Police Coast Guard
Encyclopedia
The Police Coast Guard (Abbreviation
: PCG; ; ) is the Marine Police
division of the Singapore Police Force
which also takes on roles of the coast guard
typically handled by the military or as separate organisations in other countries. These include the enforcement of law and order in Singapore's territorial waters, and Search and Rescue
operations in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
. Currently headquartered in Brani Regional Base at 11 Brani Way on Pulau Brani
, Singapore
, it traces a history of about 170 years.
, problems of piracy
has accompanied its early maritime history until the 1840s when Temmenggong Daeng Ibrahim and his son, Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor
, openly supported the British efforts to fight piracy. In 1866, the police's maritime operations were formally established with the building of a floating police station. Dedicated police patrol boats began patrolling the waters around the colony.
In 1916, the Marine Branch was set up, before being established as a separate unit in 1924 and renamed as the Marine Police. The new unit built its first headquarters near Cavenagh Bridge
along the Singapore River
, and had a fleet of about 26 boats and 238 officers. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore
, all vessels of the Marine Police were confiscated by the Japanese forces. After the war, the Marine Police saw rapid growth with the establishment of sub-bases at Tanjong Kling, Pulau Ubin
and Pulau Tekong
by 1951. In 1952, the fleet was boosted to 68 as a result of a reorganisation of the Police Force, and rose to 70 during the Konfrontasi with Indonesia
in the 1960s in light of the increased operational needs.
With the attainment of independence for Singapore
in 1965, the unit was upgraded in light of increased responsibilities for the new nation. It relocated its headquarters to the new Kallang Regional Base at Kallang Basin in 1970, and became known as the Marine Division.
The Marine Division underwent a major restructuring and was renamed as the Police Coast Guard on 13 February 1993, given its expanded roles in marine security responsibilies and capabilities, including preventing the intrusion of illegal migrants and foreign government vessels, and the guarding of the Horsburgh Lighthouse
on the disputed island of Pedra Branca in the Singapore Straits. The PCG officiated the reorganisation of its operations into three squadrons, namely the Interceptor Squadron, the Port Squadron and the Coastal Patrol Squadron on 7 May 1993 and launched the Special Task Squadron (STS) on 22 January 1997.
On 20 March 2006, it relocated its headquarters to its current location at Brani Regional Base, due to the planned damming of the Marina Bay
and Kallang Basin. The new Police Coast Guard headquarters at Pulau Brani
was officially opened on 8 February 2007 by the Minister for Home Affairs, DPM Wong Kan Seng
Mission
Vision
Teo Kian Teck. It operates from four regional bases
around the island, namely the Brani Regional Base in the South, Gul Regional Base in the West, Lim Chu Kang Regional Base in the North, and Loyang Regional Base in the East. It also maintains a police post on Pulau Ubin
. Each of these regional bases are organised similarly to the Neighbourhood Police Centre
s of the land divisions, and conduct patrols within their respective maritime sectors.
The fleet is organised into three main squadrons. The Interceptor Squadron consists of PC-class high-speed patrol craft able to control the movement of illegal immigrants along the Straits of Johor
. The Port Squadron is made up of the newer generation PT-class boats (and previously the PX-class) with the primary task of ensuring the security of the Port of Singapore by responding to incidents and to project police presence. The third squadron, the Coastal Patrol Squadron, operates the PH-class Coastal Patrol Craft to secure the sea passages in Singapore waters and ensure safe passage for legitimate users.
The PCG also has an elite unit known as the Special Task Squadron (STS), activated to conduct high-risk operations where speed and firepower are deemed necessary. They were instrumental in the capture of one of the three armed robbers who infiltrated into Singapore on Pulau Tekong
in March 2004.
, Sentosa
and Pulau Ubin
.
While piracy was the main source of concern leading to the establishment of the Marine Police, it has become almost a non-issue today with no cases of piracy in Singapore's territorial waters in the last decade. Crimes in the offshore islands or in the waters are also markedly low.
In a further bid to twart illegal immigrants, the PCG erected physical barriers in the form of high fencing along critical areas of the shoreline where intrusions are common, including Lim Chu Kang
, Pulau Punggol Barat, Pulau Ubin
and the Western Live Firing Area. By the end of December 2003, the total length of fencing has reached 24.7 kilometres, although there were some protests over the potential environmental hazards the fencing may pose to natural amphibious species, particularly on Pulau Ubin. The PCG attempted to allay these fears by informing that the fencing are constructed to allow small animals to pass below them.
attacks necessitated additional attention paid to preventing possible terrorism attacks by sea, a possibility underscored during the revelation of the Singapore embassies attack plot
by the Jemaah Islamiyah
in December 2001, where it was revealed that the Changi Naval Base
was the subject of surveillance. There were also possible plans to bomb American navy ships using the narrow channel between Pulau Tekong
and Changi
in the northeast of Singapore. In response to these threats, the PCG stepped up routine checks on vessels in Singapore's territorial waters, in particular that of passenger ferries returning from regional destinations. Since late 2004, Officers were given additional training in the areas of boarding vessels for this purpose, and equipped with skills in the detection of explosives, drugs and fraudulent documents.
that would be responsible for the safeguarding of non-gazetted landing points which falls under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
or (ISPS).
before receiving specialised marine training for immediate posting within the unit upon graduation.
Due to the specialised nature of the job, officers with the PCG are less likely to transfer to other operational units. Senior Officers in the PCG are, however, usually posted there as part of their cyclical rotation amongst staff and line units after their mandatory initial posting as Investigation Officers, typically for a short stint of about two to five years. The unit's manpower is supplemented by national servicemen
, as well as officers from the Volunteer Special Constabulary
.
