Marinet FAQ


Frequently Asked Questions

General
Administration
Logon/Account
Server/Network
Printing/VBScript
Plugin
Others

I am a new subscriber of Marinet, can you guide me in the downloading and installation of the

plug-in?

In order to use Marinet system, you have to install two plug-ins.

- Opal plug-in and

- VBScript Engine by Microsoft

Click on the Utilities link in the Main Menu. The Plug-ins screen will appear.
Depending on the type of browser you are using, click on the appropriate button to download the Opal plug-in. If you are using Netscape browser, then click on the OPAL FOR NETSCAPE button. If you are using Internet Explorer, then click on the OPAL FOR IE button.
A dialog box will appear. For Netscape browser, Click on the Save File... button. Internet Explorer has a different dialog box. For Internet Explorer, select the Save this program to disk option and click on the OK button.
A Save As dialog box will appear. Under the File name, key c:\netplug.exe for Netscape plugin or c:\ieplug.exe for Internet Explorer plugin. Click on the Save button. This will save the file in the C: drive on your computer.
A status dialog box will appear showing how long it will take to download the file. When the downloading is completed, the dialog box will disappear.
Click on Start button on the task bar and select Run...
The Run dialog box will appear, key c:\netplug or c:\ieplug under Open button and click on the OK button. This will start the plug-in installation program. (Note : netplug.exe is for Netscape browser and ieplug.exe is for Internet Explorer).
The installation program will ask a few questions regarding your computer settings. Just use the default setting and click on the Next button on each dialog box.
After you have installed the Opal plug-in, click on the MICROSOFT VBSCRIPT 5.0 button to download the VBScript engine. The process is very similar to the downloading of the Opal plug-in. When you see the Save As dialog box, enter c:\scr50en.exe instead.
When the status dialog box disappeared, click on the Start button on the task bar and select Run.... In the Run dialog box, key c:\scr50en. This will start the installation program for Microsoft VBScript engine. Similar to Step 8, installation will ask you some questions regarding your computer settings, just use the default setting. After installation is done, reboot your system.

How do I perform "Clear Cache"?

To perform a "Clear Cache", please follow the instructions below :

On the Netscape menu toolbar, go to the Edit menu.
Click on the Edit menu.
Inside the Edit menu, click on the Preferences menu. Once that is done, a dialog box will pop up.
Inside the Preferences dialog box, double click on the Advance category.
Next, click on the Cache. On the right side of the dialog box, buttons like Clear Memory Cache and Clear Disk Cache will be visible.
On the right side of the dialog box, click on the Clear Memory Cache button. Click on the OK button when a message pops to confirm.
Click on the Clear Disk Cache button. Do the same thing as Step 6 when the message pops up again.
Click on the OK button at the bottom of the dialog box.

I have PortNet on Windows (POW) installed in my PC, but I want to access Marinet through the

Internet. How do I configure my Netscape browser such that I don't have to change my

Netscape proxy settings everytime I access POW and Marinet?

To do this, you will have to make use of Netscape Communicator's User Profile Manager to create another User Profile to enable you to access Marinet through Internet. Please follow the instructions below to create another User Profile :

Click on the Start button at the bottom left of the screen. Go to Programs, then Netscape Communicator, followed by Utilities and then followed by User Profile Manager. Click on the User Profile Manager. The User Profile Manager dialog box will appear.
Click on the New button. A Creating a New Profile dialog box will appear.
Click on the Next button. Enter the name "Marinet" into the edit box and click on the Next button. Leave the Email Address edit box blank.
Enter the name "Marinet" under the Profile Name edit box and click on the Next button.
A Set up your Outgoing Mail Server dialog box will appear. Leave it as it is and click on the Finish button.

It is mentioned that to solve the blank/blue screen problem, I need to change my display

settings to 16-bit high colour. But how do I change my display setting to 16-bit high colour?

To change your display settings to 16-bit high colour, please follow the instructions below :

Click on the Start button at the bottom left of the screen.
Go to Settings followed by Control Panel. Click on Control Panel. The Control Panel folder will appear.
Double click on the Display icon. The Display Properties will appear.
Click on the Settings tab.
In the Settings tab, click on the button inside the Color Palette group and select High Color( 16 bit ).
Once done, click on the OK button at the bottom of the screen. Restart the system if prompted.

