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117-500: Given Singapore's standing as a trading port since its founding in 1819 , problems of piracy had accompanied its early maritime history until the 1840s when Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim and his son, Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor , openly supported the British efforts to fight piracy. In 1866, the police's maritime operations were formally established with the building of a floating police station. Dedicated police patrol boats began patrolling

234-644: A decade or more. Several countries have made competing territorial claims over the South China Sea. Such disputes have been regarded as Asia's most potentially dangerous point of conflict. Both the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC, commonly known as Taiwan) claim almost the entire body as their own, demarcating their claims within what is known as the " nine-dash line ", which claims overlap with virtually every other country in

351-443: A dispute over the South China Sea, India's state-run explorer, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) said that its overseas investment arm ONGC Videsh Limited had signed a three-year deal with PetroVietnam for developing long-term cooperation in the oil sector and that it had accepted Vietnam's offer of exploration in certain specified blocks in the South China Sea. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu issued

468-631: A possibility underscored during the revelation of the Singapore embassies attack plot by the local Jemaah Islamiyah Islamic extremist group in December 2001, where it was revealed that Changi Naval Base was the subject of surveillance by them. There were also possible plans to bomb the United States Navy ships using the narrow channel between Pulau Tekong and Changi on the northeastern coast of Singapore. In response to these threats,

585-470: A possible solution to tensions with the United States in the South China Sea would be to sink one or two United States Navy aircraft carriers to break US morale. Also in December 2018, Chinese commentator and Senior Colonel in the People's Liberation Army Air Force , Dai Xu suggested that China's navy should ram United States Navy ships sailing in the South China Sea. The US, although not

702-490: A process that propagated to the southwest resulting in the V-shaped basin we see today. Extension ceased around 17 million years ago. Arguments have continued about the role of tectonic extrusion in forming the basin. Paul Tapponnier and colleagues have argued that as India collides with Asia it pushes Indochina to the southeast. The relative shear between Indochina and China caused the South China Sea to open. This view

819-650: A protest. The spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India responded by saying that "The Chinese had concerns but we are going by what the Vietnamese authorities have told us and have conveyed this to the Chinese." The Indo-Vietnamese deal was also denounced by the Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times . In 1999, Taiwan claimed the entirety of the South China Sea islands under

936-519: A radar, sensors, electro-optic cameras and loudspeakers, as well as an on-board automatic fire-extinguishing system. Besides USVs, the PCG is also rolling out the use of small police drones to assist in its checks on vessels difficult to board, such as loaded barges or vessels with low draft. The heightened global security alert following the 2001 September 11 terror attacks necessitated additional attention paid to preventing possible terrorist attacks by sea,

1053-604: A regular basis and provides crucial assistance in recovery efforts offshore, such as the recovery of the stricken USS John S. McCain in Singapore's waters in 2017. The Police Coast Guard has a strength of over 1,000 personnel, making it one of the largest operational units in the Singapore Police Force. It has traditionally drawn its manpower from a common pool of officers as is the case with land divisions and most other line units. The majority were posted to

1170-630: A signatory to UNCLOS , has maintained its position that its naval vessels have consistently sailed unhindered through the South China Sea and will continue to do so. At times US warships have come within the 12 nautical-mile limit of Chinese-controlled islands (such as the Paracel Islands), arousing China's ire. During the US Chief of Naval Operations' visit to China in early 2019, he and his Chinese counterpart worked out rules of engagement, whenever American warships and Chinese warships met up on

1287-598: A strategic enough position to become major trading centres. Penang was too far north of the southern narrow part of Straits of Malacca controlled by the Dutch, whereas Bencoolen faced the Indian Ocean near the Sunda Strait , a much less important area as it is too far away from the main trading route. In 1818, Raffles managed to convince Lord Hastings , the then governor-general of India and his superior in

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1404-522: A trading settlement at the mouth of the Singapore River , after which Singapore lapsed into insignificance in the history of the region for two hundred years. The early dominance of the Portuguese was challenged during the 17th century by the Dutch, who came to control most of the region's ports. The Dutch established a monopoly over trade within the archipelago, particularly in spices, then

1521-539: Is disputed by geologists who do not consider Indochina to have moved far relative to mainland Asia. Marine geophysical studies in the Gulf of Tonkin by Peter Clift has shown that the Red River Fault was active and causing basin formation at least by 37 million years ago in the northwest South China Sea, consistent with extrusion playing a part in the formation of the sea. Since opening, the South China Sea has been

1638-624: Is organised into three main squadrons. The Interceptor Squadron, located at both the Lim Chu Kang and Loyang regional bases, is outfitted with PC-class high-speed patrol-craft able to control, track and prevent the movement of illegal immigrants and intruding vessels all along the Straits of Johor . The Port Squadron, located at both the Gul and Brani regional bases, is equipped with the newer generation of PT-class patrol-boats (previously together with

1755-603: The British East India Company , to fund an expedition to establish a new British base in the region, but with the proviso that it should not antagonise the Dutch. Raffles settled on the island of Singapore because of its position at the southern tip of the Malay peninsula, near the Straits of Malacca, and its excellent natural harbor, fresh water supplies, and timber for repairing ships. Most importantly, it

1872-690: The Czech Republic , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , India , Ireland , Italy , Japan, the Netherlands , New Zealand , the Philippines, Poland , Portugal , Romania , Slovakia , South Korea , Spain , Sweden , the United Kingdom , and the United States; the governments in opposition are China, Montenegro , Pakistan , Russia, Sudan , Syria , Taiwan, and Vanuatu . The United Nations itself does not have