The evolution of uniforms worn by the Police Coast Guard largely mirrors that for the land-based divisions, with its earliest uniforms reflecting British heritage and influence. Early uniforms are based on that of navy
sailors, consisting of an all-white attire of long-sleeved shirts and shorts. Officers wore the same Khaki
-based uniforms which were introduced in the land divisions from 1890, before switching to the dacron blue uniform in 1969 along with the rest of the police force.
When the Marine Police was reorganised and renamed as the Police Coast Guard in 1993, the uniform was also changed to the Combat (or No. 4) Uniform. This uniform consisted of a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made of a slightly tougher polyester, and does away with almost all metal parts via the use of velcro
and plastic buttons. They don a blue beret
, but are permitted to wear a baseball cap while on operational duties. Footwear is in the form of lace-up leather shoes with non-slip soles. Unlike the Combat Uniform worn by other units in the police force, the uniform adopted hidden plastic buttons to avoid entanglements, and does away with garters since shoes, and not boots, are worn to allow rapid removal should water entry be required.
In May 2005, the island Patrol Uniform was introduced, consisting of a helmet, dark blue polo top and Bermudas for officers performing bicycle patrol duties on Pulau Ubin. These were introduced to project a softer image on the island where recreational activities abound, and to provide greater comfort for the officers in the humid outdoor weather.
As part of a force-wide review of the police uniforms, the PCG adopted the new combat uniform similar to that currently worn by the Special Operations Command
, albeit with a darker shade of blue. While they were introduced to overcome existing limitations of the current uniform, such as allowing for less-hindrance in body movement due to the more relaxed fit, and its non-flammable properties, they met with opposition from some officers who feel it projects the wrong image to the general public, including its "technician" look. Officers began to don the new combat uniform from 21 August 2006.
, similar to their counterparts in land divisions, as their primary side weapon. The Glock 19 pistol is also issued to Special Task Squadron officers. Other weapons such as the Heckler & Koch MP5
, the M16 rifle
are also stowed aboard each patrol craft, with a pump action shotgun
as an additional weapon for the Special Task Squadron. Mounted on the boats themselves, are weapons such as the General Purpose Machine Gun
, the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
and/or the Browning
Machine Gun, depending on the type of craft.
. The craft were upgraded and handed over by the Republic of Singapore Navy
(RSN), with the first four officially handed over on 7 May 1993 another four on 3 June 1994, and the last four on 22 January 1997. The CPCs were built between 1979 and 1980, but continued service for over two decades while a proper replacement was being sourced.
. Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul base.
. At a top speed of 40 knots (78.4 km/h), they were 10 knots (19.6 km/h) faster than the older PT class boats in the PCG when they were officially launched on 29 January 2000 Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul Base.
s suitable for cruising uprivers and large drains and introduced in 1997.
(RSN) since the 1990s, as well as with foreign agencies. Alliances were forged with the Royal Malaysian Police
Marine Operations Force
and the TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy
). It is involved in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
(CARAT) programme with the United States Coast Guard
, the RSN, and five other Southeast Asia
n countries. In 2001, it was involved in a joint anti-illegal migrant operation with the Japan Coast Guard
in Kanazawa
. The PCG also has collaborations with the Republic of Korea Coast Guard
and makes regular contacts with the Hong Kong Police Force
's Marine Region through a reciprocal attachment programme.
The PCG has collaborated with the National Police Cadet Corps
to establish sea units in secondary school
s. The first two units were set up in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
and Springfield Secondary School
in 2002, with the PCG's pool of reservists and Volunteer Special Constabulary
officers providing training for the cadets. The first all-girls sea unit was set up in Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)
in 2006. The PCG also supports the Special Tactics and Rescue
Unit’s maritime assault capability, which was launched on 2 February 2005.
Abbreviation
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Usually, but not always, it consists of a letter or group of letters taken from the word or phrase...
: PCG; ; ) is the Marine Police
Water police
Water police, also called harbour patrols, port police, marine/maritime police, nautical patrols, bay constables or river police, are police officers, usually a department of a larger police organisation, who patrol in water craft...
division of the Singapore Police Force
Singapore Police Force
The Singapore Police Force is the main agency tasked with maintaining law and order in the city-state. Formerly known as the Republic of Singapore Police , it has grown from an 11-man organisation to a 38,587 strong force...
which also takes on roles of the coast guard
Coast guard
A coast guard or coastguard is a national organization responsible for various services at sea. However the term implies widely different responsibilities in different countries, from being a heavily armed military force with customs and security duties to being a volunteer organization tasked with...
typically handled by the military or as separate organisations in other countries. These include the enforcement of law and order in Singapore's territorial waters, and Search and Rescue
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
operations in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport of the Singapore Government.-History:The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore was established on 2 February 1996 by the MPA Act of...
, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Singapore Government.-Overview:...
. Currently headquartered in Brani Regional Base at 11 Brani Way on Pulau Brani
Pulau Brani
Pulau Brani is an island located off the southern coast of Singapore, near Keppel Harbour. The island is situated between the main island of Singapore and the resort island of Sentosa, and is linked to the mainland via Brani Terminal Avenue...
, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, it traces a history of about 170 years.
History
Given Singapore's standing as a trading port since its founding in 1819Founding of modern Singapore
The founding of modern Singapore in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles paved the way for Singapore to become a modern port and established its status as a gateway between the Western and Eastern markets....
