When you enter a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) camp, the camera in your phone becomes like safe distancing rules in a KTV lounge: just for show.

Even though you wanted to take a picture with that cute stray cat in camp, the potential repercussions made you quake in your boots.

Things may be a little different now, however.

NSF: You mean I can finally take pictures of that stray cat in camp?

Sure, if it’s grown to the size of a three-room flat and is obstructing the road.

SAF Servicemen Can Now Take Photos in Camp to Report Safety Hazards

Photo-taking will now be permitted in SAF camps and training areas, but only to report a safety hazard using a new smartphone app.

The app, called SafeGuardian, was launched in mid-June and is being progressively expanded to the rest of the SAF.

Commanders in the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) have been using the new app since 28 June.

As of yesterday (15 July), over 60% of the hazards reported through the app have been resolved.

The app not only provides information on safety regulations, but alerts others who are in the vicinity of reported hazards.

Previously, if a serviceman noticed a safety hazard, they’d have to report it to their immediate commanders, who would then lodge a report on their behalf.

Only then would a photo of the hazard be snapped using a unit-approved camera.

As you can imagine, this is quite a drawn-out process.

With this app, users have the convenience of submitting open reports and conducting activities with a safety checklist.

Photos taken on the app will also not be available on a phone’s gallery, so it won’t present a security risk.

50% Rise in Hazards, Near Misses Last Year

Between 2018 and 2020, the number of reports of near misses, unsafe practices, and hazards in the Singapore Armed Forces rose 49%.

The reports were made through safety hotlines, appointed safety advocates in units, or through the chain of command to superiors.

This was a sharp rise, but a good sign, one official said, as it indicates a greater likelihood of better safety outcomes.

SAF training came under the spotlight in 2019 after NSman and actor Aloysius Pang died after being injured while on a live firing exercise in New Zealand.

One of the measures to improve safety following his death was to set up the Inspector-General’s Office, which scrutinises safety practices at all levels.

Featured Image: Goody Feed