1989-745: The East Sea , Biển Đông . In Malaysia , Indonesia and the Philippines , it was long called the South China Sea ( Tagalog : Dagat Timog Tsina , Malay : Laut China Selatan ), with the part within Philippine territorial waters often called the "Luzon Sea", Dagat Luzon , by the Philippines. However, following an escalation of the Spratly Islands dispute in 2011, various Philippine government agencies started using

2106-552: The Gulf of Tonkin are part of the South China Sea. $ 3.4 trillion of the world's $ 16 trillion maritime shipping passed through South China Sea in 2016. Oil and natural gas reserves have been found in the area. The Western Central Pacific accounted for 14% of world's commercial fishing in 2010. The South China Sea Islands , collectively comprising several archipelago clusters of mostly small uninhabited islands, islets ( cays and shoals ), reefs / atolls and seamounts numbering in

2223-752: The Lee Teng-hui administration. The entire subsoil, seabed and waters of the Paracels and Spratlys are claimed by Taiwan. In 2012 and 2013, Vietnam and Taiwan butted heads against each other over anti-Vietnamese military exercises by Taiwan. In May 2014, China established an oil rig near the Paracel Islands, leading to multiple incidents between Vietnamese and Chinese ships. Vietnamese analysis identifies this change in strategy generating on going incidents as occurring since 2012. In December 2018, retired Chinese admiral Luo Yuan proposed that

2340-750: The Lingga and Tambelan Archipelagos , and the North Natuna Sea located between the Natuna Islands and Cape Cà Mau on the southern tip of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. There has been no agreement between China and Indonesia on what has been called the Natuna waters dispute, with China being ambiguous as to the southern limit of its area of interest. States and territories with borders on

2457-714: The Republic of Korea Coast Guard and makes regular contacts with the Hong Kong Police Force 's Marine Region through a reciprocal attachment programme. The PCG has collaborated with the National Police Cadet Corps to establish sea units in secondary schools . The first two units were set up in Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) and Springfield Secondary School in 2002, with the PCG's pool of reservists and Volunteer Special Constabulary officers providing training for

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2574-828: The Royal Malaysian Police Marine Operations Force and the TNI-AL ( Indonesian Navy ). It is involved in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) programme with the United States Coast Guard , the RSN, and five other Southeast Asian countries. In 2001, it was involved in a joint anti-illegal migrant operation with the Japan Coast Guard in Kanazawa . The PCG also has collaborations with

2691-595: The Southern and Northern dynasties . Usage of the current Chinese name, Nan Hai (South Sea), gradually became widespread during the Qing dynasty . In Southeast Asia it was once called the Champa Sea or Sea of Cham , after the maritime kingdom of Champa (nowadays Central Vietnam ), which flourished there before the 16th century. The majority of the sea came under Japanese naval control during World War II following

2808-706: The State of Chu's expeditions there. Nan Hai, the South Sea, was one of the Four Seas of Chinese literature. There are three other seas, one for each of the four cardinal directions. During the Eastern Han dynasty (23–220 CE), China's rulers called the sea Zhang Hai ( Chinese : 漲海 ; pinyin : Zhǎng Hǎi ; lit. 'distended sea'). Fei Hai ( Chinese : 沸海 ; pinyin : Fèi Hǎi ; lit. 'boiling sea') became popular during

2925-562: The Volunteer Special Constabulary . The evolution of uniforms worn by the Police Coast Guard largely mirrors that for the land-based divisions, with its earliest uniforms reflecting British heritage and influence. Early uniforms are based on that of navy sailors, consisting of an all-white attire of long-sleeved shirts and shorts. Officers wore the same khaki -based uniforms which were introduced in

3042-502: The island a new name, 'Singapura'. In 1818, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was appointed Lieutenant Governor of the British colony at Bencoolen . Raffles believed that the British should find a way to challenge the dominance of the Dutch in the area. The trade route between China and British India passed through the Malacca Strait , and with the growing trade with China , that route would become increasingly important. However,

3159-678: The 13th century, and Chinese documents describe settlements there in the 14th century. It was likely a vassal state of both the Majapahit Empire and the Siamese at different times in the 14th century. Around the end of the 14th century, its ruler Parameswara was attacked by either the Majapahit or the Siamese , forcing him to move on to Melaka where he founded the Sultanate of Malacca , Archaeological evidence suggests that

3276-476: The 1st generation PT patrol craft. The first vessel was commissioned on 21 July 2015. A total of 11 boats would be acquired. On 3 March 2020, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam announced the acquisition of the 5th generation patrol vessels. A total of 24 vessels will be acquired to replace 12 of the existing 3rd generation patrol vessels and to increase the fleet. The 5th generation patrol vessels will be acquired from ST Engineering Marine and are derived from

3393-610: The Bangka Belitung Islands to the Natuna Islands . The sea lies above a drowned continental shelf ; during recent ice ages global sea level was hundreds of metres lower, and Borneo was part of the Asian mainland. The South China Sea opened around 45 million years ago when the " Dangerous Ground " rifted away from southern China. Extension culminated in seafloor spreading around 30 million years ago,

3510-426: The Dutch had tight control over the trade in the region and intended to enforce the exclusive rights of its company ships to trade, and that trade should be conducted at its entrepot Batavia . British trading ships were heavily taxed at Dutch ports, stifling British trade in the region. Raffles reasoned that the way to challenge the Dutch was to establish a new port in the region. Existing British ports were not in

3627-705: The Dutch. In 1826, Singapore was grouped together with Penang and Malacca into a single administrative unit, the Straits Settlements , under the British East India Company . South China Sea The South China Sea is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean . It is bounded in the north by South China , in the west by the Indochinese Peninsula , in the east by the islands of Taiwan and northwestern Philippines (mainly Luzon , Mindoro and Palawan ), and in

