CARRYING ON, PROTECTED

Air and land cross-border travel slowed to a crawl in the early days of COVID-19, but maritime trade continued to flow steadily, transporting goods and critical supplies to ports all over the world. Maritime trade is critical for Singapore's economy and we have to ensure the security of our waters and the ships that pass through. This important mission is undertaken by, among others, the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Accompanying Sea Security Team (ASSeT).

LTC Brandon Choo, CO of 180 Squadron of the RSN's Naval Diving Unit, had to ensure that his team of ASSeT troopers, comprising both Regulars and NSFs, could continue to board merchant vessels calling at our port without being exposed to a greater risk of COVID-19.

So LTC Choo worked closely with the Maritime Security Task Force and HQ RSN to explore new concepts of operations. ASSeT adapted its risk-weighted approach in the selection of vessels to board. LTC Choo and his team made sure that the ASSeT troopers, being essential frontliners, were among the first in Singapore to be vaccinated against COVID-19. They also reviewed their tactical procedures to include safe distancing measures and regular testing, and integrated enhanced protective equipment, such as N95 masks, for their operations. With these protective measures, ASSeT troopers carried on with their boarding operations while remaining safe from COVID-19.