhibit —
(a) any lights and shapes that are required for its type and size as
prescribed by the collision regulations; and
(b) any signals that are required by the collision regulations.

Navigational equipment and publications

3.—(1) A Singapore pleasure craft must be provided with the following
equipment:
(a) an efficient magnetic compass;
(b) an electronic navigational positioning system;
(c) a rudder angle indicator;
(d) a signalling lamp.
(2) A Singapore pleasure craft must carry —
(a) an IMO-compliant AIS Class A/B transponder; and
(b) an up-to-date GSP1 chart or a small craft chart portfolio.

Anchors, chain cables and windlass

4.—(1) A Singapore pleasure craft must be provided with at least one anchor
and chain cable or its equivalent as are sufficient in weight, length and strength
having regard to the size of the pleasure craft.
 31 S 161/2020

SECOND SCHEDULE — continued

(2) Where the weight of the anchor exceeds 15 kg, a windlass must be provided
for the hauling in of the anchor.

PART 2
PROVISION OF LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES
Approval of life-saving appliances
5. Every piece of life-saving appliance and equipment required under this
Part —
(a) must be of a type approved by the Director; or
(b) must conform to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code,
as adopted by IMO by Resolution MSC.48 (66), and any amendments
to it which are adopted, brought into force and take effect (in
accordance with the provisions of article VIII of the Convention), and
must be approved by —
(i) a competent authority of any State party to the Convention; or
(ii) a classification society on behalf of or authorised by that
competent authority.

Lifebuoys
6.—(1) Every buoyant lifeline carried on a Singapore pleasure craft —
(a) must be attached to a lifebuoy; and
(b) must be placed in the proximity of the side of the pleasure craft.
(2) Every lifebuoy carried on a Singapore pleasure craft must be marked on both
sides with the port of registry “Singapore” and the name of the pleasure craft.
(3) The lifebuoys carried on a Singapore pleasure craft must be distributed on
both sides of the craft and placed in racks unsecured such that they are able to
float-free.

Handflares
7. A Singapore pleasure craft with a fully or partially enclosed deck must be
provided with 6 handflares stored in a suitable watertight container.

Replacement of life-saving appliances

8. Where a life-saving appliance on a Singapore pleasure craft is marked with an
expiry date, the appliance must be replaced on or before that date.
S 161/2020 32

SECOND SCHEDULE — continued

Operational readiness of life-saving appliances
9.—(1) Every life-saving appliance that is carried on board a Singapore pleasure
craft —
(a) must be kept in good working order;
(b) must be ready for immediate use; and
(c) must be placed in an easily accessible position.
(2) The life jackets carried on board a Singapore pleasure craft —
(a) must be stowed in racks or under seats;
(b) must be clearly marked; and
(c) must be evenly distributed throughout the craft according to the
disposition of persons on board.

Scale of life-saving appliances

10. A Singapore pleasure craft must be equipped in accordance with the
following table with the life-saving appliance specified in the first column, in the
quantity specified in the third column, based on the load line length of the pleasure
craft specified in the second column of the following table:

Life-saving appliance Load line length (L) in Quantity

metres
Lifejacket All lengths 1 per person carried on
board
Lifebuoy 7 ≤ (L) < 12 1
12 ≤ (L) < 21 2
21 ≤ (L) < 37 4
(L) ≥ 37 6
Buoyant lifeline 7 ≤ (L) < 21 1 of minimum length of at
least 18 metres
(L) ≥ 21 1 of minimum length of at
least 27.3 metres
 33 S 161/2020

SECOND SCHEDULE — continued

PART 3
FIRE-FIGHTING AND
OTHER APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT
General requirements
11. All fire-fighting appliances and equipment required under this Part —
(a) must be of a type approved by the Director; or
(b) must conform to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems, as
adopted by IMO by Resolution MSC.98 (73), and any amendments to
it which are adopted, brought into force and take effect (in accordance
with the provisions of article VIII of the Convention), and must be
approved by —
(i) a competent authority of any State party to the Convention; or
(ii) a classification society on behalf of or authorised by that
competent authority.

Portable fire extinguishers

12.—(1) Every portable fire extinguisher carried on board a Singapore pleasure
craft must have the minimum fire-extinguishing capabilities specified in the
second, third or fourth column (as applicable) of the following table that
corresponds to a fire extinguisher of that type for a pleasure craft of that load line
length:

Load line length Minimum capacity of portable fire extinguisher

(L) in metres
Foam or water CO2 (kg) Dry powder
(litres) (kg)
7 ≤ (L) < 9 2.8 1 1.4
9 ≤ (L) < 15 4.6 1.5 2.3
(L) ≥ 15 9 3 4.5

(2) Where a portable fire extinguisher is to be employed against any electrical

fire in a Singapore pleasure craft (including those arising from switchboards,
control panels and batteries), the portable fire extinguisher must be a type that is
suitable for use in such fires, such as dry-powder or CO2 fire extinguishers.
(3) A Singapore pleasure craft must be installed with portable fire extinguishers
that are suitably distributed throughout all protected spaces in the pleasure craft,
with at least one stowed near the entrance inside that space.
S 161/2020 34

SECOND SCHEDULE — continued

(4) CO2 fire extinguishers must not be used in a confined space within a
Singapore pleasure craft.

