DOTC Team sailing on RSN Patrol Vessel

Capturing the memorable sailing experience for the team

On 10 July, the DOTC team sailed aboard RSS Fortitude and RSS Indomitable, two of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), for a half-day voyage within the Singapore Strait. Hosted by the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF), this visit offered the team first-hand experience to the RSN’s round-the-clock efforts to safeguard Singapore’s waters.

Setting the Scene: Boarding and Briefing

The day began at Tuas Naval Base, where the team gathered before boarding RSS Fortitude for a safety and security briefing. As non-sailors, moving around the ship took some getting used to; the team had to be constantly mindful of the raised hatches (maritime lingo for doors!) set into the bulkheads (otherwise known as walls) to avoid tripping as they moved through the ship.

DOTC Team was briefed on the safety procedures in the event of an emergency

Life at Sea: Touring RSS Fortitude and RSS Indomitable

The tour took the team through the command centre and bunking areas, giving them a sense of how the LMV’s systems and facilities are designed to maximise efficiency at sea. In the mess, they picked up a few surprising details, like life jackets that auto-inflate in water and a dining area that can be reconfigured to support medical treatment when required. The crew are also trained to perform multiple roles – with the delicious seafood hor fun they served, one could not tell that the chefs are actually equally adept as qualified medics! The team also got a rare opportunity to transfer via the LMV organic Rigid Hull Boat (RHB) to another LMV, RSS Indomitable which brought the team back to shore. The roar of the RHB engine coupled with high-speed manoeuvres and the occasional splashes of the water left an unforgettable experience for the team. 

Standing Watch: Safeguarding Singapore's Waters

As one of the world's busiest shipping routes, the Singapore Strait demands constant vigilance from the crew, who monitor dense maritime traffic while remaining alert to small vessels that may pose a security threat. Operating on a continuous watchkeeping system, with rotating teams ensuring the ship is manned around the clock, the crew works tirelessly to safeguard Singapore's maritime security and uphold the sovereignty of our waters.  The lean watchkeeping team reflects the rigorous training, teamwork and automation that underpin LMV operations.

The team also learned how crews respond to potential threats at sea. The LMVs use a versatile mix of both lethal and non-lethal options to deliver calibrated responses to deter or defend against a wide range of threats. It starts with a loudspeaker warning, followed by a water cannon if needed, with weapons employed only as a last resort.

DOTC Team in the dining area of the LMV which also serve as a medical facility if required

Reflections from the Team

The visit left the team with a deeper appreciation of the effort that goes into safeguarding Singapore's waters, and for the men and women who serve, often unseen, to keep them secure. Experiencing the operating environment firsthand also reinforced the importance of understanding users’ workflows, constraints and needs when developing digital solutions for the SAF.