Public Consultation for WSH Guidelines on Anchorage Works

31 Aug 2026 Announcements

Anchorage works, such as vessel maintenance, inspections, repairs, surveys, bunkering and other supporting services, play an important role in Singapore's marine and maritime industries. These activities involve various WSH hazards such as working over water, personnel transfer, confined spaces, work at heights, lifting operations, hot work and commercial diving activities. 

The Guidelines provide guidance on workplace safety and health (WSH) obligations and good practices for stakeholders involved in anchorage works conducted within Singapore port waters. The Guidelines are intended for shipmasters, vessel owners, operators and managers, shipping agents, contractors, launch operators and other stakeholders perform anchorage works.

This new enhanced WSH Guidelines on Anchorage Works will replace the existing Guide to WSH Obligations for Shipmasters and Contractors for Anchorage Works. 

Key updates include:

• The roles, responsibilities and working relationships amongst stakeholders involved in anchorage works, including shipmasters, vessel owners, managers, operators, agents, contractors, launch operators and Vessel Safety Co-ordination Committees (VSCCs); 
• Greater emphasis on site-specific risk assessments, risk management and effective communication among stakeholders; and  
• Expanded scope on common anchorage work activities and associated hazards, including: 
  o Personnel transfer and vessel boarding/disembarkation;
  o Ship mooring and unmooring operations;
  o Commercial diving activities; 
  o Hot work;
  o Technology and innovation solutions to reduce workers' exposure to workplace hazards; and
  o Industry case studies and lessons learnt from past incidents to help organisations strengthen their WSH practices.

Consultation Period
1 September 2026 to 28 September 2026

We invite stakeholders to review the draft WSH Guidelines on Anchorage Works and provide your comments using the feedback submission form. Please email your completed public consultation form to contact@wshc.sg by 28 September 2026. Feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered in the finalisation of the Guidelines.

We thank you for your contribution towards strengthening workplace safety and health standards for anchorage works in Singapore.