SINGAPORE : The Police Coast Guard now has a new regional base in Loyang which is bigger and better than its former premises in Seletar Camp.
Located on a 1.3 hectare site, it offers berthing facilities for more than 20 boats.
Its maintenance and repair capabilities have also been improved with new purpose-built structures and facilities.
For example, the workshop can accommodate up to five boats at any one time and a straddle hoist is now available to lift vessels and equipment from the sea to the workshop for maintenance and repair.
Speaking at an official opening on Monday, Home Affairs Ministry's Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Mohamad Maidin Packer Mohd said relocating the base was part of Police Coast Guard's long-term plans to enhance the operational readiness of the Police Coast Guard.
These new improved features will also serve to boost officers' morale as they work in a pleasant and more conducive environment.
Since its move in February, the base has also been used for the training of the National Police Cadet Corps Sea Units.
This includes sea survival and water skill courses where sea cadets are taught skills such as life raft activation and man overboard drills.
Some 80 sea cadets have gone through the first phase of sea training and some 120 will start the next phase during the June school holidays.
Also unveiled was an Island Patrol Uniform for Police Coast Guard officers deployed at Pulau Ubin.
The new outfit, which comprises a blue Polo T-shirt and matching blue bermudas, offers greater comfort as it is more suitable for the warm and humid outdoor working environment at Pulau Ubin.
The patrol outfits are also in line with Pulau Ubin's image as a nature and adventure activity island. - CNA/de
Back to the old days, police wear shorts