A notorious choke point in the Malacca Strait requiring precise course adjustments.
JP501, BA 2403, BA 3831, BA 3947, BA 4038, BA 4040.
Ultimate Navigation Guide: Passage Planning for the Malacca and Singapore Straits
Traffic begins to disperse, but the confluence of multiple shipping lanes requires heightened alertness.
While not free, this guide is widely considered an essential resource for any vessel planning a transit, especially larger ships. It is frequently updated; the latest editions are the and 2026-2027 versions. The guide can be purchased as a hard copy from major nautical publishers or their authorized online shops, such as amnautical.com , witherbys.com , and other maritime retailers. passage planning guide malacca and singapore straits pdf
| Waypoint | Latitude (N) | Longitude (E) | Action | Remarks | |----------|--------------|---------------|--------|---------| | Pulau Rondo | 05° 45.0’ | 95° 04.0’ | Report to Kelang VTS | Commence TSS routing | | One Fathom Bank | 03° 18.0’ | 100° 45.0’ | Maximum caution | Shallowest point (12m) | | Raffles Lighthouse | 01° 09.5’ | 103° 44.5’ | Switch to Ch ST VTS | Junction TSS | | Horsburgh Lighthouse | 01° 19.9’ | 104° 24.7’ | Exit report to Singapore VTS | End of straits |
The Malacca and Singapore Straits are among the world’s busiest and most constrained maritime passages, with dense commercial traffic, narrow channels, shallow areas, strong currents, and multiple traffic separation schemes (TSS). Passage planning here must prioritize safety, compliance with COLREGs, STRAITs TRANSIT separation schemes, local pilotage rules, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), security (including piracy/boarding risk in nearby regions), and environmental protection.
Based on industry standards and IMO Resolution A.893(21) , a standard guide includes the following core sections: 1. Appraisal and Preparation
Follow the latest ReCAAP ISC and IFC guidelines. A notorious choke point in the Malacca Strait
Tidal currents in the narrowest segments of the Singapore Strait can exceed 4 to 5 knots, causing severe set and drift. 2. Planning: Plotting the Course
ADRS Volume 6 (for STRAITREP frequencies and reporting formats).
Given these complexities, meticulous pre-voyage planning is not an option—it is an operational and safety imperative for all vessels. The primary official publication supporting this is the produced by Witherbys in consultation with the littoral states and maritime industry bodies.
Tidal currents are complex and strong, frequently exceeding 3 to 4 knots at critical choke points like the Phillips Channel and the Tree Island area. 3. Section-by-Section Route Analysis While not free, this guide is widely considered
Position fixing must be continuous. Supplement GPS/GNSS positioning with frequent visual bearings and radar ranges off conspicuous radar targets (e.g., lighthouses, prominent islands). 6. Contingency Planning and Emergency Response
Extra lookouts posted for night transits to spot unlit targets and counter security threats. Need a Downloadable Reference?
The SOMS are monitored by several VTS centers (VTIS Singapore, VTS Dumai, etc.). Ships are legally required to comply with their instructions and maintain a listening watch on the designated VHF channels.
The entire transit is governed by an extensive Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).