I want to Uninstall my Opal Plugin but there is no command that allows me to do this. How do I

go about Uninstalling my Opal Plugin?

There is no direct way for you to Uninstall your Opal Plugin. The only way to Uninstall your Opal Plugin is to manually delete all the Opal files that are found in Netscape's plugin directory. However, extra care is needed when deleting these files because if the wrong files are deleted, it may cause you Netscape browser to function abnormally. Please follow the instructions below carefully :

Click on the Start button on the bottom left of the screen.
Go to Programs followed by Windows Explorer. Click on Windows Explorer. The Exploring folder will appear.
Double click on the Program Files folder. Next double click on the Netscape folder. Next double click on the Communicator folder. Then double click on the Program folder. Next double click on the Plugins folder.
In the Plugins folder, there will be an Opal folder. Right click on the Opal folder. Click on the Delete command. A message box will pop up to confirm deletion of the Opal folder. Click on the Yes button. Clicking on the Yes button will delete all the files in the Opal folder.
Next is to delete 2 files located in the Plugins folder. Click on the Plugins folder. On the right side of the screen, a list of files will appear. The 2 files that need to be deleted are npodu23.dll and npopal32.dll. After the files have been deleted, the Opal Plugin is considered removed from the computer. Next, reboot the system.

What is the definition of ISC?

ISC stands for Information Security Co-ordinator. Each company must have at least 1 ISC and each company can have at most 2 ISC.

How can I access Marinet via POW after subscribing to POW.

You have to fax your request to MPA at 62727502 and attention the fax to MPA Data Security Officer. Please include in your fax, details such as your new POW id and current Marinet id.

What charges are applicable when subscribing to Marinet?

A one time administration charge of S$40 is payable for each logon-id and a monthly subscription charge of S$10 for each company irregardless of the number of logon-ids.

Can I send the Marinet application form through fax?

No, Marinet application form should be sent by post or by hand to :

Finance Department

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

460, Alexandra Road

#18-00

PSA Building

Singapore 119963

Can I fax the Marinet Account Acknowlegement slip?

Yes, you can fax the acknowledgement slip to MPA at 62727502, attention to MPA Data Security Officer

I am accessing Marinet through PortNet on Windows(POW). However, I encountered the message "Not authorised to use Marinet, please register

with MPA"

You need to apply for a Marinet account with MPA before you can start using the Marinet service. If you wish to access Marinet via POW, you need to specify this in the application form.

I have forgotten my password. What should I do?

Ask your ISC to reset your password. ISC can reset password through the Administration module on Marinet.

There is a change of role and we need to replace the ISC with another staff. What should we do?

You can write/fax your request to MPA Data Security Officer. The fax number is 62727502.

I am not able to see the Administration Module.

The Administration Module is restricted to your company's ISC only. Other users will not be able to see this option.

How can I delete an account?

Only your company's ISC can delete an account. ISC can use the Administration module on Marinet for this purpose.

How can I request for a new Marinet account?

Only your company's ISC can send in the request for an account. ISC can use the Administration module on Marinet for this purpose.

I am unable to access the Marinet even though I have already received my login id and password?

Your company's ISC must acknowledge your account using the Administration Module on Marinet before you can start using your account.

Can an existing account be replaced with another user?

No, each new user must apply for a new account.

When I logon to Marinet, I encountered the message "Password expired".

For security reason, Marinet password will expire after a period of time. You need to change your password in order to continue using the system. At the logon panel,

Key in your logon ID,
Key in existing password (2nd row)
Key in the new password twice (3rd and 4th row).

My Marinet account is suspended, how can I reactivate my account?

Ask your ISC to reactivate the account for you. ISC can reactivate the account using the Administration module on Marinet.

I want to access Marinet through POW. However, I encountered this message "Cannot reach Marinet

from POW" when I clicked on "Marinet in the "Other Services" menu. What is the problem?

This could be due to a link problem. Please try again after 5 minutes. If the problem still persists, call our Helpdesk and inform them of the problem.

I want to access Marinet through POW. However, I encountered this message "Waiting for Reply"

when I clicked on "Marinet" in the "Other Services" menu. I have been waiting for more than 10

minutes. Please advise.

