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On 20 August 2019, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) commissioned three new marine firefighting vessels. The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs & Minister for Law. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Shanmugam said the new vessels will further enhance SCDF’s marine firefighting capabilities.
At the press briefing, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Derek Tan, Commander of the SCDF Marine Division, said that with the addition of the three new vessels, the SCDF Marine Division currently has a total of eight firefighting vessels in its fleet and also more could be added in the future.
(Front row, 5th and 6th from right): Minister Mr K Shanmugam and Mrs Shamugam witnessed the Vessels Commissioning Ceremony organised by SCDF.
As Singapore has one of the world’s busiest ports and with the Tuas Mega Port commencing its first phase of operations in 2021, this enhancement of SCDF marine firefighting and rescue capacity and capability is indeed timely.
Since 2017, SCDF has worked closely with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), as well as local shipbuilders Penguin International and ST Engineering Marine to conceptualize and build the newly commissioned vessels.
Rescue 995 takes a closer look at these three newly commissioned marine firefighting vessels.
RED SAILFISH
The Heavy Fire Vessel (HFV), codenamed the Red Sailfish, is the world’s most powerful firefighting vessel. The Red Sailfish is equipped with an external firefighting (FiFi) Class 3 system that enables it to discharge a total output of 240,000 litres of seawater in a minute. In addition, the Red Sailfish is able to automatically maintain its position in the water, which helps to stabilize the water and foam monitors for effective firefighting operations.
SCDF’s Red Sailfish is the world’s most powerful firefighting vessel.
The Red Sailfish’s capabilities and features include:
- 12 water and foam onboard monitors capable of pumping water and foam up to a distance of 200 metres while providing a 360-degree firefighting coverage
- On-board detection capabilities for hazardous materials
- A chemical-biological-radiological (CBR) protection system
- 6 automated decontamination shower cubicles
- A launch and recovery system for the deployment of a Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) for rescue operation
- Seaborne Electro-Optics Systems (SEOS) with thermal imaging capabilities
- A Command Room that has a 4G booster and video streaming system
The Red Sailfish is capable of pumping water and foam up to a distance of 200 metres.
RED MANTA
The Heavy Rescue Vessel (HRV), codenamed the Red Manta, is used as a Marine Tactical Headquarter during major incidents involving large number of casualties. It has a carrying capacity of 300 passengers, a medical treatment room and decontamination chambers. Built for mass evacuations, the vessel can achieve a top speed of 35 knots during operations.
The Red Manta is built for mass evacuations and rescue operations involving large number of casualties.
The Red Manta’s capabilities and features include:
- 12 automated decontamination shower cubicles that enable mass decontamination of casualties affected by hazardous materials
- A launch and recovery system for Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) deployment
- Seaborne Electro-Optics Systems (SEOS) with thermal imaging capabilities
- A Command Room that has a 4G booster and video streaming system to support coordination of firefighting and rescue missions
- A lift system that can bring casualties from the main deck to the heli-winch pad so that they can be airlifted to hospitals
Inside one of the Red Manta’s decontamination shower cubicles.
Inside the Red Manta’s Command Room.
RED DOLPHIN
The Marine Rescue Vessel (MRV), codenamed the Red Dolphin, is built for major marine firefighting and rescue operations. The Red Dolphin is equipped with a Chemical, Biological and Radiation (CBR) filtration system, cubicles for decontamination and positive pressured cabins. Its Seaborne Electro-Optics Systems (SEOS) are capable of detecting casualties from a further distance under low visibility conditions and identifying heat spots on affected vessels for effective cooling operations. In addition, the vessel can achieve a top speed of 30 knots during operations.
The Red Dolphin is built for major marine firefighting and rescue operations.
The Red Dolphin’s capabilities and features include:
- CBR protection system that protects and enhances the survivability of passengers and crew
- On-board detection capabilities for hazardous materials
- A launch and recovery system for RHIB deployment
- Seaborne Electro-Optics Systems (SEOS) with thermal imaging capabilities
These three vessels will be operational in 2020.
Click to view the video on the three commissioned vessels below: