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

Key Concepts

• Maritime Security Operations: The video details various operations undertaken by the Police Coast Guard (PCG) to ensure the safety and security of Singapore's waters.
• Weapon Proficiency and Re-certification: Regular training and re-certification courses are crucial for officers to maintain competency in using heavy weaponry like the M2 Browning machine gun.
• Vessel Boarding and Inspection (RAS): The Ramaging and Anti-mugging Specialist (RAS) team conducts thorough checks on vessels for illegal items such as weapons and drugs.
• Navigational Systems and Surveillance: Advanced technology like onboard navigational systems, electro-optics cameras with 360° capability, and radar are used for monitoring and identifying vessels.
• Contraband Detection: Officers are trained to identify and seize contraband, including duty-unpaid cigarettes, which are illegal in Singapore for certain vessel types.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): The PCG is involved in search and rescue operations, particularly in cases of vessel collisions or men overboard, where swift action is critical.
• Island Patrols and Security: The PCG patrols various islands in Singapore's southern waters to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent illegal activities.
• Event Security: The PCG provides security for high-profile events, working in conjunction with land division officers to cover all areas and ensure the safety of VIPs.
• Challenges in Maritime Operations: The video highlights challenges such as unpredictable weather, seasickness, low visibility, and the porous nature of the sea, which complicate patrols and searches.

Maritime Security Operations and Event Coverage

The video showcases the multifaceted role of the Police Coast Guard (PCG) in maintaining Singapore's maritime security. Operations range from routine patrols and high-level event security to specialized boarding operations and search and rescue missions.

National Day Parade (NDP) Security

The PCG plays a vital role in securing major national events. During the 60th National Day celebrations, which involved over a thousand attendees and foreign/local VIPs, the PCG was on high alert. A key concern was the presence of an unauthorized drone near the Esplanade Bridge. The PCG's aerial surveillance confirmed the drone was being closed by SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) and was authorized, thus posing no threat. The PCG also emphasized the need to pay extra attention to the crowd during fireworks due to the loud noise, which could be used as a cover for malicious activities. They collaborate with land division officers to monitor public behavior and respond to any abnormal sightings.

Weapon Proficiency and Re-certification

A significant portion of the video focuses on the re-certification course for officers in the southern region to ensure their competence in using the M2 Browning machine gun. This yearly course is mandatory for all ranks.

• Weapon: M2 Browning machine gun.
• Purpose: To ensure officers are competent in operating the weapon for potential real-life situations.
• Methodology: Live firing exercises using targets at a distance of 500 meters.
• Key Elements:
  • Range Adjustment: Increasing the manual range to 500 meters.
  • Firing Commands: Officers must listen to and repeat commands from the crew commander before executing actions. Examples include "Hey gun low burst 20 round fire" and "Hey gun low burst 30 round fire."
  • Weapon Handling: Officers are assessed on their ability to handle the weapon correctly, including trigger control.
  • Accuracy Assessment: Even when rounds miss the target, officers must know how to use fire control to adjust their aim.
  • Assessment Criteria: A pass or fail system is in place. Failure means an officer cannot execute a shoot in a real-life situation.
• Outcome: All officers passed the test, demonstrating effective use of the weapon and achieving significant target destruction.

Patrols and Surveillance in Southern Waters

The PCG conducts extensive patrols in the southern part of Singapore to prevent intrusions.

• Navigational Challenges: At sea, there are no physical markers, so the PCG relies on onboard navigational systems and radar, which display a boundary line (yellow line) to stay within Singapore's territorial waters.
• Seasickness: Officers can experience nausea due to unpredictable weather and choppy waves, with strategies like looking far out at sea to suppress symptoms.
• Electro-optics Camera: This camera, mounted on top of the vessel, offers 360° capability and can detect heat signatures even in low light. It also has a track function to monitor vessel movements.
• Contact Identification: The camera and radar are used to identify and track fast-moving vessels, especially those outside Singapore borders, to observe their activities and prevent unauthorized entry.

Vessel Boarding and Inspection (RAS Operations)

The Ramaging and Anti-mugging Specialist (RAS) team is deployed for thorough checks on vessels entering Singapore waters.