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3744-775: The East coast of Sumatra to Lucipara Point ( 3°14′S 106°05′E  /  3.233°S 106.083°E  / -3.233; 106.083 ) thence to Tanjong Nanka, the Southwest extremity of Banka Island (where it transitions as Java Sea ), through this island to Tanjong Berikat the Eastern point ( 2°34′S 106°51′E  /  2.567°S 106.850°E  / -2.567; 106.850 ), on to Tanjong Djemang ( 2°36′S 107°37′E  /  2.600°S 107.617°E  / -2.600; 107.617 ) in Billiton , along

3861-674: The Japanese forces. After the war, the Marine Police saw rapid growth with the establishment of sub-bases at Tanjong Kling , Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong by 1951. In 1952, the fleet was boosted to 68 as a result of a reorganisation of the Police Force, and rose to 70 during the Konfrontasi with Indonesia in the 1960s in light of the increased operational needs. With the attainment of independence for Singapore in 1965,

3978-915: The Marina Reservoir Patrol Boats (MRPB). The PCG has engaged in joint operations with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) since the 1990s and is still ongoing with strong mutual ties, such as the joint actions of the RSN's 180 Squadron (comprising personnel of the Navy's Accompanying Sea Security Team, better known as ASSeT) and the PCG (with several officers trained and selected to do joint boarding operations with their Navy ASSeT counterparts) in boarding key vital and important cargo vessels (such as LNG/LPG carrier ships or oil tankers) in Singapore's territorial waters to protect them from any terrorist activity, such as hijacking actions or bombing attacks, and to ensure vessels have safe passage, as well as with foreign agencies. Alliances were forged with

4095-544: The Middle Rocks to Malaysia. In July 2010, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for China to resolve the territorial dispute. China responded by demanding the US keep out of the issue. This came at a time when both countries had been engaging in naval exercises in a show of force to the opposing side, which increased tensions in the region. The US Department of Defense released a statement on August 18 where it opposed

4212-529: The North coast of this island to Tanjong Boeroeng Mandi ( 2°46′S 108°16′E  /  2.767°S 108.267°E  / -2.767; 108.267 ) and thence a line to Tanjong Sambar ( 3°00′S 110°19′E  /  3.000°S 110.317°E  / -3.000; 110.317 ) the Southwest extreme of Borneo . On the East. From Tanjong Sambar through the West coast of Borneo to Tanjong Sampanmangio,

4329-629: The North point, thence a line to West points of Balabac and Secam Reefs, on to the West point of Bancalan Island and to Cape Buliluyan, the Southwest point of Palawan , through this island to Cabuli Point, the Northern point thereof, thence to the Northwest point of Busuanga and to Cape Calavite in the island of Mindoro, to the Northwest point of Lubang Island and to Point Fuego (14°08'N) in Luzon Island , through this island to Cape Engano ,

4446-616: The Northeast point of Luzon, along a line joining this cape with the East point of Balintang Island (20°N) and to the East point of Y'Ami Island (21°05'N) thence to Garan Bi, the Southern point of Taiwan (Formosa), through this island to Santyo (25°N) its North Eastern Point. On the North. From Fuki Kaku the North point of Formosa to Kiushan Tao (Turnabout Island) on to the South point of Haitan Tao (25°25'N) and thence Westward on

4563-563: The PC class. A single vessel, PK/PC 23 was rebadged and operates as a Marine Command Vessel (MCV) under the Singapore Civil Defence Force 's Marine Command for a shortwhile. The PCG operated a fleet of 12 former Swift -class Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC). The craft were upgraded and handed over by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), with the first four officially handed over on 7 May 1993 another four on 3 June 1994, and

4680-458: The PCG has erected physical barriers in the form of high-fencing topped with sharp razor-wire and fitted with electrical motion-sensors along critical areas of the shoreline where such intrusions are common, including in Lim Chu Kang , on Pulau Punggol Barat , Pulau Ubin and the Western Live Firing Area on Singapore's northwestern coast. Coastal surveillance cameras are also fitted along these fences to observe any suspicious or illegal movement. By

4797-561: The PCG stepped up routine checks on vessels in Singapore's territorial waters, in particular on passenger ferries returning from regional destinations. Since late-2004, PCG officers have given additional training in the areas of boarding vessels for this purpose and are equipped with skills in the detection of explosives, drugs and fraudulent documents, courtesy of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority 's (ICA) provision of much assistance and training towards PCG in such an endeavour. The PCG also engages in search-and-rescue operations at sea on

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4914-540: The PK class, the Special Task Squadron also operates the second generation PJ Class that are meant for shallow water operations. The Police Coast Guard also operates two Marina Reservoir Patrol Boats (MRPB), named “Archerfish” (PC1) and “Tigerfish” (PC4) which were acquired in 2016 for patrols along the Singapore/Kallang rivers for internal security operations. These replaced earlier PJ class RHIBS which were in service for more than 30 years. The Police Coast Guard has been experimenting with unmanned surface vessels (USV) since

5031-466: The Palawan Trench. Now completely submerged, with a depth of 20 metres (66 ft), it was an island until it was covered about 7,000 years ago by increasing sea levels after the last ice age . With an area of 8,866 square kilometres (3,423 sq mi), it is one of the largest submerged atoll structures in the world. The South China Sea has historically been an important trade route between northeast Asia, China, southeast Asia, and going to India and

5148-510: The Parties" but concluded that China had not historically exercised exclusive control within the nine-dash line, hence has "no legal basis" to claim "historic rights" over the resources. It also concluded that China's historic rights claims over the maritime areas (as opposed to land masses and territorial waters) inside the nine-dash line would have no lawful effect outside of what's entitled to under UNCLOS. It criticized China's land reclamation projects and its construction of artificial islands in

5265-428: The South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea , which is located north of the Indonesian Natuna Islands , bordering southern Vietnam exclusive economic zone , corresponding to southern end of South China Sea. The Natuna Sea is located south of Natuna Island within Indonesian territorial waters. Therefore, Indonesia has named two seas that are portions of South China Sea; the Natuna Sea located between Natuna Islands and

5382-448: The Spratly Islands, saying that it had caused "severe harm to the coral reef environment". Finally, it characterized Taiping Island and other features of the Spratly Islands as "rocks" under UNCLOS, and therefore are not entitled to a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone . The arbitral tribunal decision was ruled as final and non-appealable by either country. China rejected the ruling, calling it "ill-founded". China's response

5499-447: The Stingray 18WJ Class manufactured by Strategic Marine . At a top speed of 40 knots (74 km/h), they were 10 knots (19 km/h) faster than the older PT class boats in the PCG when they were officially launched on 29 January 2000 Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul Base. A new, 4th generation Patrol Interdiction Boat (PIB) sourced from Lung Teh shipyard, Taiwan is scheduled to enter service from 2015 onwards to progressively replace

5616-576: The Sultan and Temenggong to buy out their judicial power and rights to the lands except for the areas reserved for the Sultan and Temenggong. They would give up their rights to numerous functions on the island, including the collection of port taxes, in return for lifelong monthly payments of $ 1,500 and $ 800 respectively. This agreement brought the island squarely under British law, with the proviso that it would take into account Malay customs, traditions and religious practices, "where they shall not be contrary to reason, justice or humanity." A further treaty,

5733-411: The Super Swift series fast patrol vessels (FPB). The New Generation Patrol Craft, also known as the Fast Response Craft, were delivered from the year 2002. There are currently 32 in active service. Even-numbered craft are based in Loyang Base, while odd-numbered craft are in Lim Chu Kang. A new, 2nd generation PK interceptor was ordered from Lung Teh shipyard, and commissioned in 2015. In addition to

5850-428: The Temenggong receiving a yearly sum of 3,000 Spanish dollars. This agreement was ratified with the Treaty of Singapore signed on 6 February 1819. This is recognised as the official founding of modern Singapore and also the beginning as a British settlement. Raffles returned to British Bencoolen (Sumatra) the day after the signing of the treaty, leaving Major William Farquhar as the Resident and Commandant of

5967-524: The Temenggong, most of them Malays, with around 30 Chinese. Although the island was nominally ruled by Johor, the political situation was precarious for the Sultan of Johor at the time. The incumbent Sultan of Johor , Tengku Abdul Rahman , was controlled by the Dutch and the Bugis , and would never agree to a British base in Singapore. However, Abdul Rahman was Sultan only because his older brother, Tengku Hussein, also known as Tengku Long , had been away in Pahang getting married when their father died. Hussein

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6084-504: The Treaty of Friendship and Alliance, was arranged by the second Resident John Crawfurd with the Malay chiefs and signed on 2 August 1824 to replace the Singapore Treaty. Singapore, including its nearby islands, was officially fully ceded to the East India Company, and in return, the chiefs would have their debts cancelled and receive an allowance for life, with each given an additional lump sum of 20,000 Spanish dollars. After installing John Crawfurd, an efficient and frugal administrator, as

6201-434: The Western Central Pacific (excluding the northernmost reaches of the South China Sea closest to the PRC coast) accounted for 14% of the total world catch from commercial fishing of 11.7 million tonnes. This was up from less than 4 million tonnes in 1970. China announced in May 2017 a breakthrough for mining methane clathrates , when they extracted methane from hydrates in the South China Sea, but commercial adoption may take

6318-406: The attraction of Singapore as a migrant destination continues to pose a constant operational challenge to the PCG. In addition, the PCG also has to deal with the lesser but daily issue of small-scale illegal fishing and similar activities in Singapore's waters from bordering Malaysian and Indonesian fishing communities. In a further bid to thwart illegal immigrants from landing on Singapore's shores,

6435-446: The bid to thwart illegal immigrants, the PCG has employed Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) in late-2017 to conduct maritime patrols and these robot-equipped boats can help in easing manpower issues after their field-test and the speed is 30 knots (55 km/h). The USVs have two versions in length; one is 9 metres long and the other is 16 metres long. They lack any armament, unlike current PCG boats, but are still equipped with searchlights,

6552-472: The cadets. The first all-girls sea unit was set up in Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) in 2006. The PCG also supports the Special Tactics and Rescue Unit’s maritime assault capability, which was launched on 2 February 2005. Founding years of modern Singapore The establishment of a British trading post in Singapore in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles led to its founding as a British colony in 1824. This event has generally been understood to mark

6669-436: The capture of one of the three armed robbers who infiltrated into Singapore by landing on Pulau Tekong in March 2004. In June 2017, PCG introduced a new front-line unit trained in counter-assault skills and to respond to terrorist attacks in Singapore's territorial waters. This unit is known as the Emergency Response Force (ERF), similar to the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of the SPF's Land Divisions (now merged under ERT) and

6786-504: The coastlines of the main island, namely the Brani Regional Base to the south, the Gul Regional Base to the west, the Lim Chu Kang Regional Base to the north and the Loyang Regional Base to the east. It also maintains a small police post on Pulau Ubin . Each of these regional bases are similarly organised to the Neighbourhood Police Centres of the SPF's Land Divisions and conduct patrols and checks within their respective maritime sectors of Singapore's territorial waters. The entire PCG fleet

