Police Coast Guard


The Police Coast Guard is a division of the Singapore Police Force that combines the functions of marine police and coast guard in Singapore. Its duties include the law enforcement and search and rescue operations in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. It is headquartered at Brani Regional Base on Pulau Brani.

History

Given Singapore's standing as a trading port since its founding in 1819, problems of piracy had accompanied its early maritime history until the 1840s when Temenggong 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 responsibilities 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 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.

Incidents and accidents

The Police Coast Guard is currently headed by Senior Assistant Commissioner Cheang Keng Keong, with Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alvin Chong as deputy commander. It operates from four regional bases all located on the coastlines of the main island, namely the Brani Regional Base to the south, the Gul Regional Base to the west, the Lim Chu Kang Regional Base to the north and the Loyang Regional Base to the east. It also maintains a small base on Pulau Ubin. Each of these regional bases are similarly organised to the Neighbourhood Police Centres of the SPF's Land Divisions and conduct patrols and checks within their respective maritime sectors of Singapore's territorial waters.
The entire PCG fleet is organised into three main squadrons. The Interceptor Squadron, located at both the Lim Chu Kang and Loyang regional bases, is outfitted with PC-class high-speed patrol-craft able to control, track and prevent the movement of illegal immigrants and intruding vessels all along the Straits of Johor. The Port Squadron, located at both the Gul and Brani regional bases, is equipped with the newer generation of PT-class patrol-boats and have the primary task of ensuring the security and safety of the waters of Singapore's port by responding to criminal and/or safety incidents as well as projecting a major police presence in STW. The third squadron, the Coastal Patrol Squadron, operates the largest PCG vessels, the PH-class Coastal Patrol Craft, to secure the far-sea passages of the eastern approaches into STW and ensure safe passage for all legitimate users. They are also tasked with protecting the Horsburgh Lighthouse on Pedra Branca in the vicinity, together with the Republic of Singapore Navy.
The PCG has an elite unit known as the Special Task Squadron, which can be activated to conduct high-risk operations where high speed pursuits and increased firepower are deemed necessary to achieve their objectives. The unit played an instrumental role in the capture of one of the three armed robbers who infiltrated into Singapore by landing on Pulau Tekong in March 2004.
In June 2017, PCG introduced a new front-line unit trained in counter-assault skills and to respond to terrorist attacks in Singapore's territorial waters. This unit is known as the Emergency Response Force, similar to the Emergency Response Team of the SPF's Land Divisions and the first batch of ERF-trained officers started their maritime counter-terrorism patrols in that same month. In addition, the ERF is trained in boarding vessels ranging from small tugboats to large merchant ships to neutralise any terrorist or serious criminal activity aboard and to search for dangerous and/or explosive cargo, goods or items. It is expected that in the near future, all PCG officers are going to be trained as ERF members in view of increasing terrorist activity around the world, especially if it centers around Singapore.

Operations

The Police Coast Guard conducts 24-hour round-the-clock patrols in Singapore's territorial waters from its four regional bases, in an area of more than 200 square nautical miles. 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 Island and Sentosa, although it provides them protection and security via seaborne patrols offshore.
While piracy was the main source of concern leading to the establishment of the Marine Police way back in the early part of the 20th century, it has become almost a minor issue today with practically few to no cases of piracy in Singapore's territorial waters in the last decade. Crimes on Singapore's offshore islands or in its territorial 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. In addition, the PCG also has to deal with the lesser but daily issue of small-scale illegal fishing and similar activities in Singapore's waters from bordering Malaysian and Indonesian fishing communities.
Fiscal yearIllegal immigrants arrestedSource
200249
2003133
2004171
2005158
2006234
2007185

In a further bid to thwart illegal immigrants from landing on Singapore's shores, the PCG has erected physical barriers in the form of high-fencing topped with sharp razor-wire and fitted with electrical motion-sensors along critical areas of the shoreline where such intrusions are common, including in Lim Chu Kang, on Pulau Punggol Barat, Pulau Ubin and the Western Live Firing Area on Singapore's northwestern coast. Coastal surveillance cameras are also fitted along these fences to observe any suspicious or illegal movement. By the end of December in 2003, the total length of coastal fencing had 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 and Singapore's northwestern shoreline. The PCG attempted to allay these fears by informing that the fencing is constructed in such a manner to allow small animals to pass below it safely.
Included in the bid to thwart illegal immigrants, the PCG has employed Unmanned Surface Vessels in late-2017 to conduct maritime patrols and these robot-equipped boats can help in easing manpower issues after their field-test and the speed is 30 knots. The USVs have two versions in length; one is 9 metres long and the other is 16 metres long. They lack any armament, unlike current PCG boats, but are still equipped with searchlights, a radar, sensors, electro-optic cameras and loudspeakers, as well as an on-board automatic fire-extinguishing system. Besides USVs, the PCG is also rolling out the use of small police drones to assist in its checks on vessels difficult to board, such as loaded barges or vessels with low draft.

