How They Defend Singapore's Waters: Inside The Police Coast Guard - Part 1/2

Key Concepts

• Maritime Security: The overarching theme of ensuring safety and security in maritime domains.
• Police Coast Guard (PCG): The primary agency responsible for maritime law enforcement and security in Singapore.
• Patrol: Regular surveillance of designated areas to deter illegal activities and respond to incidents.
• Pre-check: Essential equipment inspection before commencing a patrol shift.
• Floating Sea Barrier: Physical structures used to demarcate territorial waters and prevent unauthorized entry.
• Illegal Entry/Exit: Unauthorized movement of individuals or goods across maritime borders.
• Piracy/Robbery at Sea: Criminal acts involving the seizure of vessels or cargo and the taking of hostages.
• Jurisdiction: The authority of a law enforcement agency to act within a specific geographical area.
• First Responder: The initial agency to arrive at and manage a maritime incident.
• Emergency Response Team (ERT): Specialized units trained for high-risk boarding operations.
• Coastal Hardening Strike Force (CHSF): Units focused on land-based patrols along coastal areas to prevent criminal activities.
• Control Items: Goods that are regulated or illegal to possess or trade in Singapore (e.g., chewing tobacco, vaporizers).
• Scene Recollection: The process of revisiting a crime scene to gather further evidence or clarify details.
• Electro-optics/Thermal Imaging: Advanced surveillance technologies used for enhanced detection capabilities.
• Rapid Transit System (RTS): The ferry service connecting Singapore and Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
• National Day Security: Heightened security measures during national celebrations to manage large crowds and potential threats.
• Naval Divers: Specialized personnel trained for underwater operations.

Maritime Patrol and Security Operations

This transcript details the multifaceted operations of the Police Coast Guard (PCG) in maintaining Singapore's maritime security. The PCG conducts extensive patrols, responds to emergencies, and engages in coastal surveillance to deter and combat various maritime threats.

Pre-Patrol Procedures and Routine Surveillance

Before embarking on a 12-hour shift, PCG officers meticulously check all equipment on their patrol boats. This pre-check is crucial for ensuring operational readiness. The PCG operates from regional bases, with different units covering specific sectors of Singapore's northern waters. Their routine patrols involve inspecting fencing and floating sea barriers to identify any damages, which are vital for preventing inclusions (likely referring to unauthorized entry) and illegal entry into Singapore.

Officers regularly interact with vessels, such as those bringing seafood supplies, and must remain vigilant as the open sea presents a higher chance of illegal entry and exit, leading to potential illegal activities. The sheer volume of vessels, estimated at 30 to 40 per day, necessitates constant alertness.

Response to Piracy and Unauthorized Boarding

A significant incident described involves a suspected collision between two vessels, leading to a distress call. The PCG was activated to respond to a situation where a vessel reported four armed perpetrators with knives who had boarded and taken hostages. The incident occurred at 12:00 a.m. outside Singapore waters in the Philip Channel, a narrow section of the Singapore Strait between Singapore and Indonesia.

The PCG's jurisdiction is limited to Singapore's territorial waters. As the incident occurred half a kilometer outside Singapore's waters, the PCG could not intervene until the vessel entered their jurisdiction. Upon boarding, the PCG officers identified the vessel as a B-carrier with 21 crew members.

The boarding operation involved an Emergency Response Team (ERT), with a police craft providing cover fire. The ERT's objective was to secure the vessel, starting with sweeping the weather deck and proceeding to the wheelhouse to establish contact with the captain. The perpetrators had locked the stairways to the upper deck, preventing them from reaching the wheelhouse where the crew had gathered.

During the debrief with the captain, it was revealed that the perpetrators had taken the second engineer hostage. The captain provided a crew list and passports, noting that most crew members were of mixed nationality. The vessel's last loading port was Ukraine, and it was en route to China after panicking (likely a mistranscription for "bunkering" or a similar process) in Singapore. The crew reported being scared but not injured.