, problems of piracy
Piracy
Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea. The term can include acts committed on land, in the air, or in other major bodies of water or on a shore. It does not normally include crimes committed against persons traveling on the same vessel as the perpetrator...
has accompanied its early maritime history until the 1840s when Temmenggong Daeng Ibrahim and his son, Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor
Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor
Sultan Sir Abu Bakar ibni Daing Ibrahim was the 21st Sultan of Johor. He was also informally known as "The Father of Modern Johor", as many historians accredited Johor's development in the 19th century to Abu Bakar's leadership...
, openly supported the British efforts to fight piracy. In 1866, the police's maritime operations were formally established with the building of a floating police station. Dedicated police patrol boats began patrolling the waters around the colony.
In 1916, the Marine Branch was set up, before being established as a separate unit in 1924 and renamed as the Marine Police. The new unit built its first headquarters near Cavenagh Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge is the only suspension bridge and one of the oldest bridges in Singapore, spanning the lower reaches of the Singapore River in the Downtown Core...
along the Singapore River
Singapore River
The Singapore River is a river in Singapore with great historical importance. The Singapore River flows from the Central Area, which lies in the Central Region in the southern part of Singapore before emptying into the ocean...
, and had a fleet of about 26 boats and 238 officers. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore
Japanese Occupation of Singapore
The Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War II occurred between about 1942 and 1945 after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Military forces of the Empire of Japan occupied Singapore after defeating the combined Australian, British, Indian and Malayan garrison in the Battle of Singapore...
, all vessels of the Marine Police were confiscated by the Japanese forces. After the war, the Marine Police saw rapid growth with the establishment of sub-bases at Tanjong Kling, Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a small island situated in the north east of Singapore, to the west of Pulau Tekong. Granite quarrying supported a few thousand settlers on Pulau Ubin in the 1960s, but only about a hundred villagers live there today...
and Pulau Tekong
Pulau Tekong
Pulau Tekong is the second largest of Singapore's outlying islands with an area of 24.43 km², and the island is still expanding due to land reclamation works on its southern and northwestern coasts which will eventually subsume many of its surrounding small islets, including Pulau Tekong...
by 1951. In 1952, the fleet was boosted to 68 as a result of a reorganisation of the Police Force, and rose to 70 during the Konfrontasi with Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
in the 1960s in light of the increased operational needs.
With the attainment of independence for Singapore
Self-governance of Singapore
The self-governance of Singapore was carried out in several stages. After the British joined Singapore once more and started, without much success, dealing with post war problems, Singapore already was not happy with the British as their leaders. Since Singapore's founding in 1819, Singapore had...
in 1965, the unit was upgraded in light of increased responsibilities for the new nation. It relocated its headquarters to the new Kallang Regional Base at Kallang Basin in 1970, and became known as the Marine Division.
The Marine Division underwent a major restructuring and was renamed as the Police Coast Guard on 13 February 1993, given its expanded roles in marine security responsibilies and capabilities, including preventing the intrusion of illegal migrants and foreign government vessels, and the guarding of the Horsburgh Lighthouse
Horsburgh lighthouse
The Horsburgh Lighthouse is a lighthouse which marks the eastern entrance to the Straits of Singapore. It is situated on Pedra Branca island...
on the disputed island of Pedra Branca in the Singapore Straits. The PCG officiated the reorganisation of its operations into three squadrons, namely the Interceptor Squadron, the Port Squadron and the Coastal Patrol Squadron on 7 May 1993 and launched the Special Task Squadron (STS) on 22 January 1997.
On 20 March 2006, it relocated its headquarters to its current location at Brani Regional Base, due to the planned damming of the Marina Bay
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is a bay near Central Area in the southern part of Singapore, and lies to the east of the Downtown Core. Marina Bay is set to be a 24/7 destination with endless opportunities for people to “explore new living and lifestyle options, exchange new ideas and information for business, and be...
and Kallang Basin. The new Police Coast Guard headquarters at Pulau Brani
Pulau Brani
Pulau Brani is an island located off the southern coast of Singapore, near Keppel Harbour. The island is situated between the main island of Singapore and the resort island of Sentosa, and is linked to the mainland via Brani Terminal Avenue...
was officially opened on 8 February 2007 by the Minister for Home Affairs, DPM Wong Kan Seng
Wong Kan Seng
Wong Kan Seng is a politician from Singapore. A member of the governing People's Action Party , he served as the country's Deputy Prime Minister from 2005 to 2011...
Incidents and accidents
- On 6 December 1984, Police boat PX-5 left its base in Jurong for routine patrol. En-route, SC Abdul Rashid Bin Mohammed Said shot SGT Chin Ah Kow in the head and threw his body overboard. PC Wahid Bin Ahmad and PC Shamsudin Bin Haji Ali were forced off the boat, and subsequently found near Pulau SenangPulau SenangPulau Senang is a 81.7-hectare coral island about 13 kilometres off the southern coast of Singapore. Along with Pulau Pawai and Pulau Sudong, it is used as a military training area for live-fire exercises...
, by which time PC Wahid had drowned- On 28 December 1999, petrol bombs hurled from an escaping speedboat hit a police boat off Sembawang
SembawangSembawang is an area in the Northern-most portion of Singapore, encompassing the largest land mass within the Sembawang Group Representation Constituency. The incumbent Member of Parliament for the Sembawang Constituency is Khaw Boon Wan. The constituency jurisdiction extends into the Woodlands...
