“Nothing Stands in Our Way” to Naval Diving Unit (NDU)
“Nothing Stands in Our Way” to Naval Diving Unit (NDU)
Talk about the elite Naval Diving Unit (NDU) and their strict training regime will probably come to mind as it has been well documented in newspapers, videos and most famously in the movie “Ah Boys to Men 3: Frogmen”.
On 3 Dec 2019, 101 employers had the rare treat of visiting NDU at Sembawang Camp. Bearing the motto “Nothing Stands In Our Way”, NDU performs diving operations to safeguard the sovereignty of Singapore and defend its sea lines of communication. The visit, co-hosted by Deputy Commander NDU, Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Wong Foo Chan, and the National Service Directorate (NSD), provided employers with insights on how NDU plays a critical role in safeguarding our maritime security, and an appreciation of how our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) are trained during their annual In-Camp Training (ICT).
In his welcome address, SLTC Wong reiterated the important role that employers play in supporting their NSman employees and he was happy that they were there to better understand National Service (NS) and the training that their NSman employees and colleagues go through.
(Centre) Deputy Commander NDU, SLTC Wong Foo Chan in a group photograph with employers
Deputy Commander NDU, SLTC Wong Foo Chan, delivering his welcome address
After the welcome address, employers observed a live pool demonstration of the naval divers’ water confidence and underwater capabilities and saw the divers conduct different underwater drills in various scenarios. Employers were in awe when they witnessed snippets of the naval divers’ legendary “Hell Week” on video. It is this strict training regime that has forged these servicemen into an elite fighting unit.
Employers observing a live pool demonstration of the naval divers’ underwater capabilities
During the visit, employers viewed a static display of dive equipment, visited the Naval Hyperbaric Centre and witnessed NSmen on ICT doing their currency training.
Mr Richard Tan, General Manager, KBA Marine Services Pte Ltd, visiting the Naval Hyperbaric Centre, where pressurised chambers are used for training purposes and to treat diving injuries
Mr Richard Tan, General Manager at KBA Marine Services Pte. Ltd., who was also an ex-NDU Commanding Officer (CO) 30 years ago, commented that he is heartened that “while NDU NSmen go through realistic and tough training, strong measures are taken to ensure safety”. Mr Tan also shared that the soft and hard skills his NSmen employees have amassed during their NS training do value add and are transferable in the workplace. “Today I have ex-NDU divers working as commercial divers for my company. The specialised management skills, discipline and organisational experience have given me and my team a head-start in the industry we are in now,” Mr Tan added.
Employers learning about the equipment the Dive Response Team carry, to respond to missions
After the visit, Mr Sam Too (centre), Division Leader (General Manager) from Qoo10 Pte. Ltd., Singapore expressed his confidence that we have an operationally ready armed forces capable of defending Singapore, and companies establishing themselves in Singapore must understand and respect this NS commitment.
Employers witnessing NSmen on ICT undergoing currency training
“The safety and stability of our nation is something that many today have the privilege of taking for granted. As the cornerstone of Singapore’s sovereignty and safety, which in turn contributes to the base upon which a successful economy and society can flourish, NS is something our company greatly values and respects,” said Mr Too, Division Leader (General Manager) of Qoo10 Pte. Ltd., Singapore,
Reflecting on the visit, other employers expressed similar sentiments as Mr Too. To pledge their support towards NS, many of the employers came on board the NS Mark accreditation scheme. The employers ended the visit not just with a better understanding of what our naval divers do, but also with full confidence in the elite Frogmen.
The NS Mark is a nationwide accreditation scheme to recognise businesses and employers who have been supportive of NS and Total Defence. With this accreditation scheme, more pro-NS businesses and organisations can be recognised for their efforts in promoting an NS-friendly workplace culture and adopting human resource practices that support NSmen in fulfilling their NS duties. To find out more about NS Mark, email us at NSOutreach_NSD@defence.gov.sg or visit www.NSMark.sg. To have an idea of how employers and businesses can be supportive, check out our Employers’ website at www.ns.sg/web/portal/nsmen/home/employer.