6903-418: The disarray of the colony, also arranged to organise Singapore into functional and ethnic subdivisions under the drafted Raffles Plan of Singapore . Further agreements of the Malay chiefs would gradually erode their influence and control over Singapore. In December 1822, the Malay chiefs' claim to Singapore's revenue was changed to a monthly payment. On 7 June 1823, Raffles arranged for another agreement with

7020-547: The eastern approaches into STW (from the southwestern edge of the South China Sea ) and ensure safe passage for all legitimate users. They are also tasked with protecting the Horsburgh Lighthouse on Pedra Branca in the vicinity, together with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The PCG has an elite unit known as the Special Task Squadron (STS), which can be activated to conduct high-risk operations where high speed pursuits and increased firepower are deemed necessary to achieve their objectives. The unit played an instrumental role in

7137-450: The end of December in 2003, the total length of coastal fencing had reached 24.7 kilometres, although there were some protests over the potential environmental hazards the fencing may pose to natural amphibious species, particularly on Pulau Ubin and Singapore's northwestern shoreline. The PCG attempted to allay these fears by informing that the fencing is constructed in such a manner to allow small animals to pass below it safely. Included in

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7254-506: The first Chinese name for South China Sea as Nanfang Hai (Chinese: 南方海 ; pinyin: Nánfāng Hǎi ; lit. 'Southern Sea'), claiming that barbarians from that sea gave tributes of hawksbill sea turtles to the Zhou rulers. The Classic of Poetry , Zuo Zhuan , and Guoyu classics of the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BCE) also referred to the sea, but by the name Nan Hai (Chinese: 南海 ; pinyin: Nán Hǎi ; lit. 'South Sea') in reference to

7371-488: The first batch of ERF-trained officers started their maritime counter-terrorism patrols in that same month. In addition, the ERF is trained in boarding vessels ranging from small tugboats to large merchant ships to neutralise any terrorist or serious criminal activity aboard and to search for dangerous and/or explosive cargo, goods or items. It is expected that in the near future, all PCG officers are going to be trained as ERF members in view of increasing terrorist activity around

7488-444: The founding of colonial Singapore , a break from its status as a port in ancient times during the Srivijaya and Majapahit eras, and later, as part of the Sultanate of Malacca and the Johor Sultanate . A significant port and settlement, known as Temasek , later renamed Singapura , existed on the island of Singapore in the 14th century. Vietnamese records indicate possible diplomatic relationship between Temasek and Vietnam in

7605-537: The general public, including its "technician" look. Officers began to don the new combat uniform from 21 August 2006. There are currently eight types of boats utilised by the PCG, namely the Command Boat, the Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC), two types of PT boats, the PC class Patrol Craft, the PK class Interceptor Craft and PJ Class for the Special Task Squadron, and the Marina Reservoir Patrol boats for localised patrols, particularly up smaller rivers and canals. The two Command Boats in operation are slightly larger versions of

7722-422: The high seas. On 26 June 2020, the 36th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was held virtually. Vietnam, as the Chairman of the Summit, released the Chairman's Statement. The statement said the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is "the basis for determining maritime entitlements, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and legitimate interests over maritime zones, and the 1982 UNCLOS sets out

7839-400: The hundreds, are subject to competing claims of sovereignty by several countries. These claims are also reflected in the variety of names used for the islands and the sea. South China Sea is the dominant term used in English for the sea, and the name in most European languages is equivalent. This name is a result of early European interest in the sea as a route from Europe and South Asia to

7956-530: The intrusion of illegal migrants and foreign government vessels, and the guarding of the Horsburgh Lighthouse on the disputed island of Pedra Branca in the Singapore Straits . The PCG officiated the reorganisation of its operations into three squadrons, namely the Interceptor Squadron, the Port Squadron and the Coastal Patrol Squadron on 7 May 1993 and launched the Special Task Squadron (STS) on 22 January 1997. On 20 March 2006, it relocated its headquarters to its current location at Brani Regional Base , due to

8073-409: The island Patrol Uniform was introduced, consisting of a helmet, dark blue polo top and Bermudas for officers performing bicycle patrol duties on Pulau Ubin. These were introduced to project a softer image on the island where recreational activities abound, and to provide greater comfort for the officers in the humid outdoor weather. As part of a force-wide review of the police uniforms, the PCG adopted

8190-420: The job, officers with the PCG are less likely to transfer to other operational units. Senior Officers in the PCG are, however, usually posted there as part of their cyclical rotation among staff and line units after their mandatory initial posting as Investigation Officers, typically for a short stint of about two to five years. The unit's manpower is supplemented by national servicemen , as well as officers from

8307-419: The land divisions from 1890, before switching to the Dacron blue uniform in 1969 along with the rest of the police force. When the Marine Police was reorganised and renamed as the Police Coast Guard in 1993, the uniform was also changed to the Combat (or No. 4) Uniform. This uniform consisted of a long-sleeved shirt and long pants made of a slightly tougher polyester, and does away with almost all metal parts via

8424-465: The largest being Taiping Island (Itu Aba) at just over 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) long and with its highest elevation at 3.8 metres (12 ft). The largest singular feature in the area of the Spratly Islands is a 100 kilometres (62 mi) wide seamount called Reed Tablemount , also known as Reed Bank, in the northeast of the group, separated from Palawan Island of the Philippines by

