Police Coast Guard
By DSP Sherrin Chua

Keeping Our Shores Safe
The Police Coast Guard arrested 185 illegal immigrants and seized contraband cigarettes with an estimated street value of $1.4 million.

14,676 was the total number of contraband cigarettes that the Police Coast Guard (PCG) managed to intercept in FY 2007. The efficiency of our units ensured that such illegal items stayed far away from our local shores.

In January 2008, a joint operation between our officers and the Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) led to the successful arrest of four smugglers who attempted to transport 4,520 cartons of illegal cigarettes with an estimated street value of more than $400,000.

Such bold criminal attempts were thwarted by our collaborative efforts with other partner agencies in the Home Team. This was testimony to the effectiveness of the Home Team agencies in combating illegal activities and ensuring maritime safety and security.

13th ASEAN Summit and ‘Operation Capture’

When Singapore hosted the 13th ASEAN Summit in November 2007, we were called to provide sea-based defence against maritime threats and to support the land divisions so as to ensure the safety of the visiting delegates.

An integral part of Singapore’s waterway security, we had a key role to play in the execution of ‘Operation Capture’. We were activated to assist in the capture of escaped detainee Mas Selamat Kastari, the ringleader of the infamous terrorist organisation Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

PCG patrol boats responded by positioning themselves at various checkpoints and intensifying checks on small crafts departing from the island. We also worked closely with counterparts from the Singapore Armed Forces, Land Divisions and Gurkha Contingent, who deployed coastal observation points along desolated parts of Singapore.

Enhancing Readiness and Response

PCG constantly reviews its operations and tactics to ensure high levels of maritime security at all times. We also introduced the FN303 weapon to the elite Special Task Squadron to provide them with an additional tactical option.

First-Rate Training

PCG can be proud of its training achievements and new initiatives in FY 2007. Multi-lateral exercises conducted on the Boarding & Search Trainer (BST) involved the Republic of Singapore Navy as well as our friends from the United States Coast Guard.

We are committed to the development of our trainers and crew commanders through innovative courses. PCG not only trained within Singapore’s territorial waters, but also ventured to new destinations such as Langkawi, Mersing and along new sea routes, embracing the navigational challenges of unfamiliar terrain.

A Global Maritime Security Force

Recognising the need for dialogue and discussion, PCG organised the Third Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting. Held over a two-day period in October 2007, over 100 delegates representing 24 maritime enforcement agencies from 17 Asian countries discussed maritime security threats such as terrorism, piracy, transnational crimes and how they could, as a single global force, work together to combat them.

PCG also hosted the Fourth Bilateral Meeting with the Korea Coast Guard at Brani Base in July 2007. We renewed our Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Coast Guard; reinforcing our shared vision in combating transnational crimes as well as developing existing and new bilateral exchanges through capacity building and cooperation.

Looking Ahead to FY 2008

For FY 2008, PCG will look into enhancing its fleet, developing new and effective training methods as well as strengthening bilateral relations.

New Patrol Vessels

The ageing Shark-class Coastal Patrol Crafts will be replaced with 10 high-speed patrol vessels, with the first scheduled to be delivered by the fourth quarter of 2008. The new boats will boost PCG patrol efforts in the STW around Pedra Branca.

Integrated Tactical Training Centre

Cutting-edge, ‘realistic’ training will replace the existing firing and radar simulators at the Kallang Training Unit. The Integrated Tactical Training Centre (ITTC), with its state-of-the-art equipment, will meet the advanced training needs of our officers and prepare them for the real challenges of sea operations.

Always Room for Improvement

We will continue to review our capabilities and processes and search for new ways in which we can improve our operational efficiency. These include utilising human factor engineering to improve the ergonomics of operational equipment and boats. We are exploring the use of nonlethal weapons to improve operational flexibility and will be embarking on study programmes to improve operational efficiency.