To test and demonstrate Singapore’s readiness to respond effectively to oil spills at sea, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore led a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise (code-named JOSE 2008) on 17 October 2008.
In addition to 16 anti-pollution craft, JOSE 2008 also showcased for the first time an aerial dispersant application by an aircraft. A hundred personnel from various agencies took part in this operational exercise located at sea about 2.8 kilometres (or 1.5 nautical miles) from Raffles Lighthouse. See Annex 1. “As the world’s major hub port, it is vital that Singapore remains vigilant at all times,” said Capt M Segar, MPA’s Group Director (Hub Port). “MPA, together with other agencies and the industry, has drawn up comprehensive contingency plans which are tested via regular, multi-agency exercises to ensure the country’s preparedness to respond to marine incidents. Since 2000, JOSE has been a biennial affair, reflecting our strong commitment to protect the environment. This year’s exercise demonstrates the close co-ordination of both aircraft and vessel based dispersant spraying systems in the busy waters of the port and Singapore Straits. This further ensures an effective and swift response to oil spill incidents, should prevention fail.” JOSE 2008 involved a scenario where a very large crude carrier (VLCC), ‘Moon Shadow’ (299,999 dwt), carrying 290,000 tonnes of light crude oil, was hit by an oil tanker MT (motor tanker), ‘Sun Explorer’ (8,722 dwt), carrying 7,700 tonnes of marine fuel oil.
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