Arlene Pang

As an educator, I am constantly asked about my decision to join the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), "Don't you already do enough for Singapore, since you mould the future of our nation when you go to work each day?" My reply is that I can never do enough for this country that has given me so much and for this land that I can truly call home. What our founding fathers fought for and handed down to us - stability, security, independence and sovereignty - is not to be taken for granted, but for us to protect, preserve and pass on to those who come after us. Some people may think that it sounds clichéd, but maybe one day they will understand. Other than wanting to do my part for national defence, I hope to inspire my students as well to do the best they can for Singapore and to grow them to become concerned citizens and active contributors to our society.

Our Basic Training was physically and mentally demanding. Despite all the personal training I had done, there were moments where I found myself breathless, tired and with muscle aches. However, I was glad that the training was challenging as it made me become a more resilient person. As we travelled on the buses to the different training locations, I often felt a lump in my throat as we passed by the familiar landmarks. I remembered the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who wanted to build us a home worth defending, and indeed, what I saw as I looked out of the bus window was worth defending. After Basic Training, what lies ahead for SAFVC Volunteers is a road where there is more to learn, discover and contribute in our various supporting roles.

I also had to go through Qualification and Advanced Training to qualify as a Bridge Watchkeeper. During our Qualification Training at the Naval Military Expert Institute (NMI), we learnt more about the history and organisational structure of the RSN, basic sailor skills like knot tying, the rules of the road for navigation at sea, as well as the basic procedures for reporting to the Officer of the Watch (OOW). We were able to apply this knowledge during Advanced Training, when we sailed in the Singapore Strait to practise operating in both day and night conditions.

During my deployments on board RSS Endurance, I learnt that the role of a Bridge Watchkeeper involves more than just being a lookout. Other than our reporting duties to the OOW, we also had to learn to do other duties, like how to prepare the bridge for sunset and how to operate the navigation lights. I also learned how to work in tandem with the rest of the crew in the navigation team, listening to their reports so that I could also provide timely updates from my end. We were also taught simple chart work, which helped me to appreciate how the ship's journey is planned and monitored during a sail.

As Bridge Watchkeepers, we depend heavily on our visual senses, our ability to focus, as well as information from the rest of the bridge team, especially at night and in poor weather conditions. We were reminded to keep a high level of vigilance and although I felt worried at times, I learnt to remain calm so that I could focus on keeping watch.

I would like to thank all the commanders for making our training a fulfilling one, for their patience and guidance, and most importantly for believing in us and investing their time and efforts to train us. I am also thankful for my family, colleagues and friends who have supported my decision to join the SAFVC, and who have in their own ways, tried to prepare me for training and to make this journey an easier one for me.

Background information

Arlene Pang
Teacher
Ministry of Education
Singapore Citizen
SAFVC role: Bridge Watchkeeper