WO2 Chan Kim Mun and SGT1 (NS) Naufal Afiq Bin Jumali reveal why firefighting at sea is more than just dousing flames — it’s about staying sharp, sailing smart and standing strong in the face of unpredictability.
When SGT1 (NS) Naufal Afiq Bin Jumali, 21, was first posted to West Coast Marine Fire Station as a Navigation Specialist in October 2023, he quickly learnt that protecting and saving lives and property at sea requires a combination of skills, resilience and adaptability.
Like their land-based counterparts, marine firefighters are trained in firefighting, height rescue, medical response and hazardous materials response. However, maritime operations present unique challenges, which require knowledge in navigating Singapore’s waters, operating SCDF’s marine vessels and sensemaking during emergencies.
During their training, marine firefighters are closely mentored and trained by dedicated instructors at the Civil Defence Academy. WO2 Chan Kim Mun, a Senior Course Specialist at the Civil Defence Academy, is one of these instructors. He plans for and conducts practical training, scenario-based exercises and competency assessments in marine firefighting and rescue.
His goal? To inculcate critical and flexible thinking in every SCDF officer. “In every operation, there is no fixed solution that works every time. My role is to help trainees think on their feet, especially in situations where casualties are involved,” says the 48-year-old.
During evacuation drills, trainees are encouraged to explore multiple approaches instead of relying on a fixed method. This sharpens their ability to assess the situation, even in challenging situations, such as rough seas, shifting tides or low visibility.
Drawing from his years of operational experience, Kim Mun brings valuable lessons to the classroom and training grounds. In 2022, he responded to a fire at a waste oil processing plant in Tuas. Navigating through shallow waters and tidal shifts on the Rapid Response Fire Vessel, his team approached the burning plant and supported firefighting operations.
These experiences have shaped Kim Mun’s teaching philosophy, rooted in humility and lifelong learning. A quote from Confucius resonates deeply with him: “The more I learn, the more I realise how much I don’t know”. He applies the same mindset to his career, where every situation presents opportunities to learn, and be a better version of himself.
“When we first joined the Marine Division, we had to familiarise ourselves, not just with the different vessels, but also how tides, currents or the weather could affect our vessel,” he recalls. “Just when we think that we have fully mastered something, more learning opportunities will emerge. This cycle of learning keeps us humble and motivated to continue growing.”
Today, Kim Mun and his colleagues regularly attend courses to deepen their expertise in marine firefighting, rescue and vessel management, ensuring that they are always well-prepared for the ever-changing maritime landscape.
Beyond critical thinking and technical skills, marine firefighters must also strengthen their physical endurance. For Naufal, participating in a simulated maritime emergency exercise, such as the Ferry Rescue Exercise (FEREX) in 2023, was eye-opening.
“Marine firefighting operations can last for hours,” he explains. “We have to hoist equipment from our vessel, and the distressed ship can be a few storeys high. Yet, completing each operation gives us a sense of fulfilment, knowing that we have made a difference.”
Despite the challenges, Naufal has never looked back. “Wearing the specialist tab on my uniform reminds me of the responsibilities I’ve taken on, and I do my best to carry them out with pride,” he says.
After completing his full-time National Service in February, Naufal opted to extend his National Service through the Voluntary Extension of Service before pursuing his degree in civil engineering at Nanyang Technological University.
Kim Mun shares that same pride. He joined the SCDF Marine Division in 2014, just two years after its inception, and was recently nominated for his excellent performance.
“What drew me in was the opportunity to explore a different path from other frontline officers,” he reflects. “As one of the pioneers in Marine Division, I find it most fulfilling to witness how our trainees grow. When I see trainees confidently applying their skills during emergencies, it reinforces how important training is in building their competency and readiness.”
For Naufal, his skills were put to the test when he responded to his first vessel fire in 2024. His team was the first to arrive on scene, facing one of the largest vessel fires in Singapore in recent years. The operation lasted over eight hours.
After boarding the vessel to assess the situation, his team quickly commenced their firefighting effort. “The operation was challenging,” he recalls. “However, with strong support from Brani Marine Fire Station, we managed to extinguish the fire.”
In a separate medical incident at sea, Naufal led his first height rescue, which required his team to lower a casualty from the distressed vessel’s superstructure to SCDF’s vessel.
“On vessels, space is often limited, but we have to adapt to the situation, while ensuring safety,” he explains. “This is why we have to plan our course of actions carefully. As every operation is different, we need to stay flexible and adapt to our surroundings.”
Looking back, Naufal noted that real-life operations and exercises instilled in him the values of trust and teamwork. These experiences not only prepared him for emergencies, but also shaped his aspirations. “Being a marine firefighter has inspired me to pursue a career with the SCDF,” he says. “I hope to continue protecting and saving lives and property.”
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