SLORET
SECRET/LOCSEN
OPERATING PATTERN
19. Periods of Tension/Confrontation. The Hong Kong Squadron is required
to provide support to RHKP Marine units within Local Waters within 1 hour.
The distances in para 13 above are relevant, but must be qualified by considera-
tion of navigational hazards, weather conditions, and the actual disposition
of patrol craft at that time.
When the continuing threat of a confrontation
situation exists, or should a mass influx of refugees/illegal immigrants
by sea occur, the threat must be assumed to exist in all Sectors. This will
require a Patrol Craft on station in each of the 4 Sectors. This would also apply
in a Colony-wide IS situation. The craft would not only be on patrol in support
of the RHKP and Army, but also be providing mutual support to an adjacent sector.
This is particularly important in North and East Sectors, which are dotted with
small islands and cover some 200 sq miles.
20. Peacetime. The Squadron is required to maintain one Patrol Craft at sea or
immediate notice alongside, with a second ship at 4 hrs notice. Should the
prevailing situation require the stand by ship on a permanent basis, every effort
is made to have a third ship available. In the Summer, the Duty Patrol Craft
operates at night in North and East Sectors, moving to West Sector in Winter,
where water temperatures discourages Swimmer Illegal Immigrants in favour of
Boat-Crossers. (Since mid-November 1973, however, the unexpectedly high numbers
attempting to cross has required the Stand by craft to be regularly sailed in
support, for 1 night of its 4 day Stand by period).
21.
Offshore Deployments.
The Patrol Craft are required to operate offshore
for periods of several days for SAR operations and to provide support for the
RHKP when their craft are weather limited. Ocean-going experience is also required
to maintain the operational efficiency of the Squadron and the morale of its crews.
In the past, such activities have included exercises with friendly forces in the
region, ie the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment.
3
SECRET LOCSEN