Fire pumps
13.—(1) Where a Singapore pleasure craft is installed with a main fire pump —
(a) the main fire pump’s source of power (if any) and the sea connection of
emergency fire pumps (if any) installed on the pleasure craft must not
be situated in the same compartment as the main fire pump; and
(b) the emergency fire pump (if any), sea suction and other valves must be
operable —
(i) from outside the compartment that contains the main fire
pump; and
(ii) in a position that is not likely to be cut off by fire in that
compartment.
(2) A manually operated pump installed on a Singapore pleasure craft must be
capable of producing a jet of water having a sufficient throw.

Hydrants, hoses, nozzles

14.—(1) Every fire hydrant installed on a Singapore pleasure craft —
(a) must be positioned to allow at least one jet of water from a single
length of fire hose to reach any part of the pleasure craft normally
accessible during navigation; and
(b) must be capable of delivering one jet of water having a throw of not
less than 6 metres which can be directed on to any part of the pleasure
craft.
(2) Where a Singapore pleasure craft is provided with only one fire hydrant for
the engine room, the fire hydrant must be located outside the engine room, near its
entrance.
(3) All nozzles provided on a Singapore pleasure craft —
(a) must be appropriate to the delivery capacity of the fire pumps fitted;
and
(b) must have a diameter of at least 10 millimetres.

Ready availability and maintenance of appliances

15. All fire-fighting apparatus carried on board a Singapore pleasure craft
must —
 35 S 161/2020

SECOND SCHEDULE — continued

(a) be kept in good working order;
(b) be ready for immediate use;
(c) be placed in an easily accessible position; and
(d) be inspected at intervals of not more than 12 months by a qualified
person recognised by the Director.

Scale of fire-fighting appliances

16. A Singapore pleasure craft must be equipped with fire-fighting appliances
based on the description of the pleasure craft as specified in the following table:
Description of Craft 7 ≤ Load 9 < Load 9 < Load 15 ≤ Load Line 15 ≤ Load Line Load Line Load Line
Line Line Line Length Length in metres Length in metres Length in Length in
Type and quantity of Length in Length in in metres < 24 < 24 with engine metres ≥ 24 metres ≥ 24
fire-fighting apparatus metres ≤ 9 metres < 15 with room(3) with engine
< 15 engine room(3)
room(3)

Portable dry-powder or equivalent 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

foam, water or CO2 fire
extinguisher

Fire extinguisher to be placed in NA NA 2(1) NA 2(1) NA 2(1)

engine room(3)

Fire bucket with lanyard(2) 2 2 2 2 2 3 3

Main Fire Pump Power NA NA NA Either 1 power or Either 1 power or 1 1

1 manual 1 manual
Manual NA NA NA NA NA

Emergency fire Power NA NA NA NA NA Either 1 Either 1

pump power or 1 power or 1
Manual NA NA NA NA NA manual manual

Hydrant NA NA NA Such numbers as required by a recognized surveyor during any

survey

Hose NA NA NA 1 1 2 2

Nozzle Jet NA NA NA 1 1 2 2

Spray NA NA NA NA NA 1 1

Fireman’s axe NA NA NA NA NA 1 1

Notes:

(1) Where engine room houses internal combustion type machinery having in aggregate, a total power output of not less than 375 kW.

(2) Fire buckets may be substituted by an equal number of portable dry-powder fire extinguishers outside the engine room.

(3) For pleasure craft with engine rooms only.

S 161/2020 36

THIRD SCHEDULE
Regulation 28(1)

CARRYING CAPACITY
1. The carrying capacity of a pleasure craft means the maximum number of
passengers and crew members that the pleasure craft may carry.
2. The carrying capacity of a pleasure craft —
(a) is specified in its builder’s certificate recognised by the Director; or
(b) if the builder’s certificate contains no such specification, is determined
by the Director in accordance with the following formula:
. carrying capacity = 12 + (length × length × breadth × 0.0031).

3. In this Schedule, “length” and “breadth” have the meanings given to them in
the First Schedule.

Made on 27 February 2020.

NIAM CHIANG MENG

Chairman,
Maritime and Port Authority of
Singapore.
[MPA 46/02.C30/TYJ; AG/LEGIS/SL/179/2015/8 Vol. 5]