The captain described the incident occurring while navigating, with an engine room call reporting four robbers inside. The B-carrier was described as being as large as three football fields, highlighting the challenge of searching for perpetrators. The officers expressed anxiety due to the potential danger behind every door.

Coastal Hardening Strike Force (CHSF) Operations

Beyond sea patrols, the PCG also conducts land patrols along Singapore's coastal line as part of their Coastal Hardening Strike Force (CHSF) duties. This involves patrolling areas like the seafront of Punggol, which can be difficult terrain. Officers are vigilant for criminal activities and good activities (likely a mistranscription for "illegal activities" or "suspicious activities").

During these patrols, officers inspect fenced areas for tampering and look out for potential swimmers or illegal immigrants. Their familiarity with the shoreline is a significant advantage. In one instance, a CHSF officer stopped a vehicle for a routine check due to suspicious activity. The search uncovered what is believed to be large amounts of chewing tobacco and electronic vaporizers (vapes), which are controlled items and illegal in Singapore. The driver was questioned about the origin of the items and the payment received, which was reportedly $60 to $70 per trip. The investigation involved the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), as the seized items fell under their purview. The seizure was significant, with an estimated 3,870 sticks of chewing tobacco, described as the largest seizure detected by the officer.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

In the piracy incident, the PCG conducted a thorough search of the B-carrier. The ERT officers searched the vessel for the perpetrators. The lack of CCTV on the ship complicated the investigation. The officers noted that engine parts can also be targets for theft, with costs ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

The engine control room, described as the "heart of the vessel," was a critical area to secure. The investigation focused on the second engineer, the sole eyewitness to the attack. The crew activated a fire alarm to alert the ship, and the captain provided instructions.

Evidence gathering included searching for footprints, as perpetrators are expected to wear bare feet for easier climbing and quieter movement. The presence of footprints not belonging to the crew was a key indicator. The investigation also considered the possibility of perpetrators escaping via a hook mark on the stern of the vessel, suggesting they may have used hooks to climb up or down. The PCG deployed two covering boats to prevent any perpetrators from escaping into Singapore territorial waters.

Apprehension of Illegal Immigrants

The PCG also plays a role in apprehending individuals attempting to leave Singapore illegally. In one scenario, an ATOSS officer from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) spotted a subject crawling near a wooden checkpoint and pipeline. A rope was found, suggesting it might have been used for climbing. The subject fled towards the bushes, leaving behind personal belongings. The PCG's role in such situations is to retrieve and apprehend individuals if they enter the water, potentially swimming or hiding in nearby vessels. Multiple agencies, including land division special operations and GC trackers, were involved in the search. The PCG utilized electro-optics and thermal imaging for enhanced surveillance capabilities, particularly in areas accessible to the public.

Patrol Craft and Operational Areas

The PCG utilizes various classes of patrol boats, including the 3-series PC class, for patrolling different areas. For the northern waters, which are closer to the shore, smaller craft are used and may not be fitted with long-range weapons. The patrol routes are designated, and onboard systems alert officers when they approach the border line.

Special Event Security

During significant events like Singapore's 60th National Day, the PCG enhances security measures. This involves inner water patrols to support land divisions, especially in areas with large crowds and VIPs. The PCG anticipates threats such as public order incidents and high-level threats. Their presence aims to provide a sense of security to the public.

During a fireworks display, the PCG positioned themselves near the SP Planet Bridge to ensure no unauthorized boats entered a gazetted area. They also monitored for potential incidents like people falling overboard. The presence of a drone near the bridge prompted an inquiry to the operations room to determine its authorization.

Interception of Vessels

The PCG maintains a constant watch for vessels approaching Singapore's borders. They monitor two fast-moving contacts spotted outside of Singapore borders and are prepared to intercept them if they enter Singapore's territorial waters.

Conclusion and Officer Sentiment

The PCG's operations are characterized by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to keeping Singapore's waters safe. Officers express satisfaction in their work, providing assurance to crews and captains that their vessels are secure. While acknowledging that their job may mean less time with family, they find fulfillment in their role of protecting the nation. The transcript highlights the dedication and professionalism of the PCG in managing a wide range of maritime security challenges.