- BACKGROUND -

1. The idea to explore the set-up of the NPCC (Sea) Unit first surfaced during the meeting in Sept 2000 on the progress of the new NPCC campsite at Pulau Ubin. The meeting involved Deputy Commissioner of Police, Chairman NPCC Council and Commandant NPCC. The objective of the idea is to:
   
   
   1. Strengthen the bond between NPCC and the Singapore Police Force (SPF)
   2. To inspire and prepare cadets to enlist with Police Coast Guard (PCG) as a career option and to contribute to the seaward defence in support of PCG.
   3. To ensure that NPCC remains as a relevant youth organisation.
   4. To add variety and vibrancy in NPCC training.
   5. To allow cadets to develop the love for sea based activities.



2. Pulau Ubin campsite has been redeveloped on an approved 25-hectre site. The campsite is located on the north of the island confronting Nenas Channel. The channel is relatively calm all year round hence allows for conducive environment for the conduct of a variety of maritime activities. The stretch of beach is well defined and allows for the easy launching and beaching of seaboats and kayaks. The concrete ramp provides for the use of sea cradles for the launching and recovery of Dynaglass boats and inflatable. With the added facilities, it is opportune for the NPCC to widen its scope of training proprammes and activities. Thus the idea of forming the NPCC (Sea) Unit was mooted.

INTRODUCTION

3. The set up of the NPCC (Sea) Unit is similar to that of the existing NPCC (Land) Units in term of organisational Structure, composition, appointments, functions and will receive 50% of Maritime based training. On the 27 Nov 2001, NPCC council gave in-principle approval to start the NPCC (Sea) Unit in two schools namely; Anglo-Chinese Secondary (Independent) and Springfield Secondary School. The two schools initiated recruitment of cadets for the sea units in Jan 2002 and the two sea units were launched on 15 Jan 2003 together with the ground breaking ceremony for the Loyang Regional Base. Currently there are 54 cadets from Anglo-Chinese School and 29 cadets from Springfield Secondary School.

PROPOSED STRUCTURE OF NPCC (SEA) UNIT

4. NPCC Sea Unit may be formed at school level;
   1. In any secondary school which has no NPCC.
   2. In any existing school with NPCC (Land) Unit.
   3. In any school which would gradually convert from NPCC (Land) Unit to (Sea) unit.



5. Students will be recruited from within the school and managed by the teacher officers with support from NPCC Hq and PCG in terms of physical training and training aid support.



6. NPCC worked closely with PCG on the training syllabus and programmes. Maritime packages and promotion criteria for the cadets were formulated. The sea unit's syllabus / training programme comprise sea based training programmes and about half of the present NPCC (Land) training syllabus. With core topics such as Total Defence, Civil Defence, Anti-Drug Abuse & Police Knowledge.

TRAINERS

7. PCG in liaison with NPCC identified, selected and trained suitable SPF officers from amongst its regulars, PNSmen and Volunteer Special Constabulary, as trainers. The trainers in turn trained and prepared teacher officers and cadet inspectors as leaders. SPF officers who are trainers continue to complement teacher officers and cadet Inspectors by providing training on specialised topics.



8. Thus far, 10 or more PNSmen has been identified to provide training on every Saturdays. 5 PNSmen were deployed to each of the 2 schools to provide guidance and training.




PLANNED PROGRAMMES

9. Maritime subjects has been customised for secondary 1,2,3 & 4 under the following headings:
   
   
   1. SEAMANSHIP To be able to make the knots, Bends & Hitches and understand their uses.
      
      

      

      To be able to understand the use of lifejackets and its proper donning.
   
   
   

   

   2. COASTAL NAVIGATION To be able to read and orientate to the compass card. Identify the salient navigational feature with the Singapore Port Limit
   3. MARITIME COMMUNICATION Understand and be able to read phonetics, local and international flag signals. Voice procedures pertaining to distress at sea. The various methods of signalling.
   4. MARITIME POLICING OPERATIONS Understand the various duties & functions and command & control elements of the Police Coast Guard. Understanding and contribution to the significance of our national security.
   5. GUNNERY (HK-MP5-A4 & M16) Know the characteristics and specifications of the HK-MP5-A4 and the M16 rifle. Simulation firing at the Firing Trainer Simulator
   6. TRAINING CRUISE Familiarise the harbour during day tours and visit to selected places.




FUTURE PLANS

10. To work towards setting up sea units in another 5 schools by the end of 2005 when there would be 7 NPCC (Sea) Units in various schools with an estimated strength of 420.



11. Improvements are also being made to the current syllabus to include maritime topics that would enhance the knowledge required for the acquirement of a Powered Pleasure Craft Driver's Licence. At secondary 4 many of the cadets would have reached the age of 16. At this stage the cadets are prepared for the theory and practical examinations conducted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.



12. The boat handling would encompass on 2 classes of craft namely; Dynaglass (Use by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for practical examinations and 6 men inflatable for up-right drills and formation exercises).



13. This would provide a strong incentive for sea unit cadets.




CONCLUSION

14. The keen interest of the officers and cadets of the two schools was crucial to the successful set up of the sea units. The two sea units were successfully launched on 15 Jan 2003 in conjunction with the Ground Braking Ceremony of the Loyang Regional Base which when completed would be the main centre of sea based activities for the sea unit cadets. The sea unit programmes have provided added variety and interest to NPCC. It has also provided another avenue for creating awareness and participation of cadets in ensuring a safe and secure home