Making Waves: Onboard the New Ships of Marine Division

 
All Aboard!
As we boarded the ships, their unique features were obvious. The Red Manta features a rescue room capable of accommodating up to 300 people, a medical treatment room and a command post designed to function as a tactical headquarters during emergencies.



As for the Red Sailfish, its 12 prominent water monitors (including three with foam output) are capable of 360-degree firefighting coverage at a maximum output of 240,000 litres per minute, making it the most powerful marine firefighting vessel in the world. 

Meanwhile, the Red Dolphin’s capabilities as a multi-role rescue vessel allow it to handle Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) threats, with an array of specialised equipment as well as decontamination showers and airlocks. 

SCDF’s Marine Transformation
For SCDF Assistant Commissioner (AC) Derek Tan, the three ships mark the culmination of a long journey of research and transformation. The Marine Division (formerly known as Marine Command) began its journey in 2012 after SCDF took over marine firefighting and rescue duties from the Maritime and Port Authority.



With a rise in port activities and the growth of the cruise industry, SCDF has sought to boost its capabilities in marine firefighting and rescue. Learning from their counterparts in cities such as Tokyo and Marseilles, AC Tan’s team undertook two years of planning and design before starting construction in 2017. The result – three unique vessels that are custom-built for operations in our waters.



Trained to Save Lives
As a trainer for crew members of the new ships, Major (MAJ) Landon Leong explained how the innovative features of the vessels fulfil the Marine Division’s mission – from rescue rooms where those suffering from decompression sickness can be treated to the Dynamic Position System that allowed the Red Sailfish to fight fires at sea with poise and stability.



Yet, as MAJ Leong shares, adjusting to marine firefighting is a different challenge altogether. Although the courses for qualifying marine firefighters run up to three weeks per vessel, the unique features of the vessels means further time is needed to fully train officers.



Our Marine Firefighters
Among those who have embraced the challenges of marine firefighting is Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Mohamad Idros Bin Abubakar. Before joining the Marine Division in 2014, WO1 Idros served at Ang Mo Kio Fire Station. With no prior marine experience, he went through a five-week Marine firefighting specialist course before completing six months of on-the-job training for basic seamanship. 



After this, marine firefighters embark on various vessel handling courses before finally receiving the red anchor insignia on their uniform. This rigorous training stood WO1 Idros in good stead during his most memorable firefighting experience – a container ship blaze in 2018 that he and his fellow crew members fought until three in the morning. 
 

 
WO1 Idros was involved with the Red Manta’s journey from its earliest days, consulting with manufacturers on individual components and taking part in sea trials. Now an Officer-on-Watch and trainer, WO1 Idros feels that his journey has come full circle. 

“This ship almost feels like my baby,” he said. “I’ve seen it come all the way from bare metal, and I’m proud to see it commissioned.” 

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SCDF Vessels Commissioning Ceremony
On 20 August 2019, SCDF welcomed three state-of-the-art heavy vessels into its fleet. The product of years of research and design, the ships serve distinct roles that comprehensively tackle marine firefighting operations. Read the speech by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, at the Vessels Commissioning Ceremony. 

Our Marine Firefighters in Action
- Guardians in Training: When Fire Meets Water
- Sharpening our Capabilities at Sea