Skip to main content

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Republic of Singapore Navy
  1. Home
  2. The RSN
  3. History
  4. Early years

Early years

The formative years of the Singapore Navy, from humble beginnings to early training.

Last updated 22 July 2025

On this page

Humble Beginnings
Training in the Early Days
The “Super Boats”

Humble Beginnings

5 May 1967

Formation of Singapore Navy sailors during the flag-raising ceremony with the ensign flying.

On 5 May 1967, the ensign of the Singapore Naval Volunteer Force (SNVF) was raised for the very first time at RSS Singapura, the SNVF’s first headquarters, signifying the birth of the Singapore Navy.

With only two wooden boats vessels – RSS Panglima and RSS Bedok, which were formerly from the Royal Navy – our fledgling Navy was given the charge of defending a young maritime Singapore. (The name "Republic of Singapore Navy" was only adopted on 1 April 1975.)

Training in the Early Days

1969

Early photo of sailors drilling at Pulau Blakang Mati, with buildings in the background.

Our first training school was also on board RSS Singapura. By early 1969, the Naval Training School was set up at Pulau Blakang Mati, which is now known as Sentosa. Instructors from the Royal New Zealand Navy assisted in training the first batch of 160 naval recruits, comprising 20 electricians, 20 engineers and 120 seamen. Midshipmen were sent abroad to Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada to learn from established navies and to gain operational exposure.

The “Super Boats”

December 1970

The Singapore Navy's first patrol craft "Independence" docked with crew members aboard.

As Singapore’s maritime trade grew, there was a greater need to ensure trade could take place unmolested in our straits. The Navy acquired the Independence-class patrol craft (PCs). The first PC, RSS Independence, was commissioned in December 1970. The PCs protected our coasts against maritime threats such as smuggling and sea robberies.