SCDF opens marine HQ on Pulau Brani with real-time surveillance tech, ship rescue training facilities

Singapore records more than 130,000 vessel calls annually as one of the world’s busiest transshipment and bunkering hubs, he said, adding that protecting the country’s waters requires skilled officers, advanced vessels, strong partnerships and robust infrastructure.

Mr Tong, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs, pointed to a fire that broke out aboard the World Legacy cruise ship in February, when SCDF Marine Division officers worked with other agencies to manage the incident.

“This incident also underscored an underlying fact that success depends not only on the courage and skills of SCDF officers, but also on their ability to assess the situation swiftly and accurately, coordinate effectively, and exercise decisive judgment under time-critical and demanding conditions,” he said.

A viewing gallery at the headquarters showcases heritage items and milestones marking the Marine Division’s development over the past decade. 

Established in 2012, the division handles a wide range of sea emergencies including hazardous material incidents, marine firefighting and rescue operations in Singapore’s waters.

Its new Punggol Marine Fire Post will also be operationalised by 2028 to cut response times and boost maritime operations in nearby waters.