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SCDF launches rescue vessel to tackle major incidents in Singapore waters
SINGAPORE - A new marine rescue vessel equipped to deal with fires and other emergencies in Singapore's waters has been commissioned, as larger ships with more passengers such as the Disney Cruise Line are expected here in the near future.
It will be based at West Coast Marine Fire Station when it is operational from October.
The 38m-long Blue Dolphin is a second-generation marine rescue vessel that is 3m longer than its predecessor, the Red Dolphin, and will be the primary vessel for major incidents such as fires, rescues and chemical incidents.
The increased space on the boat allows for a heli-winch, where casualties can be evacuated by helicopters from the Singapore Armed Forces. This feature was not available on the Red Dolphin.
Built by SCDF, Penguin Shipyard International, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Blue Dolphin can travel at a speed of up to 30 knots, and accommodate up to 30 seated casualties.
Another of its features not available on the Red Dolphin is an integrated command post, which can draw information from the ship's cameras, detectors and operation logs to coordinate emergency responses.
The new vessel's cameras provide clearer footage of surrounding waters to the operating crew, and are equipped with video analytics to help them identify potential targets in the water during search-and-rescue operations.
The integrated command post can draw information from the ship's cameras, detectors and operation logs to coordinate emergency responses.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Since 2012 when SCDF's Marine Division took over the maritime firefighting function of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), it has expanded from two vessels and a single fire station to a fleet of seven vessels (including the Blue Dolphin), operating two marine fire stations and two marine fire posts.
Building on the search-and-rescue capabilities of the Red Dolphin, the new vessel has an enhanced rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), which can now be used to fight fires on small stationary boats.
The RHIB can also search coastlines with its sonar system, which uses sound waves to locate people and objects up to 7m underwater.
The enhanced rigid hull inflatable boat can now be used to fight fires on small stationary boats.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Since 2017, the Marine Division has taken on an additional role handling marine chemical, biological and radiological incidents. If needed, it supports MPA in oil and chemical spill incidents.
To deal with chemical emergencies, the Blue Dolphin is equipped with a hazmat sensor that can detect and identify most chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals and volatile organic compounds in the water up to 5km away.
Its chemical, biological, and radiological system can then monitor and demarcate hazardous boundaries before responders are deployed.
Speaking at the vessel's commissioning ceremony at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on June 25, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong said: 'SCDF Marine Division's capability, I would say, is critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Singapore's cruise industry itself is expanding, with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore.
'For example, the Disney Cruise Line will soon launch its maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the end of 2025, and this itself means larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters.
'In addition, the Tuas Mega Port's first phase of operations has commenced. By 2040, it will be one of the largest container ports in the world, and the resulting high vessel throughput will make Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally.'
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong participating in a tour of the marine rescue vessel on June 25.
ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
The Disney cruise ship can carry 6,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members.
By 2030, the Marine Division will operate 10 vessels, and will be supported by the new Marine Division Headquarters in Brani, which is slated to open in 2026.
Another marine fire post at Northshore Crescent in Punggol is expected to be ready by 2028.
Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat.
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