• Objective: To search for illegal items such as weapons and drugs in all compartments and confined spaces.
• Trigger for Inspection: Vessels that have just entered Singapore waters, especially after long voyages, are prioritized due to the potential for carrying contraband.
• Process:
  1. Preparation: Fenders are deployed on the port side for boarding.
  2. Crew Verification: All crew members are gathered for verification against the crew listing to ensure no illegal immigrants are on board.
  3. Compartment Search: Thorough checks are conducted in engine rooms, accommodations, and other enclosed spaces.
  4. Portable Camera Usage: A portable camera is used to inspect high, small, or low-light areas.
• Case Study: The Ceremonial Sword: During a RAS inspection, a ceremonial sword was discovered. The chief engineer declared it was a graduation gift from maritime school and had been on board since. While not seized, the master was instructed to secure it in his room under lock and key, with a warning against sharpening it. This highlights the PCG's approach to items that may be considered weapons but have a specific context.
• Contraband Detection (Cigarettes): The PCG enforces strict regulations on duty-unpaid cigarettes. Vessels below 75 NRT are not allowed to possess any duty-unpaid cigarettes, which are considered contraband. In one instance, 599 sticks of cigarettes were found, with 231 undeclared and 268 declared. This led to frustration as officers suspected intentional hiding.

Patrols in the South China Sea and Pedral Brana

The PCG patrols extend to the South China Sea and areas like Pedral Brana, requiring larger vessels and crew due to distance and harsher sea states.

• Vessel: Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC), the largest vessel in the PCG fleet, is used for longer patrols.
• Pedral Brana Patrols:
  • Distance: Approximately 35 nautical miles from mainland Singapore.
  • Route: Through the Singapore Strait, a busy "expressway on waters" with many large vessels, requiring extreme caution.
  • Objective: To ensure the safety of international shipping and prevent illegal activities.
  • Watch Rotation: Watches are rotated every 4 hours.
  • Challenges: Seasickness, difficulty cooking meals due to boat rocking, and the need for self-sufficiency during 24-hour patrols.
  • Monsoon Season: Avoidance of cooking due to flying objects, reliance on cup noodles or porridge.
• Female Officer's Experience: One female officer shared her experience of being the only female on the team, emphasizing mutual respect and a natural working environment.
• Fishing Craft Detection: The EO (Electro-optics) camera and radar are used to detect and monitor fishing craft, such as a "one ton fishing craft" at a distance of 1.7 nautical miles.
• Visibility Challenges: Far from mainland Singapore, visibility is a major challenge, especially during no-moon phases. Reliance on radar and lookouts is crucial for detecting small vessels.

Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations

The PCG is the first responder for maritime threats and conducts SAR operations.

• Collision Incident: The PCG responded to a suspected collision between two vessels.
  • Scenario: A supply vessel collided with a tanker and sank. The supply vessel was approximately 25 meters long, while the tanker was much larger.
  • Debris: The collision resulted in debris, including food supplies, floating in the water, posing a hazard to navigation. The Maritime Port Authority was informed to clear the debris.
  • Men Overboard: In cases of men overboard, early detection is critical due to the risk of being pushed away by currents. The PCG emphasizes acting "ASAP" as survival chances decrease significantly with time.
  • Challenges in SAR: Darkness, low visibility, and numerous small vessels crossing paths make locating individuals difficult.

Island Patrols and Security

The PCG patrols southern islands like St. John's, Sisters, Kusu, and Lazarus.

• Role: The PCG is the sole law enforcement agency on these islands.
• Methodology: Cursory checks using electro-optics to scan for suspicious activities or craft.
• Protected Areas: Islands like Pulau Bukom and Sabaro have existing security and are not patrolled by the PCG.
• Lazarus Island: Known for its clear waters and recreational activities, requiring foot patrols to ensure safety.
• Common Incidents: Medical evacuations (e.g., stonefish stings, jellyfish encounters) and disputes between members of the public.

Inner Water Patrols and Event Security

The PCG also patrols inner waters for special events.

• Parliament Opening: The opening of the 15th Parliament was a high-level security event requiring close coordination with land division officers.
• Focus: Ensuring the safety and security of ministers and political office holders.
• Suspicious Item Detection: Officers look for unattended bags, boxes, suspicious persons, and suspicious craft alongside piers.

Deterrence of Crime

The PCG's operations are aimed at deterring all types of crimes at sea. This includes rigorous searches for illegal items and maintaining a visible presence.

Conclusion

The video provides a comprehensive overview of the Singapore Police Coast Guard's extensive operations, highlighting their dedication to maritime security, their advanced technological capabilities, their rigorous training standards, and their ability to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents, from national celebrations to emergencies at sea. The PCG's commitment to safeguarding Singapore's waters is evident through their constant vigilance and preparedness.