A total of 22 PSS students, together with Professor Soh Kee Hean,Head, Certificate/Minor in Criminal Investigation at SUSS School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences went on a learning journey to visit the newly revamped Singapore Maritime Gallery, as well as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
On 31 August 2023, 22 students from the SUSS' Bachelor of Public Safety and Security (PSS) degree programme, together with Professor Soh Kee Hean, Head, Certificate/Minor in Criminal Investigation at SUSS School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences (SHBS), went on a learning journey to visit the newly revamped Singapore Maritime Gallery as well as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This eye-opening trip conducted by MPA enabled the students to better understand Singapore's maritime hub and how the relevant authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of Singapore's waters and ports.
The day commenced with a guided tour at the Singapore Maritime Gallery, where they were introduced to the past, present and possible future of our maritime nation. Highlights from the gallery included showing how Singapore reclaimed 25% of our land, the development of our various terminals, and plans on working towards sustainable and digitalised ports to further bolster efficiency while protecting our environment.
Students learning about Singapore's transformation from a trading post to a global hub port at the Singapore Maritime Gallery
During their visit to the MPA, the tour guide shared more about how Singapore plays a part in global trade as the world’s busiest transhipment hub. They also learnt how MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) oversees the vessels in Singapore’s waters, ensuring the ships’ safe navigation and maintaining the efficiency of its ports. This was accomplished through the use of technology and manpower to manage the vessel traffic information system and vessel traffic management.
Subsequently, the students had the privilege of visiting the MPA's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCC), where they delved into the daily functions of this critical aspect of maritime safety and security. The students learned more about the relevant responding agencies involved in maritime search and rescue operations, their roles in search and rescue, and restoration. Their tour guide also shared about the systems involved in monitoring and responding to distress calls from vessels, as well as the use of technologies to improve rescue operations. Notably, the discussion covered the Integrated Crisis Command and Control System and the significant advantages of leveraging Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in search operations.
Mahashvethaa Saravanan, a Year 1 PSS student, recounted his experience, “Through this learning journey to MPA, I learnt more about how Singapore aims to protect its maritime environment. A memorable aspect would be the tour to the POCC where we got to see how our ports are controlled to ensure utmost security.”
"The tour of the Singapore Maritime Gallery gave me a broader understanding of what it takes and means to be a global maritime hub. Seeing the tiny boats being tracked on the mega screens at the Port Operations Control Centre also helped me to gain a deeper appreciation for our strategic priorities, and the titanic task of keeping our waters safe and secure. Thank you PSSIG for organising this exclusive learning journey!" Jerald Teoh, another Year 1 PSS student, reflected.
This learning journey was organised by the Public Safety and Security Interest Group. Stay tuned for upcoming events!