Police Coast Guard

KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN FY 2006

Operational Success

In FY 2006, Police Coast Guard (PCG) arrested a total of 234 illegal immigrants and seized 53,323 cartons of contraband cigarettes with an estimated street value of S$4.9 million. It made its largest single seizure on 26 November 2006 when its officers successfully intercepted a Singapore-registered supply boat and uncovered 11,165 cartons of cigarettes with a street value of more than S$1 million. This is a testament to PCG’s surveillance and operational capability, and the vigilance of PCG officers. It also attests to the effectiveness of its multi-layered security measures.

During the IMF-WB Board of Governors Annual Meetings 2006 or S2006 in September 2006, PCG reinforced police deployment and provided sea-based defence against maritime threats. It also provided manpower and logistical support for several land-based
operations.

Readiness and Response

PCG recognises the importance of close collaboration amongst local and foreign maritime agencies to maintain the integrity of Singapore’s territorial waters.

PCG’s relationships with the local maritime enforcement agencies, such as the Republic of Singapore Navy, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, are reinforced and deepened through joint operations and exercises.

Over the years, to ensure the region’s maritime security, PCG has built links and strong relationships with agencies from Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan and the United States. While PCG strengthens existing ties with these agencies, it continues to explore new relationships and expand its network. In July 2006, PCG conducted the first joint exercise with the Korea Coast Guard.

PCG has also conducted numerous community outreach programmes targeting the sea community. Through such engagement, PCG empowers its community partners to take steps for their own safety while optimising its resources.

Training Achievement

PCG is constantly reviewing its training – a critical element to develop competent and capable officers. In addition to existing training grounds in Malaysia and Indonesia, a training sail was conducted to new training ground in Penang, Malaysia. Such training sails provided officers with the opportunity to enhance their navigational and operational skills. It also allows PCG to build up cooperation with its neighbouring partners.

New Capabilities

PCG Brani Base was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Wong Kan Seng, on 8 February 2007. The Base houses the new Boarding & Search Trainer (BST), a tactical training facility resembling a cargo vessel designed for boarding-related training and exercises. BST enables officers to familiarise themselves with the vessel environment and improve their efficiency, while conducting boarding operation.

The new Brani Base also enables PCG to conduct residential training, with the first intake of trainees in April 2006. A total of 273 officers underwent the Maritime Policing Course in FY 2006. As a move to upgrade its operational capabilities, PCG introduced the new ASP Baton, a non-lethal option, to complement the existing firearm options.

PLANS FOR FY 2007

Replacement of Boats – Project Cutter and Rigid Hull Interceptor Boat (RHIB)

Under Project Cutter, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) acquired ten high-speed patrol vessels for the Coastal Patrol Squadron to replace the aging Shark-class Coastal Patrol Crafts. The new boats would allow PCG to patrol the sea lanes around Singapore for longer periods and in rougher weather. SPF will also acquire four new RHIB boats for the Special Task Squadron (STS) to enhance PCG’s board and search operations. The new boats would allow STS officers to board uncooperative vessels and execute their duties.

Integrated Tactical Training Centre (ITTC)

ITTC will replace the existing firing and radar simulators at Kallang Training unit. It entails the state of the art system to provide realistic training to officers, and meet PCG’s advanced training needs.

Third Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACG)

The meeting, targeted in the fourth quarter of 2007, will see the participation of maritime enforcement agencies from 17 countries to deliberate issues on piracy and sea robbery.