, although no one was hurt. The speedboat was attempting to smuggle in illegal migrants, and was later captured by the police.- On 3 January 2003, six officers led by DSP1 Tan Wee Wah Stephen aboard PH50 (Hammerhead Shark) assisted in the rescue of crew on the stricken Republic of Singapore Navy
Republic of Singapore NavyThe Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
ship RSS CourageousRSS CourageousRSS Courageous was a Fearless class patrol vessel of the Republic of Singapore Navy . The ship was commissioned in 1996. She was involved in a collision on 3 January 2003 with a merchant vessel ANL Indonesia off Horsburgh Lighthouse which resulted in the death of four female RSN sailors.-Synopsis...
after a collision with a merchant ship, ANL Indonesia. All the officers were subsequently awarded with the Pingat Keberanian PolisPingat Keberanian PolisThe Pingat Keberanian Polis, also known as the Police Medal of Valour and the Police Gallantry Medal, is awarded to a police officer of the Singapore Police Force who displays exceptional courage during situations of danger...
.- On 11 September 2004, a collision between a PCG boat and a cabin cruiser out on a fishing trip resulted in the death of a 47-year-old Prisons
Singapore Prison ServiceThe Singapore Prison Service is an agency of the Government of Singapore under the hierarchy of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It runs 14 prisons and drug rehabilitation centres in Singapore. It is situated at Upper Changi Road....
officer. His partner and colleague was rescued.- In March 2006, A PCG craft PT34 rammed an outrigger canoe with six crew members from the Singapore Paddle Club, resulting in injuries to three canoe crew members.
- On 13 April 2007, two Interceptor Craft of the Special Task Squadron were on ambush duty off Tuas
TuasTuas is largely an industrial zone located in the western part of Singapore. The Tuas Planning Area is located within the West Region, and is bounded by Tengeh Reservoir to the north, Strait of Johor to the west, Straits of Singapore to the south, and the Pan Island Expressway to the east.It is...
in the vicinity of Tuas Jetty, when a speedboat with six illegal immigrants and cartons of cigarettes intruded into Singapore's territorial waters at about 9.30 PM. The speedboat sped off when approached by the police, resulting in a five-minute chase which ended with a collision between one of the craft and the speedboat near Pulau MerambongPulau MerambongPulau Merambong is an uninhabited island located in Johor, Malaysia, just off the western side of the Malaysia-Singapore Border. The island is dominated by mangrove swamp.-Conservation:...
. PK 50 capsized, while the speedboat was completely wrecked. Two officers were rescued from the scene within minutes with minor injuries, while SI Mohd Khalid Bin Muhamad, 41, and SSGT Heah Khim Han, 29, who were trapped in the steering compartment, were missing. Their bodies were found on 14 April 2007 at about 8.15 AM. Three passengers on the intruding vessels were also rescued, and a fourth man found dead. The rest of the passengers were still missing. The two officers were the first casualties for the STS and the PCG since the latter's evolution from the Marine Division in 1993. It was also the first instance where a police boat has capsized and the first police fatalities as a result of a high speed chase. Both officers were posthumously promoted to the rank of Senior Station InspectorSenior Station InspectorSenior station inspector is the second highest non-commissioned officer rank in the Singapore Police Force, below that of senior station inspector ....
and Senior Staff SergeantSenior Staff SergeantA senior staff sergeant in the Singapore Police Force ranks between staff sergeant and station inspector....
respectively. - On 28 December 1999, petrol bombs hurled from an escaping speedboat hit a police boat off Sembawang
Mission and vision
The PCG has a Mission and Vision as follows:Mission
Our Mission is to ensure coastal security and maintain law and order within Singapore Territorial Waters (STW).
Vision
Our Vision is to become a world class maritime policing agency dedicated to providing quality service and achieving high standards of professionalism and operational excellence. We will be a caring, progressive and cohesive organisation. We help build Singapore into our best home by preserving the security and integrity of our territorial waters.
Organisation
The Police Coast Guard is currently headed by Senior Assistant CommissionerSenior Assistant Commissioner
Senior assistant commissioner is a rank used in the Singapore Police Force and in the New South Wales Police Force of Australia.-Australia:The rank of senior assistant commissioner is only used in the New South Wales Police Force, where it is senior to the rank of assistant commissioner and junior...
Teo Kian Teck. It operates from four regional bases
Establishments and installations of the Singapore Police Force
The following lists the establishments and installations of the Singapore Police Force. Facilities which are co-located are listed with the building name, if any.-External links:*...
around the island, namely the Brani Regional Base in the South, Gul Regional Base in the West, Lim Chu Kang Regional Base in the North, and Loyang Regional Base in the East. It also maintains a police post on Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a small island situated in the north east of Singapore, to the west of Pulau Tekong. Granite quarrying supported a few thousand settlers on Pulau Ubin in the 1960s, but only about a hundred villagers live there today...
. Each of these regional bases are organised similarly to the Neighbourhood Police Centre
Neighbourhood Police Centre
A neighbourhood police centre is a mid-sized police station in Singapore, introduced in 1997 to replace the Singapore Police Force's Neighbourhood Police Post system...
s of the land divisions, and conduct patrols within their respective maritime sectors.
The fleet is organised into three main squadrons. The Interceptor Squadron consists of PC-class high-speed patrol craft able to control the movement of illegal immigrants along the Straits of Johor
Straits of Johor
The Straits of Johor is a strait that separates the Malaysian state of Johor to the north from Singapore to the south....
. The Port Squadron is made up of the newer generation PT-class boats (and previously the PX-class) with the primary task of ensuring the security of the Port of Singapore by responding to incidents and to project police presence. The third squadron, the Coastal Patrol Squadron, operates the PH-class Coastal Patrol Craft to secure the sea passages in Singapore waters and ensure safe passage for legitimate users.
