Operation Lionheart: SCDF’s 35 Years of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Beyond Singapore

About SCDF
- Overview of SCDF's organisation structure
  Our Organisation
  - Learn more about the officers who carry out SCDF's mission to protect and save lives and property
    Our People
  - Information on SCDF's Divisions, fire stations, and HQ Staff Departments
    Departments & Units
  - Information on SCDF's operational functions and emergency response systems
    Roles & Functions
- Learn more about SCDF's mission, vision, and core values
  Corporate Philosophy
- SCDF's involvement in international disaster management and emergency response
  International Engagement
  - SCDF's involvement in international disaster management and emergency response
    International Co-operation
  - SCDF's involvement in overseas missions, including the Operation Lionheart deployments
    Overseas Missions
- Information on SCDF Emergency Medical Services
  Emergency Medical Services
- Find out more about the Civil Defence Academy and the various courses offered by SCDF
  Courses & Seminars
  - Overview of the Civil Defence Academy and its training facilities
    About Civil Defence Academy (CDA)
  - Training programmes and courses offered by the SCDF
    Training Programmes
  - Enrol and register for courses run by the Civil Defence Academy
    Enrolment
  - Contact information for the Civil Defence Academy
    Contact Us
- Media coverage on SCDF
  Media Room
  - Stay up to date with the latest happenings and events in SCDF
    Latest Happenings
  - Compilation of articles from SCDF's in-house digital magazine, Rescue995
    Our Stories
  - Repository of SCDF's corporate reports and publications
    Publications
  - List of major fire and rescue incidents in Singapore
    Major Local Incidents
- Recognising outstanding SCDF personnel for their exemplary performance
  SCDF Lifesavers Hall of Fame
- SCDF's Corporate Social Responsibilty (CSR) initiatives and programmes
  Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Find out more about SCDF's Transformation 2030: Prepared, Even for the Unexpected
  SCDF's Transformation
Fire Safety
- The Fire Code serves as a key reference for Qualified Persons, architects and engineers to design fire-safe buildings in Singapore.
  Fire Code 2023
  - Commissioner SCDF's foreword and list of members in the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings Review Committee
    Foreword & Acknowledgement
  - Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Buildings 2023
    Table of Contents
  - Summary of migration history of the clauses from Fire Code 2023 to Fire Code 2018
    Clause History
  - Summary of amendments made to Fire Code
    Amendment History
  - Circulars issued by SCDF for amendments made to Fire Code
    Circulars
  - Codes and Standards that the Fire Code makes reference to
    Codes & Standards
- An HFAD provides early warning of a fire. It is mandatory for new residential premises and existing residential premises carrying out fire safety works to install HFADs.
  Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD)
- Proposed fire safety works require SCDF's approval, with plans submitted by Qualified Persons (QPs) on behalf of building owners. This section also covers Regulated Fire Safety Products (RFSPs) which must be issued with a Certificate of Conformity before they can be used in fire safety works in Singapore.
  Plans Submission Process
  - Proposed fire safety works require SCDF's approval, with plans submitted by Qualified Persons (QPs) on behalf of building owners.
    Plan Approval
  - Regulated Fire Safety Products are regulated by SCDF under the Product Listing Scheme (PLS). These products are certified by Certification Bodies (CBs) who are accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC). The scheme ensures that regulated fire safety products meet safety, reliability and performance standards.
    Regulated Fire Safety Products
  - Under the Self-Regulation System, all waiver applications must be submitted prior to any formal plan submission
    Waiver Application
  - Definition of minor Additions/Alterations (A&A) works and submission procedures
    Minor Addition & Alteration Works
  - The performance-based approach uses fire engineering principles, calculations, and software modelling to meet the Fire Code's safety requirements for building design.
    Performance-Based Approach to Fire Safety Design
  - Pre-requisties and application process for Fire Safety Certificate and Temporary Fire Permit.
    Fire Safety Certificate & Temporary Fire Permit
- Application details for Fire Certificates, Registered Inspectors, Temporary Change of Use, Portable Fire Extinguishers, and Fire Safety Manager roles.
  Permits and Certifications
  - Criteria and application process for Fire Certificate.
    Fire Certificate
