VCR

The IFC administers the Voluntary Community Reporting (VCR), as detailed in MARSEC chart Q6112 and Q6113, to enhance maritime security (MARSEC) and provide necessary support for merchant ships transiting in IFC's Area of Interest. Although it is not mandatory, merchant ships and shipping companies are strongly encouraged by the IFC to send regular position reports, details of MARSEC incidents and sightings of suspicious activities including cyber attack incidents and any interferences that are observed on RF, GPS and radars.

When merchant ships and shipping companies provide timely information to IFC in the event of a MARSEC incident or suspicious sighting, IFC will facilitate info-sharing by providing first-hand information to relevant local authorities to cue operational responses and provide timely warning to ships near the vicinity of the incident.

Information will also be provided to the wider shipping community to raise awareness and promote a "neighbourhood watch" among merchant ships, resulting in a more effective risk assessment for ships. IFC works closely with the shipping community to understand their needs and concerns, in order to support their MARSEC requirements and work towards achieving a safe and secure seas for all.

All information received by IFC will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be shared with partner operation centres from navies and coastguards. Although IFC facilitates info-sharing among local authorities, its role is not to coordinate a military response.

The IFC's Area of Interest covers the following area:

The IFC's recommended reporting format has been aligned to the UKMTO format, however it is not mandatory to send using the recommended format if ships already have their own reporting format. Ships can just add IFC into their distribution list to simplify the process.
For VCR Reporting, please contact us at:
Tel:
+65 9626 8965 (Hotline)
+65 6594 5728 (Office)
Email: information_fusion_centre@defence.gov.sg

Ships are encouraged to report under the following conditions:
i. On entering the VCR Area using the IFC Initial Report form.
ii. Report ship positional information by either using the “IFC Position Report” at ship’s desired intervals or add IFC to their reporting distribution list while reporting positional information to their company.
iii. Observing any suspicious or anomalous behaviour using the Suspicious / Irregular Activity Report.
iv. On exiting the VCR Area using the IFC Final Report Form.


Ships are requested to inform the IFC when they have entered the VCR Area.

Ships can also add IFC to their email distribution list when providing positional updates to their companies as per their company timelines.

Ships are requested to inform the IFC via email when they have exited the VCR Area.

Ships are requested to inform IFC on sightings of suspicious or illegal activities which are outside the normal expectations of shipping, commercial trade, or marine practices. They may be indicative of a maritime security threat. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Unusual RVs of ships at sea including transfers of cargo or people
• Darkened ships/not illuminating navigation lights
• Ships anchored in unusual locations
• Ships not flying a flag/displaying a name
• Ships navigating contrary to the ordinary practice of seamen
• Vessels outside of normal patterns/sea lanes
• Fishing boat without appropriate equipment
• Overcrowded/unseaworthy/overloaded vessels
• Non-ocean going vessels in the high seas
• Abandoned vessels
• Unwarranted/unsolicited approaches by vessels to your own vessel or other vessels in your vicinity
• Non-military/government vessels carrying arms
• Vessels carrying boarding equipment
• Suspicious/unusual voice communications
• Vessels underway/making way without AIS transmission