Fines, suspension of licences for 7 companies and 47 individuals in maritime sector who breached Covid-19 measures

SINGAPORE — Seven companies and 47 individuals in the maritime sector have been fined or had their licence suspended for breaching Covid-19 regulations by, for example, operating pleasure crafts that exceeded the maximum group sizes permitted for social gatherings. 

The transgressions, which also involved harbour craft and ocean-going vessels, happened over an eight-month period from November last year to June this year, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on Wednesday (Aug 11). 

Fifty-two of the transgressors were fined between S$300 and S$3,000 each. Two others had the licences for their pleasure craft and harbour craft suspended by MPA. 

Other examples included a case of a shore-based personnel who violated regulations by consuming the ship’s stores on board and not wearing the appropriate level of personal protective equipment. 

The authority added that there was also a case of a long-term permit holder residing on board a harbour craft who came ashore without MPA’s approval. Another case involved agents who failed to submit mandatory notifications to MPA on the boarding of shore-based personnel. 

The authority added that it is investigating several other incidents involving breaches of Covid-19 regulations. 

“Actions will be taken against any individual and company found to have breached the law,” it said. 

A person who commits an offence under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act is liable, on first conviction, to a maximum fine of S$10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.  

On a second or subsequent offence, the penalty is a fine of up to S$20,000 or jail term of up to 12 months, or both. The craft or vessel may also have its licence suspended for up to 30 days.

“MPA reminds individuals and companies to adhere strictly to safe management regulations involving pleasure craft, harbour craft and ocean-going vessels,” the authority said. 

“MPA takes a serious view of any breach of the law and will not hesitate to take the parties involved to task.''