  - Learn about the role of a Registered Inspector, their responsibilities in fire safety inspections, and application procedures.
    Registered Inspector
  - Understand the requirements and application process for Temporary Change of Use permits to ensure fire safety compliance for temporary events.
    Temporary Change of Use
  - Regulations and permit requirements for the safe use of sky lanterns to prevent fire hazards and ensure public safety.
    Use of Sky Lantern
  - Learn about the selection, inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers in homes and workplaces.
    Portable Fire Extinguisher
  - Guidelines for the use of digital locksets on fire-rated doors
    Digital Locksets on Fire-rated Doors
  - Roles and responsibilities of a Fire Safety Manager
    Fire Safety Manager (FSM)
- Under the Fire Safety (P&FM) Regulations 2020, SCDF controls licensing for the import, transport, and storage of petroleum and flammable materials.
  Petroleum and Flammable Material Licences
  - Useful reference for compliance with the Fire Safety Act and Fire Safety (Petroleum and Flammable Materials) Regulations
    General Information of P&FM Licences
  - Information on Petroleum and Flammable Materials Storage Licence, including application procedures and compliance requirements for safe storage
    P&FM Storage Licence
  - Information on Petroleum & Flammable Materials Transport Licence, including application procedures.
    P&FM Transport Licence
  - Information on Petroleum and Flammable Materials Import Licence, including application procedures
    P&FM Import Licence
  - Information on Petroleum and Flammable Materials Pipeline Licence, including application procedures
    P&FM Pipeline Licence
  - Requirements for earthworks in the vicinity of Petroleum and Flammable Materials pipeline
    Information of Earthwork / Work
  - Understand the Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) requirements for the handling of Petroleum and Flammable Materials
    Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Requirements
- An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is a detailed document that outlines the various measures and operational actions that need to be undertaken by the company in the event of any fire or other emergencies (such as Hazmat) that occur within the premises in order to minimise injury to personnel and damage to property.
  Emergency Response Plan
- Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of competently trained and equipped personnel within an organisation who are equipped to provide immediate response and assistance during emergencies, acting as first responders before emergency services arrive.
  Company Emergency Response (CERT)
- Details on amusement ride application forms, contact information, technical requirements, relevant regulations, and circular information.
  Amusement Rides Approval
- To safeguard health and safety of workers’ in dormitories and to guide land use planning, all workers’ dormitories applications shall obtain SCDF/HazMat Dept in-principle no objection for the proposed dormitory site during planning stage (before plans approval) by submitting a pre-consultation to SCDF_Landuse@scdf.gov.sg.
  Workers' Dormitory Application
- Quick access to e-services for fire safety and shelter matters
  Fire Safety E-Services
- Essential fire safety guidelines, regulations and forms
  Downloads
  - List of licensed service providers, including Fire Safety Engineers, Registered Inspectors, servicing of Portable Fire Extinguishers, and Accredited Training Institutions/Organisations
    Directory of Fire Safety Services
  - Access the fire safety acts, codes, and regulations to stay informed about compliance requirements and safety standards
    Acts, Codes & Regulations
  - Download essential fire safety forms
    Forms
- Discover useful links related to fire safety resources, regulations and organisations
  Useful Links
- Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Rapid Transit Systems 2022
  CPFPRTS 2022
  - List of members in the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Rapid Transit Systems Review Committee
    Foreword & Acknowledgement
  - Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Rapid Transit Systems (CPFPRTS) 2022
    Table Of Content
  - Circulars issued by SCDF for amendments made to the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Rapid Transit Systems
    Circulars
  - Codes and Standards that the the Code of Practice for Fire Precautions in Rapid Transit Systems makes reference to
    Codes & Standards
Civil Defence Shelter
- Brief history of Civil Defence Shelters in Singapore, procedures for shelter occupation, and location of CD Public Shelters.
  About Civil Defence Shelter
- A network of sirens that the SCDF has placed at strategic points throughout the island to warn the public of imminent threats.