8541-685: The last four on 22 January 1997 as part of the formation of the Police Coast Guard Coastal Patrol Squadron. The CPCs were built between 1979 and 1980, but continued service for over two decades while a proper replacement was being sourced. Five of the decommissioned vessels were transferred to the Indonesian Marine Police (POLAIR) on 9 February 2012. The PJ Class was a class of rigid-hulled inflatable boat for cruising upriver and large drains and introduced in 1997. These were retired in favor of

8658-573: The legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out." In January 2013, the Philippines initiated arbitration proceedings against China (PRC) over issues surrounding the nine-dash line , characterization of maritime features, and EEZ. China did not participate in the arbitration. On 12 July 2016, an arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of the Philippines on most of its submissions. It clarified that it would not "rule on any question of sovereignty over land territory and would not delimit any maritime boundary between

8775-771: The limits of South China Sea as follows: On the South. The Eastern and Southern limits of Singapore and Malacca Straits [A line joining Tanjong Datok, the Southeast point of Johore ( 1°22′N 104°17′E  /  1.367°N 104.283°E  / 1.367; 104.283 ) through Horsburgh Reef to Pulo Koko, the Northeastern extreme of Bintan Island ( 1°13.5′N 104°35′E  /  1.2250°N 104.583°E  / 1.2250; 104.583 ). The Northeastern coast of Sumatra ] as far West as Tanjong Kedabu ( 1°06′N 102°58′E  /  1.100°N 102.967°E  / 1.100; 102.967 ) down

8892-587: The main settlement on present-day Fort Canning was abandoned around this time, although a small-scale trading settlement continued in Singapore for some time afterwards. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Malay archipelago was gradually taken over by the European colonial powers , beginning with the Portuguese conquest of the Malacca Sultanate in 1511. In 1613, the Portuguese burnt down

9009-532: The mid 1980s onwards. The oldest generation of Patrol Craft in PCG service were built in 1984. Odd numbered craft are based in Gul Base and even numbered craft are based in Brani. The first generation Patrol Craft are scheduled to be replaced by the 4th generation Patrol Craft from 2015 onwards. PT5 and PT11 were decommissioned and sold via auction on 29 October 2014. A single PT class patrol boat, PT8 Mangove Jack

9126-501: The mid 2010s. The unmanned surface vessel system tested in 2017 consist of an autonomous vessel and a control ship ( Tide Hunter ) where the USV operator resides. During the 1970s and 1980s, the Marine Police operated a number of vessels, which included the wooden hull PA and PB class patrol vessels and the steel hull PX class patrol vessels, which were replaced by the PT class, 1st Generation from

9243-641: The military acquisition of many surrounding South East Asian territories in 1941. Japan calls the sea Minami Shina Kai "South China Sea". This was written 南支那海 until 2004, when the Japanese Foreign Ministry and other departments switched the spelling to 南シナ海 , which has become the standard usage in Japan. In China, it is called the South Sea , ( 南海 ; Nánhǎi ), and in Vietnam

9360-410: The most visible roles of the PCG, however, aided in part by constant media reports on such arrests. On 17 August 2006, its arrest of 22 illegal migrants in four separate incidents was touted as the largest number arrested by the PCG in a day by the media. While the number of intrusions has been drastically reduced in recent years with the acquisition of radar and other sophisticated night-vision equipment,

9477-479: The much larger China and that because many countries claim the same territory only multilateral talks could effectively resolve the competing claims. The overlapping claims over Pedra Branca or Pulau Batu Putih including the neighbouring Middle Rocks by both Singapore and Malaysia were settled in 2008 by the International Court of Justice , awarding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore and

9594-479: The name West Philippine Sea . A Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spokesperson said that the sea to the east of the Philippines will continue to be called the Philippine Sea . In September 2012, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III signed Administrative Order No. 29, mandating that all government agencies use the name West Philippine Sea to refer to

9711-489: The new combat uniform similar to that currently worn by the Special Operations Command , albeit with a darker shade of blue. While they were introduced to overcome existing limitations of the current uniform, such as allowing for less hindrance in body movement due to the more relaxed fit, and its non-flammable properties, they met with opposition from some officers who feel it projects the wrong image to

9828-574: The new governor, Raffles departed for Britain in October 1823. He would never return to Singapore. Most of his personal possessions were lost after his ship, the Fame , caught fire and sank, and he died only a few years later, in 1826, at the age of 44. The status of Singapore as a British possession was cemented by the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 , which divided the Malay archipelago between

9945-422: The new settlement, supported initially by some artillery and a single regiment of Indian soldiers. Establishing a trading port from scratch was in itself a daunting prospect, but Farquhar's administration was, in addition, practically unfunded, as Raffles did not wish his superiors to view Singapore as a liability. In addition, it was forbidden from earning revenue by imposing port duties, Raffles having decided from

10062-619: The now-obsolete PX-class patrol-vessels) and have the primary task of ensuring the security and safety of the waters of Singapore's port by responding to criminal and/or safety incidents as well as projecting a major police presence in STW. The third squadron, the Coastal Patrol Squadron (CPS), operates the largest of the PCG fleet, the PH-class Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC), to secure the far-sea passages of

10179-487: The outset that Singapore would be a free port . In spite of these difficulties, the new colony rapidly proved to be a spectacular success. As news of the free port spread across the archipelago, Bugis, Peranakan Chinese , and Arab traders flocked to the island, seeking to circumvent the Dutch trading restrictions. During the first year of operation, $ 400,000 ( Spanish dollars ) worth of trade passed through Singapore. It has been estimated that when Raffles arrived in 1819,

10296-619: The parallel of 25°24' North to the coast of Fukien . On the West. The Mainland, the Southern limit of the Gulf of Thailand and the East coast of the Malay Peninsula . However, in a revised draft edition of Limits of Oceans and Seas , 4th edition (1986), the International Hydrographic Organization recognized the Natuna Sea. Thus the southern limit of South China Sea would be revised from

