Check out the fleet that’s safeguarding Singapore’s waters.
By: Domnic Dass and Muhammad Ridzuan
Did you know that the Police Coast Guard (PCG) is one of the largest operational units in the Singapore Police Force (SPF), with over 1,200 officers and 100 vessels?
Previously known as the Marine Police, the division was reorganised and renamed “Police Coast Guard” on 13 February 1993. Let us look at how the PCG fleet has evolved to keep our waters safe and secure!
THEN: THE HISTORICAL FLEET
PA Class Boat
Dating back to colonial times, the PA Class Boat was used for policing our territorial waters. It was used extensively until it was decommissioned in the 1980s, when the faster PT Class Boat was introduced.
-
Features: Wooden hull
-
Speed: 16 knots (29.6 km/h)
-
Operational use: Deep water
-
Propulsion: Propeller-driven
PB Class Boat
The PB Class Boat was introduced around the same period as the PA Class Boat, but was a faster craft.
-
Features: Wooden hull
-
Speed: 23 knots (42.6 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Deep water
-
Propulsion: Propeller-driven
The PC Class Boat was introduced to the Marine Police fleet for its high-speed manoeuvrability. Due to its light weight and much smaller size compared to the PT Class Boat, it was usually deployed in shallow and calm waters.
-
Features: Fibreglass hull
-
Speed: 31 knots (57.4 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Shallow water
-
Propulsion: Propeller-driven
Built in 1989, this 14.8m-long boat was the pride of the Marine Police. Fitted with powerful twin turbo-charged diesel engines, this boat was capable of operating in different conditions. The 2nd Generation PT Class Boat are fully air-conditioned and also had refrigerators and microwave ovens – which made it well-loved by officers. It also came with advanced nautical and communication equipment, which proved to be of great assistance for costal surveillance and enforcement patrols.
-
Features: Aluminium Hull boat, air-conditioned, equipped with advanced nautical and communication equipment
-
Speed: 30 knots (55.6 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Deep Water
-
Propulsion: Propeller-driven
2nd Generation PJ Class Interceptor
The 2nd Generation PJ Class Interceptor Craft was introduced in 1997. This high-speed assault craft was used by the PCG’s Special Task Squadron (STS) to engage aggressive and fast-moving seaborne threats.
-
Features: Shock-absorbent seats, low draft
-
Speed: In excess of 45 knots (83.3 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Deep and Shallow water
-
Propulsion: Outboard motors
Introduced in 1998, this was fitted with better surveillance and communications equipment, including an Electric Optic camera. The 18m-long boat was larger than the older boats and featured a streamlined hull, allowing for greater speeds.
-
Features: Streamlined hull, advanced surveillance, and communications equipment
-
Speed: In excess of 40 knots (74.1 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Deep water
-
Propulsion: Water jets
NOW: THE NEWLY COMMISSIONED FLEET
In June 2022, the PCG unveiled three next-generation crafts: the 5th Generation PT Class Patrol Craft, the 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft and the 3rd Generation PJ Class Interceptor. These vessels are deployed to enhance PCG’s operational capabilities.
5th Generation PT Class Patrol Craft
The 5th Generation PT Class Patrol Craft is the latest high-speed boat added to our southern waters patrol fleet. At a length of 23m and with high manoeuvrability, this craft is designed for maritime security and interdiction operations.
-
Features: Optimised hull design for improved hydrodynamic performance, customised ship control management system to enhance operation efficiency, improved sensors for surveillance and navigation, remote weapon system and ballistic protection
-
Speed: In excess of 55 knots (101.9 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Shallow and deep water
-
Propulsion: Water jets
3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft
The 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft is the latest high-speed patrol craft added to the northern waters patrol fleet. It is designed for interception operations, vessel board and seizures, and rescue and recovery.
-
Features: Proven hull form for manoeuvrability
-
Speed: In excess of 50 knots (92.6 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Shallow water
-
Propulsion: Outboard motors
3rd Generation PJ Class Interceptor
The 3rd Generation PJ Class Interceptor is built to support maritime law enforcement operations by the STS. With improved manoeuvrability, it enables STS to engage aggressive and fast-moving sea-borne threats.
-
Features: Surveillance sensors for navigation and detection, reinforced hull to support complex operations, fenders along the hull for force-boarding
-
Speed: In excess of 55 knots (101.9 km/h)
-
Operational Use: Shallow and deep water
-
Propulsion: Outboard motors
Explore Our Content
Editor's Pick