  Public Warning System
- Residential and public shelters offer protection to people during a wartime emergency.
  Types of Shelter
- SCDF and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) co-regulate Civil Defence shelters in Singapore under the Civil Defence Shelter Act.
  Regulating Civil Defence Shelter
- Civil Defence Shelter Act and Technical Requirements which govern Civil Defence Shelters.
  Acts and Requirements
  - Technical Requirements for Household Shelters (TRHS) are applicable to all houses or flats.
    Technical Requirements for Household Shelters 2023
  - Technical Requirements which govern the design of Storey Shelters.
    Technical Requirements for Storey Shelters 2021
- Waiver application will be required for any deviation from Technical Requirements. Waiver application should clearly state the design constraints that lead to the non-compliances and corresponding mitigation.
  Waiver Application on Civil Defence Shelter Requirements
NS Matters
- Information on Full-time National Service (NSF) in SCDF.
  CD NSFs
  - Understand the pre-enlistment process before full-time National Service.
    Pre-Enlistment Process
  - Get an insight on basic training as a full-time NSF.
    Life in Training Camp
  - As an SCDF NSF, you will be given a monthly allowance based on your rank and vocation. Find out more on your monthly allowance here.
    Monthly Allowance
  - Find out more on NSF leave entitlement here.
    Leave Scheme
  - Learn about your IPPT / NS FIT requirements here.
    Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) and Remedial Training (RT)
  - SCDF is committed to ensuring the well-being of our NSFs. Find out more on your welfare and benefits here.
    Welfare & Benefits
  - Information on NS disciplinary policies, offences, and consequences.
    Security & Discipline
  - Essential information for parents of SCDF NSFs
    Information for Parents
  - In recognition of your contributions as a national servicemen, you are eligible for the NS HOME Awards. Find out more on the NS HOME Awards here.
    NS Home Awards
- Access the MHA NS Portal to manage your NS matters, including IPPT / NS Fit bookings, call-ups, and NS payments.
  CD NSmen
Community & Volunteers
- Find out more on how you can take precautions during peacetime and war time emergencies, perform first aid and adopt fire safety measures.
  Community Resources
  - Discover programmes that educate the general public in essential civil defence skills and knowledge
    Community Programmes
  - Discover programmes that promote fire safety prevention and emergency preparedness in the industrial and commercial sector
    Industrial / Commercial Programmes
  - SCDF’s emergency preparedness training programme, which equips learners with core lifesavings skills, including First Aid, CPR-AED, and Fire Fighting
    Responders Plus Programme (RPP)
  - The Emergency Video System, a joint SCDF-SPF capability, enables Operations Centre officers to initiate live video streaming from callers' phones, aiding situational assessment and decision-making
    Emergency Video Systems
  - myResponder is an SCDF application that alerts the public to nearby fire and medical emergencies
    myResponder App
  - Learn about the Save-A-Life initiative which promotes public awareness and training in life-saving skills and emergency response
    Save-a-Life
- Resources and programmes for students to learn about civil defence
  School & Student Resources
  - National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC) is a National Uniformed Group under the purview of the Ministry of Education and the Singapore Civil Defence Force
    National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC)
- Join us as an SCDF volunteer
  Volunteer Opportunities
- Access essential Fire & Emergency Guides, including fire safety guidelines and resources for emergency preparedness
  Fire & Emergency Guides
  - Public education materials provided free to all members of the public
    Fire Safety & Emergency Advisories
  - The Civil Defence Emergency Handbook equips individuals with essential life-saving skills and emergency response information. Explore SCDF's interactive tools designed to enhance community preparedness.
    Civil Defence Emergency Handbook
  - Fire safety guidelines for residential estates, covering the use of common areas, corridors, staircases, and the maintenance of fire safety provisions
    Fire Safety Guidelines for Residential Estate
  - Learn what to do during a fire outbreak in a high-rise building
    Fire Outbreak in a High-Rise Building
  - Discover SCDF's Ready Bag initiative, providing essential items and guidelines to help households stay prepared for emergencies and disasters.
    Ready Bag for Emergency
- Learn about SCDF's role in Total Defence, spearheading civil defence plans and promoting emergency preparedness among the community
  Total Defence
- Information on Fire Station Open Houses, and visits to the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery and the Emergency Preparedness Centre
  Visit SCDF Establishments
Join Us
- Joining SCDF offers the opportunity to serve and protect the community. Develop a meaningful career and make a real difference in people's lives.
  Why Join Us
- Explore diverse uniformed roles and specialisations within SCDF. Pursue a fulfilling career saving lives and protecting the community.
  Uniformed Positions
  - Step into a frontline role as a Fire and Rescue or Paramedic Specialist. This path offers a fast-tracked leadership position, allowing you to make a significant impact in life-saving operations.
    Direct-Entry Sergeant
  - Begin your career on the frontline as a Fire and Rescue or Paramedic Officer.
    Direct-Entry Lieutenant
  - Allows ITE graduates to gain frontline experience as Fire and Rescue Specialists while earning a diploma.
    Work-Study Diploma (Direct-Entry Sergeant)
  - 3-year contract frontline role providing critical medical support. Ideal for those with Class 3/3A license and over a year of driving experience, with possibility of emplacement during contract period.
    Emergency Medical Technician (3-year contract)
- Explore diverse civilian roles within SCDF, where you can specialise in one of our key clusters: Operations & Resilience, Future Technology & Public Safety, or Strategy and Corporate Services.
  Civilian Positions
  - As a HASE, you'll support executive decisions through analysis and critical examination. Oversee projects and gain diverse experience across MHA departments.
    Home Affairs Senior Executive
  - As an eMX, you'll take on diverse roles across five broad functional areas, including Line Operations, HR, Finance, Public Affairs, and Research.
    Extended Management Executive Officer
  - As a HTS, you'll take on the role of Psychologist for the application of psychological sciences in psychological assessment, intervention, research and development in new and existing programmes and services.
    Home Team Specialist Scheme
- Explore an internship with SCDF to gain hands-on experience in one of our key clusters: Operations & Resilience, Future Technology & Public Safety, or Strategy and Corporate Services.
  Internship Positions
- For university students with the leadership, drive, and resilience to take on challenges as part of The Life Saving Force
  Scholarships
- For polytechnic / ITE students with the leadership, drive, and resilience to take on challenges as part of The Life Saving Force
  Sponsorship
  - As a diploma sponsorship recipient, you'll be given opportunities to acquire new skills and upgrade both academically and professionally. Get ready for a challenging and rewarding career.
    Home Team Diploma Sponsorship
  - As an ITE sponsorship recipient, you'll be given opportunities to acquire new skills and upgrade both academically and professionally. Get ready for a challenging and rewarding career.
    Home Team ITE Sponsorship
- Join our career outreach activities to meet SCDF career advocates, hear their experiences, and explore exciting opportunities.
  Career Outreach Activities
E-Services
- Quick access to e-services for fire safety and shelter matters
  Fire Safety & Building Professionals
- Quick access to register for courses and seminars, and to apply as a volunteer with SCDF
  Students & Volunteers
- Quick access to e-services for NSFs and NSmen
  NSFs & NSmen
- Quick access to e-services including Fire and Ambulance reports, course registration, payments, and visits to SCDF establishments
  Public
  - Fire Report
  - Ambulance Report

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Featured, Events, People

22 August 2025

Operation Lionheart: SCDF’s 35 Years of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Beyond Singapore

Operation Lionheart is SCDF's dedicated contingent which stands ready round-the-clock to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Since 1990, it has undertaken 21 international missions, continuously expanding its capabilities while contributing to the global Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) community.

Through personal accounts of active and retired SCDF officers, this 150-page book documents Operation Lionheart's growth and key milestones, from its early beginnings to mentoring international USAR teams. It also honours past and present SCDF officers who have saved and touched numerous lives beyond Singapore's shores. This book will also inspire future generations of SCDF officers to bring Operation Lionheart to greater heights in international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Click here to read.

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Leading with Heart

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