The PCG also has an elite unit known as the Special Task Squadron (STS), activated to conduct high-risk operations where speed and firepower are deemed necessary. They were instrumental in the capture of one of the three armed robbers who infiltrated into Singapore on Pulau Tekong
Pulau Tekong
Pulau Tekong is the second largest of Singapore's outlying islands with an area of 24.43 km², and the island is still expanding due to land reclamation works on its southern and northwestern coasts which will eventually subsume many of its surrounding small islets, including Pulau Tekong...
in March 2004.
Operations
The Police Coast Guard conducts round-the-clock patrols in Singapore's territorial waters from its four regional bases, in an area of more than 200 square nautical miles (700 km²). It is also responsible for maintaining law and order on most of Singapore's islands, except those which are directly accessible by road from the main island, such as Jurong IslandJurong Island
Jurong Island is an artificial island located to the southwest of the main island of Singapore, off Jurong Industrial Estate. It was formed from the amalgamation of seven offshore islands, the islands of Pulau Ayer Chawan, Pulau Ayer Merbau, Pulau Merlimau, Pulau Pesek, Pulau Pesek Kechil , Pulau...
, Sentosa
Sentosa
Sentosa, which translates to peace and tranquility in Malay , is a popular island resort in Singapore, visited by some five million people a year...
and Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a small island situated in the north east of Singapore, to the west of Pulau Tekong. Granite quarrying supported a few thousand settlers on Pulau Ubin in the 1960s, but only about a hundred villagers live there today...
.
While piracy was the main source of concern leading to the establishment of the Marine Police, it has become almost a non-issue today with no cases of piracy in Singapore's territorial waters in the last decade. Crimes in the offshore islands or in the waters are also markedly low.
Maritime border control
The control of illegal migrants entering Singapore's waters has become one of the most visible roles of the PCG, however, aided in part by constant media reports on such arrests. On 17 August 2006, its arrest of 22 illegal migrants in four separate incidents was touted as the largest number arrested by the PCG in a day by the media. While the number of intrusions has been drastically reduced in recent years with the acquisition of radar and other sophisticated night-vision equipment, the attraction of Singapore as a migrant destination continues to pose a constant operational challenge to the PCG.| Fiscal Year | Illegal immigrants arrested | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 49 | |
| 2003 | 133 | |
| 2004 | 171 | |
| 2005 | 158 | |
| 2006 | 234 | |
| 2007 | 185 |
In a further bid to twart illegal immigrants, the PCG erected physical barriers in the form of high fencing along critical areas of the shoreline where intrusions are common, including Lim Chu Kang
Lim Chu Kang
Lim Chu Kang is a planning area located in the northwestern part of Singapore.-History:Lim Chu Kang Village was founded by Neo Tiew , a Chinese immigrant who was the sheriff of the village. The village is on the banks of the Sungei Kranji and was controlled by the Lim clan. Neo Tiew also set up a...
, Pulau Punggol Barat, Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin is a small island situated in the north east of Singapore, to the west of Pulau Tekong. Granite quarrying supported a few thousand settlers on Pulau Ubin in the 1960s, but only about a hundred villagers live there today...
and the Western Live Firing Area. By the end of December 2003, the total length of fencing has reached 24.7 kilometres, although there were some protests over the potential environmental hazards the fencing may pose to natural amphibious species, particularly on Pulau Ubin. The PCG attempted to allay these fears by informing that the fencing are constructed to allow small animals to pass below them.
Terrorism
The heightened security alert after the September 11, 2001 attacksSeptember 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
attacks necessitated additional attention paid to preventing possible terrorism attacks by sea, a possibility underscored during the revelation of the Singapore embassies attack plot
Singapore embassies attack plot
The Singapore embassies attack plot was a plan in 2001 by Jemaah Islamiyah to bomb the diplomatic missions and attack personnel of the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Israel based in Singapore. There were also several other targets. The plot was uncovered in December 2001 and as...
by the Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiah , is a Southeast Asian militant Islamic organization dedicated to the establishment of a Daulah Islamiyah in Southeast Asia incorporating Indonesia, Malaysia, the southern Philippines, Singapore and Brunei...
in December 2001, where it was revealed that the Changi Naval Base
Changi Naval Base
Changi Naval Base is the latest naval facility of the Republic of Singapore Navy and was built to replace Brani Naval Base. Located about 1.5 kilometres east of Changi Air Base and 3.5 kilometres east of Singapore Changi Airport, the base was built on 1.28 km² of reclaimed land, it was...
was the subject of surveillance. There were also possible plans to bomb American navy ships using the narrow channel between Pulau Tekong
Pulau Tekong
Pulau Tekong is the second largest of Singapore's outlying islands with an area of 24.43 km², and the island is still expanding due to land reclamation works on its southern and northwestern coasts which will eventually subsume many of its surrounding small islets, including Pulau Tekong...
and Changi
Changi
Changi is an area at the eastern end of Singapore. It is now the site of Singapore Changi Airport/Changi Air Base, Changi Naval Base and is also home to Changi Prison, site of the former Japanese Prisoner of War Camp during World War II which held Allied prisoners captured in Singapore and Malaysia...
in the northeast of Singapore. In response to these threats, the PCG stepped up routine checks on vessels in Singapore's territorial waters, in particular that of passenger ferries returning from regional destinations. Since late 2004, Officers were given additional training in the areas of boarding vessels for this purpose, and equipped with skills in the detection of explosives, drugs and fraudulent documents.
Coastal Security Force
The Police Coast Guard would be providing manpower to a new setup called the Coastal Security Force. The Coastal Security Force is a unit under the Maritime and Port Authority of SingaporeMaritime and Port Authority of Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is a statutory board under the Ministry of Transport of the Singapore Government.-History:The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore was established on 2 February 1996 by the MPA Act of...
that would be responsible for the safeguarding of non-gazetted landing points which falls under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea Convention on minimum security arrangements for ships, ports and government agencies...
or (ISPS).