Please log out and disconnect from POW. Then reconnect and log in to POW again. Clicked on "Marinet" in the "Other Services" menu. If the problem still persists, then it may be a link problem. Please contact our Helpdesk and inform them of the problem.

When accessing Marinet through the Internet, this message "Unable to locate server" is displayed.

Please advise.

Firstly, check that you have entered the correct address. If it is correct, then click on the "Reload" button to try again. If you encounter this message again, then the server could be down. Please call the Helpdesk and inform them of the problem.

How can I update the printing parameters.

Under the Marinet Administration Module, select "Printing". You can update the printing parameters from there. Printing parameters can only be updated by your ISC.

Do I need to specify a printer-id?

You only need to specify a printer-id if you are using a network printer.

I encountered the message "VBScript error, object does not support this property/matter".

Please advise.

You may have an older version of the VBScript engine on your PC. Please download and install the latest VBScript engine from Marinet. You can find the VBScript engine under Marinet Utilities Module. Alternatively, you can download directly from Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/vbscript/scripting.asp . You can find more details on the downloading and installing procedures in the user manual (pg 11).

How do I align the Port Clearance Certificate (EPC) with the printer for printing?

There is no specific alignment for the printing of EPC mainly because different printers have different settings. But a general guideline is to align the top edge of the Port Clearance form to the printer head. This is only for the top down alignment. As for the left-right alignment, you may need to print out a few certificates before you are able to confirm the alignment.

I encountered a message "Error Printing Opal Page" while trying to print using the "Print Screen"

function. Please advise.

There are 3 possibilities. Firstly, ensure that the power is on and the printer is in ready mode. Secondly, check that your printer is set as the default printer in the printer settings inside Control Panel. Finally, verify that you have the correct drivers installed for your printer. To do that, look at the model of your printer and ensure that the model is the same as the model that is found in the Printers settings in Control Panel.

While printing the Port Clearance Certificate, the Certificate roll out of the printer before the printer starts to

print.

This is probably due to wrong alignment of the Port Clearance Certificate. Realign the Port Clearance Certificate as instructed above and print again.

When printing the Port Clearance Certificate, garbage is printed on the form.

This may due to printer problem. Ensure that you have the correct drivers installed for the printer, restart the printer and try again.

I want to print the current screen on my PC for documentation purposes. How do I proceed

with that?

Click on the "Print Screen" icon located at the bottom left corner. It will print whatever that is on the screen. Before that, make sure that your printer is set as the default printer on your PC.

How to print screen without the background color?

Under the printer properties, select graphics and choose "none" instead of "coarse". However, note that not all printers can suppot this.

Can I use a network printer for test printing to ensure that it is working properly before I use it to

print my Port Clearance Certificate?

Yes. To do that, go to the Printing Parameters under the Administration module. In the Printing Parameters, there is a button labled "Test Network Printer". Click on that button, you should be able to see the message "Testing Network Printer" printed out if your printer is working.

I encountered the message, "Please check, set printer font to draft and pitch to 12"

To print your EPC within the alignment of the Port Clearance Form, this is the required printer font and pitch. Please check that you have set the printer font to draft and pitch to 12 before you print your EPC.

While printing, I encountered the message "test print-path not found, sys create text file"

Please check your local printer and perform a test print to see if the setting is correct.

My computer reside on a network but I am not able to print Port Clearance Certificate on my network

printer.

To print your Port Clearance Certificate using your network printer, the following has to be done by the ISC:

Ensure that you have installed the VBScript engine inside the Utilities Module
Check the actual path of your network printer
In the Printing Parameters under the Adminstratin Module, key in the actual path of your network printer as the printer-id
Click on the button labelled "Test Network Printer" to determine whether your configuration is correct.
If it is correct, the statement "Testing Network Printer" will be printed.

Where can I download the plugins?

You can find the various plugins under the Utilities Module.

When running the transaction, I encountered the message, "Plugin not loaded".

You need to install Opal plugin in order to use any of the transaction. Download the neccessary plugin from the Marinet Utilities Module and install the plugin.

I see a small icon in the middle of the screen that look like a piece of jig-saw puzzle when I click

on "Declaration of vessel for port user".

This means that you have not install the Opal plugin. Download the Opal plugin from the Marinet Utilities Module and install the plugin as instructed in the user manual.