10413-625: The parts of South China Sea within the Philippines exclusive economic zone , including the Luzon Sea as well as the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc , and tasked the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority to use the name in official maps. In July 2017, to assert its sovereignty, Indonesia renamed the northern reaches of its exclusive economic zone in

10530-586: The planned damming of the Marina Bay and Kallang Basin . The new Police Coast Guard headquarters at Pulau Brani was officially opened on 8 February 2007 by the Minister for Home Affairs, DPM Wong Kan Seng . The Police Coast Guard is currently headed by Senior Assistant Commissioner (SAC) Cheang Keng Keong, with Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Daniel Seah Kah Weng as deputy commander (DY Commander). It operates from four regional bases all located on

10647-541: The region's most important product. Other colonial powers, including the British, were limited to a relatively minor presence in that period. Singapore's name comes from 'Singa Pura' which means Lion City in Sanskrit . According to the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals), a Sumatran prince called Sang Nila Utama landed on Temasek (Singapore's old name) and saw a Lion which is called 'Singa' in Malay. Thus he gave

10764-746: The region. Competing claims include: China and Vietnam have both been vigorous in prosecuting their claims. China (various governments) and South Vietnam each controlled part of the Paracel Islands before 1974 . A brief conflict in 1974 resulted in 18 Chinese and 53 Vietnamese deaths, and China has controlled the whole of Paracel since then. The Spratly Islands have been the site of a naval clash, in which over 70 Vietnamese sailors were killed just south of Chigua Reef in March 1988. Disputing claimants regularly report clashes between naval vessels, and these now also include airspace incidents. ASEAN in general, and Malaysia in particular, have been keen to ensure that

10881-515: The regular 3rd generation PT patrol craft, and built by Asia-Pacific Geraldton in 1998. In 2006, the PCG signed a contract with Damen Shipyard to build 10 specially designed boats, the Damen StanPatrol 3507 to replace its aging Coastal Patrol Craft. The first vessel PH51 Mako Shark was commissioned on 3 February 2009. The third generation of Patrol Craft were introduced in 1998, with 18 built in 1999 and another seven in 2000. They are

10998-594: The repository of large sediment volumes delivered by the Mekong River, Red River and Pearl River. Several of these deltas are rich in oil and gas deposits. The South China Sea contains over 250 small islands , atolls , cays , shoals , reefs , and sandbars , most of which have no indigenous people, many of which are naturally under water at high tide, and some of which are permanently submerged. The features are: The Spratly Islands spread over an 810 by 900 km area covering some 175 identified insular features,

11115-403: The same year.) Raffles returned to Singapore in 1822. Although Farquhar had successfully led the settlement through its difficult early years, Raffles was critical of many of the decisions he had made. For instance, in order to generate much-needed revenue for the government, Farquhar had resorted to selling licenses for gambling and the sale of opium, which Raffles saw as social evils. Raffles

11232-533: The sea (clockwise from north) include: the People's Republic of China , the Republic of China (Taiwan) , the Philippines , Malaysia , Brunei , Indonesia and Vietnam . Major rivers that flow into South China Sea include the Pearl , Min , Jiulong , Red , Mekong , Menam , Rajang , Baram , Kapuas , Batang Hari , Musi , Kampar , Indragiri , Pahang , Agno , Pampanga and Pasig Rivers. The IHO in its Limits of Oceans and Seas , 3rd edition (1953), defines

11349-570: The sea carries trade equivalent to 5 per cent of global GDP. In 2012–2013, the United States Energy Information Administration estimates very little oil and natural gas in contested areas such as the Paracel and the Spratly Islands. Most of the proved or probable 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the South China Sea exist near undisputed shorelines. In 2010,

11466-735: The ship was entering Chinese waters. The spokesperson for the Indian Navy clarified that as no ship or aircraft was visible from INS Airavat it proceeded on her onward journey as scheduled. The Indian Navy further clarified that "[t]here was no confrontation involving the INS Airavat. India supports freedom of navigation in international waters, including in the South China Sea, and the right of passage in accordance with accepted principles of international law. These principles should be respected by all." In September 2011, shortly after China and Vietnam had signed an agreement seeking to contain

11583-828: The south by Borneo , eastern Sumatra and the Bangka Belitung Islands , encompassing an area of around 3,500,000 km (1,400,000 sq mi). It communicates with the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait , the Philippine Sea via the Luzon Strait , the Sulu Sea via the straits around Palawan , and the Java Sea via the Karimata and Bangka Straits . The Gulf of Thailand and

11700-539: The territorial disputes within the South China Sea do not escalate into armed conflict. As such, joint development authorities have been set up in areas of overlapping claims to jointly develop the area and divide the profits equally without settling the issue of sovereignty over the area. This is true particularly in the Gulf of Thailand. Generally, China has preferred to resolve competing claims bilaterally, while some ASEAN countries prefer multilateral talks, believing that they are disadvantaged in bilateral negotiations with

11817-417: The total population of the whole of Singapore was around a thousand, mostly of various local tribes. By 1821, the island's population had increased to around five thousand, and the trade volume was $ 8 million. By 1825, the population had passed the ten thousand mark, with a trade volume of $ 22 million. (By comparison, the trade volume for the long-established port of Penang was $ 8.5 million during

11934-526: The trading opportunities of China. In the 16th century, Portuguese sailors called it the China Sea ( Mare da China ); later needs to differentiate it from nearby bodies of water led to calling it South China Sea. The International Hydrographic Organization refers to the sea as "South China Sea (Nan Hai)". The Yizhoushu , which was a chronicle of the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE), gives