Manpower
The Police Coast Guard has a strength of over 1,000, one of the largest amongst the operational units in the Singapore Police Force. It has traditionally drawn its manpower from a common pool of officers as is the case with land divisions and most other line units. The majority were posted to the unit immediately after basic police training, while the rest were transferred from other divisions or units. In recent years, it offered an option for aspiring regular officers to apply directly to join the unit, thus needing only to attend common courses at the Home Team AcademyHome Team Academy
The Home Team Academy is the training institute for various organisations of the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singapore, including the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Central Narcotics Bureau, the Singapore Prison Service, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority,...
before receiving specialised marine training for immediate posting within the unit upon graduation.
Due to the specialised nature of the job, officers with the PCG are less likely to transfer to other operational units. Senior Officers in the PCG are, however, usually posted there as part of their cyclical rotation amongst staff and line units after their mandatory initial posting as Investigation Officers, typically for a short stint of about two to five years. The unit's manpower is supplemented by national servicemen
National Service in Singapore
Conscription in Singapore, called National Service , requires all male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents who have reached the age of 18 to enrol in the military...
, as well as officers from the Volunteer Special Constabulary
Volunteer Special Constabulary
The Volunteer Special Constabulary is an important component of the Singapore Police Force, contributing more than fifty years of volunteer service to the nation...
.
Uniforms
Navy
A navy is the branch of a nation's armed forces principally designated for naval and amphibious warfare; namely, lake- or ocean-borne combat operations and related functions...
sailors, consisting of an all-white attire of long-sleeved shirts and shorts. Officers wore the same Khaki
Khaki
This article is about the fabric. For the color, see Khaki . Kaki, another name for the persimmon, is often misspelled "Khaki".Khaki is a type of fabric or the color of such fabric...
-based uniforms which were introduced in the land divisions from 1890, before switching to the dacron blue uniform in 1969 along with the rest of the police force.
When the Marine Police was reorganised and renamed as the Police Coast Guard in 1993, the uniform was also changed to the Combat (or No. 4) Uniform. This uniform consisted of a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made of a slightly tougher polyester, and does away with almost all metal parts via the use of velcro
Velcro
Velcro is the brand name of the first commercially marketed fabric hook-and-loop fastener, invented in 1948 by the Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral...
and plastic buttons. They don a blue beret
Beret
A beret is a soft, round, flat-crowned hat, designated a "cap", usually of woven, hand-knitted wool, crocheted cotton, or wool felt, or acrylic fiber....
, but are permitted to wear a baseball cap while on operational duties. Footwear is in the form of lace-up leather shoes with non-slip soles. Unlike the Combat Uniform worn by other units in the police force, the uniform adopted hidden plastic buttons to avoid entanglements, and does away with garters since shoes, and not boots, are worn to allow rapid removal should water entry be required.
In May 2005, the island Patrol Uniform was introduced, consisting of a helmet, dark blue polo top and Bermudas for officers performing bicycle patrol duties on Pulau Ubin. These were introduced to project a softer image on the island where recreational activities abound, and to provide greater comfort for the officers in the humid outdoor weather.
As part of a force-wide review of the police uniforms, the PCG adopted the new combat uniform similar to that currently worn by the Special Operations Command
Special Operations Command (Singapore)
The Special Operations Command is a frontline unit of the Singapore Police Force grouping together various specialist units into a single strategic reserve of the regular forces to be called upon in any contingency and serious case of public disorder.Today, the unit is composed of:The SOC also...
, albeit with a darker shade of blue. While they were introduced to overcome existing limitations of the current uniform, such as allowing for less-hindrance in body movement due to the more relaxed fit, and its non-flammable properties, they met with opposition from some officers who feel it projects the wrong image to the general public, including its "technician" look. Officers began to don the new combat uniform from 21 August 2006.
Firearms and equipment
Officers of the PCG are equipped with the Taurus Model 85Taurus Model 85
The Taurus Model 85 is a small-frame revolver manufactured by the Brazilian firearm company Taurus International.The Model 85 is available in several configurations. These include blued steel, stainless steel, and "Ultralite" variants constructed of aluminum and titanium, with steel lockwork...
, similar to their counterparts in land divisions, as their primary side weapon. The Glock 19 pistol is also issued to Special Task Squadron officers. Other weapons such as the Heckler & Koch MP5
Heckler & Koch MP5
The Heckler & Koch MP5 is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar....
, the M16 rifle
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
are also stowed aboard each patrol craft, with a pump action shotgun
Pump action shotgun
Pump-action shotguns, also called 'slide action repeating shotguns' or 'slide action shotguns' are a class of shotguns that are distinguished in the way in which spent shells are extracted and fresh ones are chambered. The weapon has a single barrel above a tube magazine into which shells are...
as an additional weapon for the Special Task Squadron. Mounted on the boats themselves, are weapons such as the General Purpose Machine Gun
General purpose machine gun
A general-purpose machine gun is a multi-purpose weapon: it is a machine gun firing a full-power rifle cartridge and which can be used in a variety of roles, from a bipod- or tripod-mounted infantry support weapon to a helicopter door gun or a vehicle-mounted support weapon...
, the Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
Oerlikon 20 mm cannon
The Oerlikon 20 mm cannon is a series of autocannons, based on an original design by Reinhold Becker of Germany, very early in World War I, and widely produced by Oerlikon Contraves and others...
and/or the Browning
Browning Arms Company
Browning Arms Company is a maker of firearms, bows and fishing gear. Founded in Utah in 1927, it offers a wide variety of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, pistols, and rimfire firearms and sport bows, as well as fishing rods and reels....