How long does it take to download the plugins?

For a 28.8kbps modem, it will take approximately 15 minutes. For a 56kbps modem, it will take about 7-8 minutes.

Can I install plugins on the server instead of every PC.

No, the plugin must be installed on each individual PC.

If I buy a new PC, do I need to install plugins?

Yes, you need to install the plugins in your new PC.

Do I need to download and install plug-ins for every Marinet account?

No, you only need to install the plugin once for each PC. However, if you are using both Netscape and Internet Explorer on the same PC, then you need to install the plugin twice, one for the Netscape browser, the other one for the Internet Explorer Browser.

I have downloaded and install Opal plugin for MS Internet Explorer. Do I need to repeat the

procedure if I want to use Netscape Communicator/Navigator?

Yes, there is different Opal plugin for different browser. Depending on the browser you are using, you will need to install the plugin for that browser.

How to download VBScript?

You can find the VBScript engine under the Marinet Utilities Module. Alternatively, you can download directly from Microsoft Website at http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/vbscript/scripting.asp. You can find more details on the downloading and installing procedures in the user manual (pg 11).

When I clicked on "Declaration For Vessel (Port User)", all I saw was a blank or blue screen

You need to change your display settings to 16-bit high colours instead of 256 colours.

How to access Marinet through POW?

After logon to POW, under the "Other Services" menu, select Marinet.

Can I access Marinet from home?

Yes, Marinet can be access from any location that has an Internet connection.

Can I use my POW account to access Marinet through Internet?

No, you will need to use your Marinet account.

When submitting vessel's new general declaration, I encountered the message "GD found in portnet file"

There is already a General Declaration that is waiting for vetting by OSDC. If you wish to replace the previous GD, you should first cancel the GD using "VCAN".

How can I book a pilot under the Marinet?

Under the Main Menu, select the "Ordering of Marine Services".

Does Marinet have the VSIP transaction?

Yes. You can find this transaction under "Enquiry of Vessel Information" module.

If you encounter any problems with this e-Service, please contact us at 63751255. You may also give us your comments at the feedback form.

	I am a new subscriber of Marinet, can you guide me in the downloading and installation of the
	plug-in?

	In order to use Marinet system, you have to install two plug-ins.


	- Opal plug-in and
	- VBScript Engine by Microsoft Click on the Utilities link in the Main Menu. The Plug-ins screen will appear. Depending on the type of browser you are using, click on the appropriate button to download the Opal plug-in. If you are using Netscape browser, then click on the OPAL FOR NETSCAPE button. If you are using Internet Explorer, then click on the OPAL FOR IE button. A dialog box will appear. For Netscape browser, Click on the Save File... button. Internet Explorer has a different dialog box. For Internet Explorer, select the Save this program to disk option and click on the OK button. A Save As dialog box will appear. Under the File name, key c:\netplug.exe for Netscape plugin or c:\ieplug.exe for Internet Explorer plugin. Click on the Save button. This will save the file in the C: drive on your computer. A status dialog box will appear showing how long it will take to download the file. When the downloading is completed, the dialog box will disappear. Click on Start button on the task bar and select Run... The Run dialog box will appear, key c:\netplug or c:\ieplug under Open button and click on the OK button. This will start the plug-in installation program. (Note : netplug.exe is for Netscape browser and ieplug.exe is for Internet Explorer). The installation program will ask a few questions regarding your computer settings. Just use the default setting and click on the Next button on each dialog box. After you have installed the Opal plug-in, click on the MICROSOFT VBSCRIPT 5.0 button to download the VBScript engine. The process is very similar to the downloading of the Opal plug-in. When you see the Save As dialog box, enter c:\scr50en.exe instead. When the status dialog box disappeared, click on the Start button on the task bar and select Run.... In the Run dialog box, key c:\scr50en. This will start the installation program for Microsoft VBScript engine. Similar to Step 8, installation will ask you some questions regarding your computer settings, just use the default setting. After installation is done, reboot your system.

	How do I perform "Clear Cache"?

