It brings back the memories of the yesteryears as I was in shipping for about 20 years with the Russians back in the 70’s. It was a joint venture between local and the Russians and we operated as an Agency providing services for the Soviet Merchant Fleet.
The procedure calls for that upon receiving advance info from the vessel of their intention to call into Port. We would in response notify the various Government Departments; such as the Port Authority, Immigration, Customs and Port Health. Normally the vessel has to pick-up ‘pilot’ outside to enter to the Quarantine Station for ‘Inward Clearance’ before proceeding to berth or the Anchorages for refuelling, replenishing stores, provisions or just taking fresh water. I would proceed to Clifford Pier to board a launch to the vessel.
The Launch Companies have their offices located by the side of the main building. Also there was the presence of the Pier Master and a Customs Check-point for sake of control. I would arrange launches for ‘Crew Service’ for they must alight at Clifford Pier which has been designated as a ‘Landing-point’ for vessels at anchor at the Eastern Anchorage.
In 1985 two of our training vessels collided into one another when leaving Port at night. One had serious damage as her starboard-side hull being holed at mid-ship, exactly the engine-room; it was flooding fast.
Fortunately one of our ocean-going salvage-tug was in Port at that time and immediately rushed to the rescue. She pulled alongside and securely lashed to her as support to keep her steady as she was listing. Pumps from the tugs were quickly put into action and divers were sent down to place a ‘collision-matt’ as a temporary measure for damage-control.
It was an “Emergency” situation and our Directors, the Agency Manager, Boarding-officers and myself converged to Clifford Pier. Upon arrival we saw a Marine Police boat with ‘siren-blasting’ coming along-side with some injured seamen. Ambulances from the Singapore General Hospital were already there waiting.
We visited both vessels but the other vessel was not that serious as she sustained damages at her bow. So it was obvious she was the one that struck the other. Anyway I stayed on the one with more serious damage.
The Port Authority, the Marine Police were there to offer any further assistance if required; but we declined. Our Salvage-tug was capable of handling and progressing in their bid to stabilize the situation. They worked throughout the whole night and by daybreak, we received the good news that their efforts were successful and had removed the risk of sinking. The next step was to arrange a shipyard to accept her for dry-docking and repairs.
On the first night I must admit that I was really scared as the ship was listing and the tug doing it’s best to remedy the situation. I remember being in the mess-room and eat the fastest meal in my life. Then having done that I made my way to the open at the boat-deck. Having consoled myself that if the vessel was to sink I at least had the chance to swim away; better than being trapped inside.
In the morning, my relief came and I was surely glad to see him and would be soon heading back. On approaching Clifford Pier, it was a welcome sight for to me it was my assurance back for a much needed rest, a good sleep, with peace of mind in the comfort of your home.
The Marine Police used to occupy the left side as you enter Clifford Pier and their patrol-boats were secured to the mooring-buoys.I attached a picture taken in the early years when I saw this gun-boat. After our un-expected Independence as we were being booted-out of Malaysia in 1965, the Police gun-boat was transferred to form the embryo of our infant Navy and named “Bedok”. Another wooden gun-boat from ex-MRNVR (Volunteer unit) also transferred as “Panglima”. So we had a 2-ship Navy; of course today our Navy has come a long way with advance technology, the modern warships like our stealth frigates are fitted with the ‘state-of-art’ equipment, sensors, etc…We have a small and balanced fleet that comprises of Landing-ship-tank, Corvettes, Minesweepers,patrol-boats and even submarines. The frigates and the Landing ships carry helicopters for multi-purposes and the Navy also operates MPA aircraft for role of maritime patrolling and for search and rescue.
The Marine Police gun-boat at Clifford Pier.
It was also from Clifford Pier that most of us took launches, bum-boats, Chinese junk like the colourful and much decorated “Admiral Cheng Ho”. Named after the Legendary 14th Century Chinese Admiral that made 7 epic voyages to as far as West Africa. Some people would go on pilgrimage to Kusu Island during the festive season. Other to St. John’s, Sister’s or to the Southern Islands for recreational purposes for family picnics, fishing or just swimming.
So I remember our familiar Clifford Pier, our iconic landmark, preserve it as a heritage to be remembered and be proud of.
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