Machine Gun, depending on the type of craft.
Current fleet
There are currently eight types of boats utilised by the PCG, namely the Command Boat, the Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC), three types of PT boats, the new PC class Patrol Craft, the PK class Interceptor Craft for the Special Task Squadron, and the PJ Class inflatable boats for localised patrols, particularly up smaller rivers and canals.Command Boat (PT Class)
The two Command Boats in operation are slightly larger versions of the regular Patrol Craft, and built by Asia-Pacific Geraldton in 1998.| Ships |
|
| Length | 20 metres |
| Beam | 6.3 metres |
| Draft | 1 metre |
| Speed | 30 knots (58.8 km/h) |
| Weapons | 2x General Purpose Machine Guns |
Coastal Patrol Craft (PH Class)
The PCG operates a fleet of 12 Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC) for securing Singapore's territorial waters, including the waters surrounding the Horsburgh LighthouseHorsburgh lighthouse
The Horsburgh Lighthouse is a lighthouse which marks the eastern entrance to the Straits of Singapore. It is situated on Pedra Branca island...
. The craft were upgraded and handed over by the Republic of Singapore Navy
Republic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
(RSN), with the first four officially handed over on 7 May 1993 another four on 3 June 1994, and the last four on 22 January 1997. The CPCs were built between 1979 and 1980, but continued service for over two decades while a proper replacement was being sourced.
| Ships |
|
| Displacement | 45.7 tonnes |
| Length | 22.7 metres |
| Beam | 6.2 metres |
| Draft | 1.6 metres |
| Speed | 20 knots (39 km/h) |
| Weapons | Oerlikon 20 mm cannon, 2 x 0.5" Browning Machine Gun |
| Small Arms | Carbine, HK5 & Pistol. |
New Coastal Patrol Craft
In 2006, the PCG signed a contract with Damen Shipyard to build 10 specially designed boats, the Damen StanPatrol 3507 to replace its aging Coastal Patrol Craft. The first vessel PH51 Mako Shark was commissioned on 3 February 2009.| Ships |
|
| Displacement | 140 tonnes |
| Length | 35 metres |
| Beam | 7.4 metres |
| Draft | ?? metres |
| Speed | 35 knots (69 km/h) |
| Weapons | 1× Mk 23 Rafael Typhoon weapon system Typhoon Weapon System The Typhoon is a type of remote weapon station manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel, and it shares similar design principles and common technologies with Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station , a land-based system manufactured by the same developer... /25mm Bushmaster chain gun and 2× CIS 50 12.7 mm machine guns CIS 50MG The CIS 50MG is a gas-operated, air-cooled, belt-fed heavy machine gun developed and manufactured by Chartered Industries of Singapore in the late 1980s, in response to a request by the Singaporean Defence Ministry to replace the venerable 12.7mm Browning M2HB machine guns then in ubiquitous... |
| Small Arms | Carbine, HK5 & Pistol. |
Patrol Craft (1st Generation, PT Class)
The oldest generation of Patrol Craft in PCG service (as of December 2007) were built in 1984. Odd numbered craft are mostly based in Gul Base, while PT2 to Pt6 are in Brani.| Ships |
|
| Displacement | 20 tonnes |
| Length | 14.54 metres |
| Beam | 4.23 metres |
| Draft | 1.2 metres |
| Speed | 30 knots (58.8 km/h) |
| Weapons | General Purpose Machine Gun |
Patrol Craft (2nd Generation, PT Class)
The second generation of Patrol Craft were built between 1987 and 1989, including the two Command Boats. Another four boats are operated by the Immigration and Checkpoints AuthorityImmigration and Checkpoints Authority
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Singapore Government.-Overview:...
. Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul base.
| Ships |
|
| Length | 14.8 metres |
| Beam | 4.23 metres |
| Draft | 1.2 metres |
| Speed | 30 knots (58.8 km/h) |
| Weapons | General Purpose Machine Gun |
Patrol Craft (3rd Generation, PT Class)
The third generation of Patrol Craft were introduced in 1998, with 18 built in 1999 and another seven in 2000. They are the Stingray 18WJ Class manufactured by Strategic MarineStrategic Marine
Strategic Marine Pty Ltd is a Western Australian-based shipbuilding company with facilities at Henderson in Western Australia, Vung Tau in Vietnam, Tuas in Singapore and Mazatlán in Mexico.-History:...
. At a top speed of 40 knots (78.4 km/h), they were 10 knots (19.6 km/h) faster than the older PT class boats in the PCG when they were officially launched on 29 January 2000 Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul Base.
| Ships |
|
 |
| Length | 18 metres | |
| Beam | 5.4 metres | |
| Draft | 0.9 metres | |
| Speed | 40 knots (78.4 km/h) | |
| Weapons | 2X General Purpose Machine Gun |
New Generation Patrol Craft (PC Class)
The New Generation Patrol Craft, also known as the Fast Response Craft, were delivered from the year 2002. There are currently 32 in active service. Even-numbered craft are based in Loyang Base, while odd-numbered craft are in Lim Chu Kang.| Ships |
|
| Length | 11.5 metres |
| Beam | 3.4 metres |
| Draft | 0.5 metres |
| Speed | 40 knots (78.4 km/h) |
Interceptor Craft (PK Class)
There are two generations of Interceptor Craft in service, with the first delivered in 1995. The second generation of six boats with a different colour scheme and modified design was introduced in 1999 and officially launched on 29 January 2000.| Ships |
|
|
| Length | 12 metres | |
| Beam | 3.6 metres | |
| Draft | 0.8 metres | |
| Speed | 50 knots (98 km/h) | |
| Weapons | General Purpose Machine Gun |
Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats ( PJ Class)
The PJ Class of rigid-hulled inflatable boatRigid-hulled inflatable boat
A rigid-hulled inflatable boat, or rigid-inflatable boat is a light-weight but high-performance and high-capacity boat constructed with a solid, shaped hull and flexible tubes at the gunwale. The design is stable and seaworthy...