	To perform a "Clear Cache", please follow the instructions below : On the Netscape menu toolbar, go to the Edit menu. Click on the Edit menu. Inside the Edit menu, click on the Preferences menu. Once that is done, a dialog box will pop up. Inside the Preferences dialog box, double click on the Advance category. Next, click on the Cache. On the right side of the dialog box, buttons like Clear Memory Cache and Clear Disk Cache will be visible. On the right side of the dialog box, click on the Clear Memory Cache button. Click on the OK button when a message pops to confirm. Click on the Clear Disk Cache button. Do the same thing as Step 6 when the message pops up again. Click on the OK button at the bottom of the dialog box.

	I have PortNet on Windows (POW) installed in my PC, but I want to access Marinet through the
	Internet. How do I configure my Netscape browser such that I don't have to change my
	Netscape proxy settings everytime I access POW and Marinet?


	To do this, you will have to make use of Netscape Communicator's User Profile Manager to create another User Profile to enable you to access Marinet through Internet. Please follow the instructions below to create another User Profile : Click on the Start button at the bottom left of the screen. Go to Programs, then Netscape Communicator, followed by Utilities and then followed by User Profile Manager. Click on the User Profile Manager. The User Profile Manager dialog box will appear. Click on the New button. A Creating a New Profile dialog box will appear. Click on the Next button. Enter the name "Marinet" into the edit box and click on the Next button. Leave the Email Address edit box blank. Enter the name "Marinet" under the Profile Name edit box and click on the Next button. A Set up your Outgoing Mail Server dialog box will appear. Leave it as it is and click on the Finish button.

	It is mentioned that to solve the blank/blue screen problem, I need to change my display
	settings to 16-bit high colour. But how do I change my display setting to 16-bit high colour?

	To change your display settings to 16-bit high colour, please follow the instructions below : Click on the Start button at the bottom left of the screen. Go to Settings followed by Control Panel. Click on Control Panel. The Control Panel folder will appear. Double click on the Display icon. The Display Properties will appear. Click on the Settings tab. In the Settings tab, click on the button inside the Color Palette group and select High Color( 16 bit ). Once done, click on the OK button at the bottom of the screen. Restart the system if prompted.

	I want to Uninstall my Opal Plugin but there is no command that allows me to do this. How do I
	go about Uninstalling my Opal Plugin?

	There is no direct way for you to Uninstall your Opal Plugin. The only way to Uninstall your Opal Plugin is to manually delete all the Opal files that are found in Netscape's plugin directory. However, extra care is needed when deleting these files because if the wrong files are deleted, it may cause you Netscape browser to function abnormally. Please follow the instructions below carefully : Click on the Start button on the bottom left of the screen. Go to Programs followed by Windows Explorer. Click on Windows Explorer. The Exploring folder will appear. Double click on the Program Files folder. Next double click on the Netscape folder. Next double click on the Communicator folder. Then double click on the Program folder. Next double click on the Plugins folder. In the Plugins folder, there will be an Opal folder. Right click on the Opal folder. Click on the Delete command. A message box will pop up to confirm deletion of the Opal folder. Click on the Yes button. Clicking on the Yes button will delete all the files in the Opal folder. Next is to delete 2 files located in the Plugins folder. Click on the Plugins folder. On the right side of the screen, a list of files will appear. The 2 files that need to be deleted are npodu23.dll and npopal32.dll. After the files have been deleted, the Opal Plugin is considered removed from the computer. Next, reboot the system.

	What is the definition of ISC?
	ISC stands for Information Security Co-ordinator. Each company must have at least 1 ISC and each company can have at most 2 ISC.

	How can I access Marinet via POW after subscribing to POW.
	You have to fax your request to MPA at 62727502 and attention the fax to MPA Data Security Officer. Please include in your fax, details such as your new POW id and current Marinet id.

	What charges are applicable when subscribing to Marinet?
	A one time administration charge of S$40 is payable for each logon-id and a monthly subscription charge of S$10 for each company irregardless of the number of logon-ids.

	Can I send the Marinet application form through fax?
	No, Marinet application form should be sent by post or by hand to :

	Finance Department
	Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
	460, Alexandra Road
	#18-00
	PSA Building
	Singapore 119963

	Can I fax the Marinet Account Acknowlegement slip?
	Yes, you can fax the acknowledgement slip to MPA at 62727502, attention to MPA Data Security Officer

	I am accessing Marinet through PortNet on Windows(POW). However, I encountered the message "Not authorised to use Marinet, please register
	with MPA"
	You need to apply for a Marinet account with MPA before you can start using the Marinet service. If you wish to access Marinet via POW, you need to specify this in the application form.

