CAAS is responsible for the coordination of SAR operations within the Singapore Search and Rescue Region. The Singapore RCC conducts annual search and rescue exercises to heighten our state of readiness and enhance our crisis management capabilities.

Our SAR operations are well-supported by aeronautical, maritime and public telecommunication services from the search and rescue units listed in the table below. Various elements of the Singapore Police Force and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore are also on standby for search and rescue missions. 

Search and Rescue Units

All search aircraft are land planes which carry survival equipment consisting of inflatable rubber dinghies equipped with general purpose first aid supplies, emergency rations and survival radio equipment.

The Singapore RCC is equipped to provide Satellite-Aided Search and Rescue (COSPAS-SARSAT) service within Singapore and adjacent FIRs on 406 MHz. The system enables our Singapore RCC to detect and track aircraft in distress quickly, thus reducing search time and significantly improving survival chances.

The distress frequency 121.5 MHZ is monitored continuously by Changi Control Tower, Seletar Control Tower and SATCC.

Singapore has concluded SAR Agreements with Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam where mutual assistance will be extended when conducting SAR operations within each Search and Rescue region (SRR). Singapore also has a SAR agreement with the US Air Force Pacific RCC to provide assistance to each other – Singapore RCC or US vessels – when requested. A letter of understanding has been signed with Brunei too, where Singapore RCC can draw upon its resources when necessary.

An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) refers to a piece of equipment  that may be automatically activated by impact or be manually activated. When activated, ELTs transmit distress signals on designated frequencies that can be detected by satellites, which aid in search and rescue operations.

Registration

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

To register, please submit this form to the Singapore Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) via email, to CAAS_RCC@caas.gov.sg.

Operators shall also inform the RCC immediately (via submission of the form) if there are any changes to the ELT information, for example in the following situations:

a) New ELT registration

b) De-registration of aircraft

c) Replacement of ELT

d) Change in battery expiry

e) Change in aircraft colour or livery

Testing

For testing of ELT, please request for an approval from CAAS RCC via CAAS_RCC@caas.gov.sg at least 2 days in advance before the test date. The approval request shall contain the following information:

1. Aircraft Operator

2. Aircraft Registration

3. Country of Registration

4. Aircraft Type

5. Date, Start and End time of Testing

6. Location in Latitude and Longitude

7. Location via address

8. Distress Beacon ID number (expressed in the form of an alphanumerical code of 15 hexadecimal characters)

9. Frequencies transmitted

10. Name, company and contact number of person requesting the test