s suitable for cruising uprivers and large drains and introduced in 1997.
| Ships |
|
| Length | 6.0 metres |
| Beam | 2.5 metres |
| Draft | 0.8 metres |
| Speed | 40 knots (78.4 km/h) |
Other
There are several other types of fast craft boats playing a supportive role. The following is a list of 2nd generation PK class vessels. They have been renumbered and are put into normal patrol operations.| Ships |
|
Collaborations
The PCG has engaged in joint operations with the Republic of Singapore NavyRepublic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
(RSN) since the 1990s, as well as with foreign agencies. Alliances were forged with the Royal Malaysian Police
Royal Malaysian Police
The Royal Malaysia Police is a part of the security forces structure in Malaysia. The force is a centralised organization with responsibilities ranging from traffic control to intelligence gathering. Its headquarters is located at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. The police force is led by an...
Marine Operations Force
Marine Operations Force
The Marine Operations Force is the Marine Police division of the Royal Malaysia Police tasked with maintaining law and order and coordinating search and rescue operations in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and on the high seas...
and the TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy
Indonesian Navy
The role of the Indonesian Navy is to patrol of Indonesia's immense coastline, to ensure safeguard the territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone , to protect Indonesia's maritime strategic interests, to protect the islands surrounded Indonesia and to defend against seaborne threats. The TNI...
). It is involved in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training
The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training is a series of annual bilateral military exercises conducted by United States Pacific Fleet with several member nations of ASEAN in Southeast Asia. Currently, the navies of Bangledesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,...
(CARAT) programme with the United States Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
, the RSN, and five other Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
n countries. In 2001, it was involved in a joint anti-illegal migrant operation with the Japan Coast Guard
Japan Coast Guard
The , formerly the Maritime Safety Agency, is the Japanese coast guard. Comprising about 12,000 personnel, it is under the oversight of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and is responsible for the protection the coast-lines of Japan...
in Kanazawa
Kanazawa, Ishikawa
is the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan.-Geography, climate, and population:Kanazawa sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by the Japan Alps, Hakusan National Park and Noto Peninsula National Park. The city sits between the Sai and Asano rivers. Its total area is 467.77 km².Kanazawa's...
. The PCG also has collaborations with the Republic of Korea Coast Guard
Republic of Korea Coast Guard
The Korea Coast Guard is responsible for maritime safety and control off the coast of South Korea. The KCG is an external branch of Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs at peacetime...
and makes regular contacts with the Hong Kong Police Force
Hong Kong Police Force
The Hong Kong Police Force is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with a strength of 32 officers...
's Marine Region through a reciprocal attachment programme.
The PCG has collaborated with the National Police Cadet Corps
National Police Cadet Corps
The National Police Cadet Corps is the largest uniformed group for youths in Singapore in terms of membership. As of 31 March 2004, the organisation has 596 teacher officers and 20,146 student members in 155 secondary schools, 2 polytechnics open units and 2 University Open Units.With the support...
to establish sea units in secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
s. The first two units were set up in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
The Anglo-Chinese School is a Methodist secondary school in Singapore. It is a descendant of a school established in 1886 by Rev William Fitzjames Oldham at 70 Amoy Street, Singapore, and one of a group of educational institutions collectively known as the Anglo-Chinese School...
and Springfield Secondary School
Springfield Secondary School
Springfield Secondary School is a secondary school located in Tampines, the eastern part of Singapore. Students in Springfield are affectionately referred to as Springfielders. Springfielders have always been recognized as the most rugged and robust students in Singapore...
in 2002, with the PCG's pool of reservists and Volunteer Special Constabulary
Volunteer Special Constabulary
The Volunteer Special Constabulary is an important component of the Singapore Police Force, contributing more than fifty years of volunteer service to the nation...
officers providing training for the cadets. The first all-girls sea unit was set up in Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)
Raffles Girls' School (Secondary)
Raffles Girls' School is an independent girls' secondary school in Singapore. RGS was recognised by the Ministry of Education in 2006 by being awarded the School Excellence Award , among other awards...
in 2006. The PCG also supports the Special Tactics and Rescue
Special Tactics and Rescue (Singapore)
The Special Tactics and Rescue is the elite Special Operations SWAT of the Singapore Police Force. Its official task is to provide the Singapore Police Force with a tactical armed-response capability, and its motto is "Vigilance, Valour, Victory"....
Unit’s maritime assault capability, which was launched on 2 February 2005.
General
- "Policing Singapore in the 19th & 20th centuries", Peer M. Akbur, Singapore Police Force, 2002 ISBN 981-04-7024-X
- English News - Five more illegals caught at sea trying to enter Singapore, Justyn Olby, Television Corporation of SingaporeTelevision Corporation of SingaporeTelevision Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
, 17 March 1998 - English News - Coast Guard steps up fight against illegal immigrants, Justyn Olby, Television Corporation of SingaporeTelevision Corporation of SingaporeTelevision Corporation of Singapore was a private company that provide television broadcasting services in then monopolised media industry. TCS existed from 1 October 1994 to 11 February 2001; Singapore Broadcasting Corporation was privatised on 1 October 1994 at 00:00 am...
, 18 February 1998