	I have forgotten my password. What should I do?
	Ask your ISC to reset your password. ISC can reset password through the Administration module on Marinet.

	There is a change of role and we need to replace the ISC with another staff. What should we do?
	You can write/fax your request to MPA Data Security Officer. The fax number is 62727502.

	I am not able to see the Administration Module.
	The Administration Module is restricted to your company's ISC only. Other users will not be able to see this option.

	How can I delete an account?
	Only your company's ISC can delete an account. ISC can use the Administration module on Marinet for this purpose.

	How can I request for a new Marinet account?
	Only your company's ISC can send in the request for an account. ISC can use the Administration module on Marinet for this purpose.

	I am unable to access the Marinet even though I have already received my login id and password?
	Your company's ISC must acknowledge your account using the Administration Module on Marinet before you can start using your account.

	Can an existing account be replaced with another user?
	No, each new user must apply for a new account.

	When I logon to Marinet, I encountered the message "Password expired".
	For security reason, Marinet password will expire after a period of time. You need to change your password in order to continue using the system. At the logon panel, Key in your logon ID, Key in existing password (2nd row) Key in the new password twice (3rd and 4th row).

	My Marinet account is suspended, how can I reactivate my account?
	Ask your ISC to reactivate the account for you. ISC can reactivate the account using the Administration module on Marinet.

	I want to access Marinet through POW. However, I encountered this message "Cannot reach Marinet
	from POW" when I clicked on "Marinet in the "Other Services" menu. What is the problem?
	This could be due to a link problem. Please try again after 5 minutes. If the problem still persists, call our Helpdesk and inform them of the problem.

	I want to access Marinet through POW. However, I encountered this message "Waiting for Reply"
	when I clicked on "Marinet" in the "Other Services" menu. I have been waiting for more than 10
	minutes. Please advise.
	Please log out and disconnect from POW. Then reconnect and log in to POW again. Clicked on "Marinet" in the "Other Services" menu. If the problem still persists, then it may be a link problem. Please contact our Helpdesk and inform them of the problem.

	When accessing Marinet through the Internet, this message "Unable to locate server" is displayed.
	Please advise.
	Firstly, check that you have entered the correct address. If it is correct, then click on the "Reload" button to try again. If you encounter this message again, then the server could be down. Please call the Helpdesk and inform them of the problem.

	How can I update the printing parameters.
	Under the Marinet Administration Module, select "Printing". You can update the printing parameters from there. Printing parameters can only be updated by your ISC.

	Do I need to specify a printer-id?
	You only need to specify a printer-id if you are using a network printer.

	I encountered the message "VBScript error, object does not support this property/matter".
	Please advise.
	You may have an older version of the VBScript engine on your PC. Please download and install the latest VBScript engine from Marinet. You can find the VBScript engine under Marinet Utilities Module. Alternatively, you can download directly from Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/vbscript/scripting.asp . You can find more details on the downloading and installing procedures in the user manual (pg 11).

	How do I align the Port Clearance Certificate (EPC) with the printer for printing?
	There is no specific alignment for the printing of EPC mainly because different printers have different settings. But a general guideline is to align the top edge of the Port Clearance form to the printer head. This is only for the top down alignment. As for the left-right alignment, you may need to print out a few certificates before you are able to confirm the alignment.

	I encountered a message "Error Printing Opal Page" while trying to print using the "Print Screen"
	function. Please advise.
	There are 3 possibilities. Firstly, ensure that the power is on and the printer is in ready mode. Secondly, check that your printer is set as the default printer in the printer settings inside Control Panel. Finally, verify that you have the correct drivers installed for your printer. To do that, look at the model of your printer and ensure that the model is the same as the model that is found in the Printers settings in Control Panel.

	While printing the Port Clearance Certificate, the Certificate roll out of the printer before the printer starts to
	print.
	This is probably due to wrong alignment of the Port Clearance Certificate. Realign the Port Clearance Certificate as instructed above and print again.

	When printing the Port Clearance Certificate, garbage is printed on the form.
	This may due to printer problem. Ensure that you have the correct drivers installed for the printer, restart the printer and try again.