Terrorism

The heightened global security alert following the 2001 September 11 terror attacks necessitated additional attention paid to preventing possible terrorist attacks by sea, a possibility underscored during the revelation of the Singapore embassies attack plot by the local Jemaah Islamiyah Islamic extremist group in December 2001, where it was revealed that Changi Naval Base was the subject of surveillance by them. There were also possible plans to bomb the United States Navy ships using the narrow channel between Pulau Tekong and Changi on the northeastern coast of Singapore. In response to these threats, the PCG stepped up routine checks on vessels in Singapore's territorial waters, in particular on passenger ferries returning from regional destinations. Since late-2004, PCG officers have given additional training in the areas of boarding vessels for this purpose and are equipped with skills in the detection of explosives, drugs and fraudulent documents, courtesy of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's provision of much assistance and training towards PCG in such an endeavour.

Search and Rescue

The PCG also engages in search-and-rescue operations at sea and provided crucial assistance in the recovery of the stricken USS John S. McCain in Singapore's waters in 2017.

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 Singapore that would be responsible for the safeguarding of non-gazetted landing points which falls under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code or.

Manpower

The Police Coast Guard has a strength of over 1,000 personnel, making it one of the largest 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 Academy 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 among 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.

Uniforms

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 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.

Firearms and equipment

All patrol-officers of the PCG are equipped with the Taurus Model 85 revolver, much like their Land Division counterparts. Instead of the Monadnock PR-21 T-baton, PCG patrol-officers are issued with the ASP Telescopic Baton, due to its suitability and greater ease of use, especially when collapsed, in confined space on board ships and vessels. The Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol is only issued to Special Task Squadron officers. PCG officers are also trained to use and are equipped with the Sabre Red pepper spray as a less-than-lethal option, although it is never widely issued.
Other weapons such as the Heckler & Koch MP5 sub-machine gun, the M16 assault rifle, the SIG Sauer SIG 516 assault rifle and the ARWEN 37 anti-riot weapon are also issued to and stowed aboard each patrol craft, with a pump-action shotgun and the FN 303 as additional firearms for the Special Task Squadron. Mounted on the patrol-boats themselves are heavier weapons such as the FN General Purpose Machine Gun, the Oerlikon 20mm auto-cannon and/or the Browning M2 Heavy Machine Gun, depending on the type of patrol-craft.

Current fleet

There are currently eight types of boats utilised by the PCG, namely the Command Boat, the Coastal Patrol Craft, 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.

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.

Patrol Craft (1st Generation, PT Class)

The oldest generation of Patrol Craft in PCG service were built in 1984. Odd numbered craft are based in Gul Base and even numbered craft are based in Brani. The first generation Patrol Craft are scheduled to be replaced by the 4th generation Patrol Craft from 2015 onwards. PT5 and PT11 were decommissioned and sold via auction on 29 October 2014.

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 Authority. Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul base.

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 Marine. At a top speed of, they were 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.

Patrol Interdiction Boat (4th Generation, PT Class)

A new, 4th generation Patrol Interdiction Boat sourced from Lung Teh shipyard, Taiwan is scheduled to enter service from 2015 onwards to progressively replace the 1st generation PT patrol craft. The first vessel was commissioned on 21 July 2015. A total of 11 boats would be acquired.

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.

Interceptor Craft (PK Class)

There are two generations of Interceptor Craft in service, with the first delivered in 1995 by North shipyard. 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. The second generation interceptor craft were not considered a success and was relegated to normal patrol duties and renamed into the PC class. A single vessel, PK/PC 23 was rebadged and operates as a Marine Command Vessel under the Singapore Civil Defence Force's Marine Command.

Interceptor Craft (2nd generation PK Class)

A new, 2nd generation PK interceptor was ordered from North Shipyard, Singapore in 1999 and is scheduled to enter service from 2000 onwards. The two vessels were commissioned on 1999.. 3 of the vessel were subsequently rebadged and operates as a Marine Command Vessel by Civil Defence.

Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats (PJ Class)

The PJ Class of rigid-hulled inflatable boats is suitable for cruising upriver and large drains and introduced in 1997.

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.

Decommissioned vessels

Coastal Patrol Craft (PH Class)

The PCG operated a fleet of 12 former Republic of Singapore Navy Coastal Patrol Craft. The craft were upgraded and handed over by the Republic of Singapore Navy, 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 as part of the formation of the Police Coast Guard Coastal Patrol Squadron. The CPCs were built between 1979 and 1980, but continued service for over two decades while a proper replacement was being sourced. Five of the decommissioned vessels were transferred to the Indonesian Marine Police on 9 February 2012.

Collaborations

The PCG has engaged in joint operations with the Republic of Singapore Navy since the 1990s and is still ongoing with strong mutual ties, such as the joint actions of the RSN's 180 Squadron and the PCG in boarding key vital and important cargo vessels in Singapore's territorial waters to protect them from any terrorist activity, such as hijacking actions or bombing attacks, and to ensure vessels have safe passage, as well as with foreign agencies. Alliances were forged with the Royal Malaysian Police Marine Operations Force and the TNI-AL. It is involved in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training programme with the United States Coast Guard, the RSN, and five other Southeast Asian 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 schools. The first two units were set up in Anglo-Chinese School 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 in 2006. The PCG also supports the Special Tactics and Rescue Unit’s maritime assault capability, which was launched on 2 February 2005.

General