12051-415: The two colonial powers. The area north of the Straits of Malacca , including Penang , Malacca , and Singapore, was designated as the British sphere of influence, while the area south of the Straits was assigned to the Dutch. This division had far-reaching consequences for the region: modern-day Malaysia and Singapore correspond to the British area established in the treaty, and modern-day Indonesia to

12168-488: The unit immediately after basic police training, while the rest were transferred from other divisions or units. In recent years, it offered an option for aspiring regular officers to apply directly to join the unit, thus needing only to attend common courses at the Home Team Academy before receiving specialised marine training for immediate posting within the unit upon graduation. Due to the specialised nature of

12285-496: The unit was upgraded in light of increased responsibilities for the new nation. It relocated its headquarters to the new Kallang Regional Base at Kallang Basin in 1970, and became known as the Marine Division. The Marine Division underwent a major restructuring and was renamed as the Police Coast Guard on 13 February 1993, given its expanded roles in marine security responsibilities and capabilities, including preventing

12402-537: The use of Velcro and plastic buttons. They don a blue beret , but are permitted to wear a baseball cap while on operational duties. Footwear is in the form of lace-up leather shoes with non-slip soles. Unlike the Combat Uniform worn by other units in the police force, the uniform adopted hidden plastic buttons to avoid entanglements, and does away with garters since shoes, and not boots, are worn to allow rapid removal should water entry be required. In May 2005,

12519-550: The use of force to resolve the dispute, and accused China of assertive behaviour. On July 22, 2011, one of India's amphibious assault vessels, the INS Airavat which was on a friendly visit to Vietnam, was reportedly contacted at a distance of 45 nautical miles (83 km) from the Vietnamese coast in the disputed South China Sea on an open radio channel by a vessel identifying itself as the Chinese Navy and stating that

12636-535: The waters around the colony. In 1916, the Marine Branch was set up, before being established as a separate unit in 1924 and renamed as the Marine Police. The new unit built its first headquarters near Cavenagh Bridge along the Singapore River , and had a fleet of about 26 boats and 238 officers. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore , all vessels of the Marine Police were confiscated by

12753-420: The west. The number of shipwrecks of trading ships that lie on the ocean's floor attest to a thriving trade going back centuries. Nine historic trade ships carrying ceramics dating back to the 10th century until the 19th century were excavated under Swedish engineer Sten Sjöstrand . $ 3.4 trillion of the world's $ 16 trillion maritime shipping passed through South China Sea in 2016. The 2019 data shows that

12870-546: The world, especially if it centers around Singapore. The Police Coast Guard conducts 24-hour round-the-clock patrols in Singapore's territorial waters from its four regional bases, in an area of more than 200 square nautical miles (700 km²). It is also responsible for maintaining law and order on most of Singapore's islands , except those which are directly accessible by road from the main island, such as Jurong Island and Sentosa , although it provides them protection and security via seaborne patrols offshore. While piracy

12987-406: Was a high speed design that featured Mercury inboard motors while the second type (six boats) had a taller profile with outboard motors and was ordered in 1999 and delivered by 2001. and officially launched on 29 January 2000. The second type was originally intended to be the second generation interceptor craft but were not considered a success and was relegated to normal patrol duties and renamed into

13104-472: Was also appalled by the slave trade tolerated by Farquhar. Raffles arranged for the dismissal of Farquhar, who was replaced by John Crawfurd . Raffles took over the administration himself, and set about drafting a set of new policies for the settlement. Raffles banned slavery, closed all gambling dens, prohibited the carrying of weapons, and imposed heavy taxation to discourage what he considered vices such as drunkenness and opium smoking. Raffles, dismayed at

13221-557: Was preserved at Pasir Ris Town Park as part of the Nexus Youth Hub. The second generation of Patrol Craft were built between 1987 and 1989, including the two Command Boats. Another four boats are operated by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority . Odd-numbered craft are based in Gul base. There were two types of the 1st generation PK interceptor craft, with the first delivered in 1995 by North shipyard. The first type

13338-437: Was the main source of concern leading to the establishment of the Marine Police way back in the early part of the 20th century, it has become almost a minor issue today with practically few to no cases of piracy in Singapore's territorial waters in the last decade. Crimes on Singapore's offshore islands or in its territorial waters are also markedly low. The control of illegal migrants entering Singapore's waters has become one of

13455-633: Was then living in exile in the Riau Islands . With the Temenggong's help, Raffles smuggled Tengku Hussein to Singapore. He offered to recognize Hussein as the rightful Sultan of Johor, and provide him with a yearly payment; in return, Hussein would grant the British East India Company the right to establish a trading post on Singapore. In the agreement, Sultan Hussein would receive a yearly sum of 5,000 Spanish dollars, with

13572-470: Was to ignore the arbitration result and to continue pursuing bilateral discussions with the Philippines. Taiwan, which currently administers Taiping Island, the largest of the Spratly Islands, also rejected the ruling. As of November 2023 , 26 governments support the ruling, 17 issued generally positive statements noting the ruling but not called for compliance, and eight rejected it. The governments in support are Australia , Austria , Belgium , Canada ,

13689-510: Was unoccupied by the Dutch. Raffles' expedition arrived in Singapore on 29 January 1819 (although they landed on Saint John's Island the previous day). He found a Malay settlement at the mouth of the Singapore River , headed by Temenggong Abdul Rahman for the Sultan of Johor . The Temenggong had originally moved to Singapore from Johor in 1811 with a group of Malays, and when Raffles arrived, there were an estimated 150 people governed by

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