Malacca/Singapore SOMS 25-26Ed

Passage Planning Guide - Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), 2025-26 Edition This publication provides passage planning guidance for Masters and navigating officers when transiting the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The guidance applies in either direction through the Straits between One Fathom Bank (OFB) and Horsburgh and includes an overview of the navigational references for each leg of the route. It is suitable for all classes of ship. This new edition has been fully revised to incorporate the latest guidance and practical advice for ships transiting the region, with reference to high vigilance areas, Straits Pilot Services, TSS and VTS information. This Guide summaries essential passage planning practice, including elements local to the Straits, to help navigating officers compile an effective passage plan. It includes practical guidance for the transit, with reference to manning levels, traffic, tugs, pilotage, anchorages, tidal streams, communications, etc. Annotated chartless, which now feature satellite imagery, are provided for each leg of the transit, illustrating aids to navigation and potential hazards to shipping. The chartless are supported by guidance notes containing further navigational and safety information. In preparation for this new edition, Witherbys have worked in consultation with Straits Pilots, harbour pilots, port authorities, local navigation superintendents and shipmasters transiting the Straits. The Guide illustrates areas where high vigilance is required and lists the pre-emptive measures that should betaken by the ship. Also included are a number of case studies that examine the causes of various groundings and collisions in the Straits. This new edition now includes information on the MPA's Just In Time Planning and Coordination Platform, which helps to facilitate the optimal arrival and departure of vessels to and from the Port of Singapore. Vessel reporting and pre-arrival information has been updated and expanded, with the addition of helpful flowcharts to illustrate the requirements. The tidal streams supplement, which contains high quality diagrams to provide mariners with information about the tidal conditions in the Straits, has now been incorporated into the book as an annex. Additionally, copies of the Pre-Entry Bridge Team Meeting Checklist have been inserted as perforated pages that can be torn out for ease of use. This edition also includes a handy bookmark with QR codes linking to useful PDF downloads, such as Port Marine Circulars. Information is also taken from appropriate nautical publications and from: Rules for Vessels Navigating through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore STRAITREP - Mandatory Reporting Procedures Port Marine Circulars (Singapore) IMO assembly resolutions.