DADDY'S BUOY
Ryan Tay, 10, follows in the footsteps of his father, Military Expert (ME) 3 Terence Tay, as he learns the ropes of life on a frigate with the Republic of Singapore Navy's 185 Squadron.Photos // Chai Sian Liang
My dad is the Coxswain of RSS Tenacious. He tells me that he is like the discipline master of his ship and the sailors are like his students - he disciplines them and takes care of their welfare.
When we reached RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base and got on board RSS Steadfast, which was the ship on duty, I had to first learn about three-point contact when walking down the stairs. Uncle ME3 Ng Weng Kong told me to always have two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, on the stairs, as safety is very important. The stairs were very steep and felt more like a ladder!
EXPLORING THE SHIP
I visited the Machinery Control Room (MCR), which had many screens where I could see all around the entire ship. Uncle ME2 Kelvin Lim explained that with these, they could spot accidents or fires quickly. From the MCR, I also got to operate the air-con system. It was amazing that the technology could do so many different things.
We then moved to the Combat Information Centre (CIC), which looked like a giant gaming station. This is where the Commanding Officer (CO) leads the ship when they meet enemies. I put on the headset and tried talking through the communication system with Uncle ME5 Xing Minjie. I imagined that the CO was instructing me to fire a missile.
Here, I was also told that my dad not only deals with welfare but warfare too. As a coxswain, he controls one of the consoles in the CIC. How I wish I could see him in action!
Next was the Bridge. This is the place with a huge, long viewing window where the crew navigate the ship. I was told that no mistake is allowed here. A single error could jeopardise the safety of the whole ship.
FROM DAY TO NIGHT
Suddenly, a loud voice could be heard throughout the ship, saying "10 minutes to sunset". A short tune was played on the Bosun's pipe when it was time to stand by for the sunset ceremony.
My dad told me that this was a naval tradition. I felt shy and stressed as I followed the sailors to attend the sunset ceremony and made sure to follow instructions closely as it was a solemn event.
We saluted when we heard "Pipe the still", which was a call for the flags of all the ships in harbour to be lowered together. It was only after we heard "Carry on" that we could relax.
After sunset, I followed the sailors for their fire drill. Although it was just for practice, the sailors treated it like a real situation. They moved very quickly as they donned the fireman suit and equipment while communicating over their walkie-talkies. When it was time to fight the fire, I saw them helping each other and working as a team.
A SAILOR'S LIFE
When it was time to rest, I had a taste of a sailor's life as I used the ship toilet and visited the sailors' quarters. The toilet was tiny and the bunk bed in the quarters was tiny and smaller than my bed at home. I felt respect for all the sailors who sacrifice their family time to protect the ship and our waters.
Lastly, we visited the quarterdeck and I learnt how the berthing ropes secured the ship to the wharf. The ropes were huge and heavy; the uncles handling it must be very strong. Even the big metal door to the quarterdeck was very heavy and I could not close it without my dad's help.
Although I was tired after all the activities, I left the ship reluctantly. I knew there was more to be explored because the ship was so big. As I took a last look at the ship, I could imagine how the crew would live out at sea.
I used to feel sad and lonely when my dad sailed, but knowing how he spends his days at work and at sea makes me feel better. In my eyes, my dad is a cool and brave sailor.
