Maritime Security Task Force
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The Maritime Security Task Force is a high-readiness standing task force of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) responsible for maritime security operations.[1][2]
It is structured to work closely with other task forces of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), other national maritime agencies, and international partners.[3][4]
The Republic of Singapore Navy's Coastal Command was the national coordinating authority for maritime security since 1988, and it was a navy-level formation that could only muster its own organic assets.[5]
The Coastal Command was restructured in 2004–2005, when the Fearless class vessels were transferred from the Fleet to the Coastal Command.[6] 180 Squadron was also established to analyse shipping data, and monitor the situation at sea from ashore and Accompanying Sea Sea Security Teams placed on merchant ships.[6]
The Coastal Command was subsequently restructured into the Maritime Security Task Force on 19 January 2009, by pulling together both armed forces and national maritime agencies.[7][8]
It initially consisted of three groups:[9][5][10]
- Comprehensive Maritime Awareness Group, which pieces together a comprehensive operational picture, by building information-sharing networks and collating information gathered from national agencies, international partners, and shipping community.
- Operations Group, which comprises operations planners from the Republic of Singapore Navy, Republic of Singapore Air Force, and Singapore Army, who plan and execute operations with an integrated approach.
- Inter-agency Coordination Group, which includes representatives from the Police Coast Guard, SCDF Marine Division, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, and Singapore Customs, to ensure seamless coordination in the execution of national-level operations.