Search and rescue services

CAAS is responsible for the coordination of aeronautical SAR operations within the Singapore Search and Rescue Region (SRR).   

The Singapore RCC conducts annual exercises to heighten operational readiness and strengthen crisis management capabilities. 

SAR operations are supported by aeronautical, maritime, and public telecommunication services from the search-and-rescue units listed in the table below.

The Singapore Police Force, Singapore Civil Defence Force, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are also on standby for search-and-rescue operations. 

SAR aircraft 

All search aircraft are land planes that carry survival equipment, including:  

• inflatable rubber dinghies with general-purpose first aid supplies

• emergency rations

• survival radio equipment 

Satellite-Aided Search and Rescue (COSPAS-SARSAT) services 

The Singapore Mission Control Centre (MCC) provides COSPAS-SARSAT services within Singapore and adjacent Flight Information Regions (FIRs) for distress beacons operating on 406MHz.  

The system enables the Singapore MCC to detect and track aircraft in distress quickly, reducing search time and improving survival chances. 

The distress frequency 121.5MHz is monitored continuously by: 

• Changi Control Tower

• Seletar Control Tower

• Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre (SATCC) 

Callsigns of SAR units 

SAR aircraft from permanent search-and-rescue units use the following callsigns: 

Contact information 

The Singapore RCC
Duty SMC
Tel: +65 6542 5024
Fax: +65 6542 2548

Port Operations Control Centre (POCC)
Duty Officer
Tel: +65 6325 2493/94
Fax: +65 6224 5776

GMDSS Station
Duty Officer
Tel: +65 65 6226 5539
Fax: +65 6227 9971

SAR agreements 

Singapore has concluded SAR agreements with: 

• Indonesia

• Malaysia 

• Philippines

• Thailand

• Vietnam 

These agreements provide for mutual assistance when conducting SAR operations within each SRR. 

Singapore also has an SAR agreement with the US Air Force Pacific RCC to provide mutual assistance when requested by either authority. 

Letters of understanding 

Singapore has also signed a letter of understanding with Brunei, allowing the Singapore RCC to draw on Brunei’s resources when necessary. 

ELTs are devices that, when activated, transmit distress signals on designated frequencies that can be detected by satellites to support search-and-rescue operations.  

An ELT can be activated automatically or manually. 

Registration of ELTs 

Operators of Singapore-registered aircraft must ensure that all onboard ELTs capable of transmitting on 406MHz are registered with CAAS. 

To register, submit the form to the Singapore Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) at CAAS_RCC@caas.gov.sg. 

Operators must also inform the RCC immediately by submitting the form when there are any changes to the ELT information, such as: 

• new ELT registration

• deregistration of an aircraft

• replacement of an ELT 

• change in battery expiry 

• change in aircraft colour or livery 

Testing of ELTs 

To get your ELT tested, request approval from the RCC at CAAS_RCC@caas.gov.sg at least 2 days before the test date.  

The approval request must include the following information: 

• aircraft operator 

• aircraft registration 

• country of registration 

• aircraft type 

• date, start time, and end time of testing 

• location in latitude and longitude 

• location (address) 

• distress beacon ID number (expressed as a 15-character alphanumerical hexadecimal code) 

• frequencies transmitted 

• name, company, and contact number of the person requesting the test