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Hello would like to seek clarification in Sentry Duty at PassionWave Pasir Ris. From our understanding, the gates are locked after office hours and is non-accessible to public.

Would like to understand the rational behind why sentry duty is required for PWPR. Thank you!

Shannon

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Hi, I’m wondering where are the appropriate locations for drying wet clothing for participants at coney? There is water confidence day 1 in the programme at coney. Thank you. - Felicia

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1. When drawing out the keys from Camp 1 TSS store, it was made known that the box containing the safety items (with flares) was also required to be drawn out and returned when done.

2. To clarify on the difference in practice and process.

3. It is noted that the craft sent to Camp 2 the items are placed in the box under the seat.

4. I will like to clarify the difference in approach .

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1. It is understood that we have transited to the One OBS app to update our store list.

2. The paper store list is provided as a reference.

3. However, it was highlighted at Camp 2 that the ST personnel requested for us to do the paper list as well due to poor internet connection.

4. May I clarify on this matter to stream line the process across all the campuses?

~Nathan

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1. It has recently come to our attention that there are insufficient arm sleeves.

2. There is also an inconsistent approach across the campuses

3. There were no arm sleeves provided from Camp 2 stores over the past few weeks, sighting that there was insufficient quantity. However, it was noted that Camp 1 and Coney watches were provided with the arm sleeves.

4. To clarify

a. Will it be possible to ensure that all MOC participants are provided with the arm sleeve, else when they return to school there will be a comparison on why some groups received while others did not.

b. When will there be a restock of arm sleeves and buff?

~ Nathan

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This week c2 have 20 watches and there was only 1 isos covering at night

However in c1 have 10 watches but there’s 2 isos covering at night

The ratio seems off

Seeing how coney is much closer to c2 also

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Hello! Official lights out timing on programme is 2230hrs. Noted that lights out on thursday is extended until 2315hrs. Would like to check if this is a new default timing, or if there is still a need to inform / tie down within campus for any requests for extension?

Thank you!

- xinyi

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Recommend to have cyclic replacement of the store items

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Recommend to have cyclic replacement of the store items

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The following store items should have a cyclic replacement plan due to high usage and humid environment:

1. Poncho - they looks mouldy

2. Chopping board - grey stain can be seen at the middle portion

3. Cleaning cloth

4. The portable stove - very rusty and dirty

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Recommend to have big metal sieve across all campuses

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Recommend to have big metal sieve across all campuses

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RAC washing point - the big sieve for residue collection after outdoor cooking will be used across all campuses

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This is the amount of mosquitoes found at cookhouse camp 1.. please do something. Thanks

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Hi, are there printed QR code for the participants to scan, to have access to their watch photos?

There are such QR code printed for watches in C1 & C2.

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Updates of External Campsite OPS GUIDE (ECC)

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Updates of External Campsite OPS GUIDE (ECC)

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This is with regards to Red Cross Campsite ops Guide. According to the guide, cooking is still permissible at the campsite. However, according to Programmes it is no longer allowed to cook there. Will there be an update to this information such that instructors on ground can be aligned with the new protocols? On this note, can we get all external mainland campsite guide to be refreshed.

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Hi!

At last week (24 Oct)’s EOC, it was mentioned that all Piranha kayaks have been shifted to C2 as of last week, including the spray skirts specifically sized for Piranha cockpits.

As some Instructors are bigger/taller in size, we have found the new Piranha kayaks a vast improvement over the existing Bandit/Dancer/Turbo kayaks in allowing us to carry out our KOP, since the increased size and legroom helps a lot. However, now that they are only available at C2, it means that those on course in C1 are restricted to the use of the older, smaller models.

At the same time, some Instructors still do prefer the old kayaks due to familiarity and smaller sizing.

Would it be possible to have a mix of the new (Piranha) and older kayaks at both campuses, to allow for greater flexibility of choice when we conduct KOP?

-David

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With the RAC centralised store cage being locked, accessing the store key deposit basket becomes inaccessible for usage.

Is there going to be any process review to how we deposit the store keys at RAC?

Jack

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Hi! May I check if this location is considered thwart on 4G cutter?

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Instructor lunch @ C2 (EOC) (4 day programme) 

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Instructor lunch @ C2 (EOC) (4 day programme) 

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Hi! Just a feedback that for the 4 day programme we had for the past 2 weeks, there was a lot of wastage of food from instructor lunch as there sometimes isn’t enough time for instructors to consume the bento boxes and the food has to be thrown away. Breakfast was a disposable box, but lunch was a reusable box. Wondering if switching it around might be better?

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This week there was a padlock added to the DB controlling Indiana lights amongst others. Understand the rationale that the area should be restricted access due to the possibility of short circuit and other electricity problems, but it would add on the the workload of the cpg staff if we need to contact them every time we want to switch off Indiana lights for pax sleeping at that campsite.

Could we install switches somewhere else? For example the c2 CNC park lights have their switches on the lamp post itself.

-Osh

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Hello!

I conducted the ECC Zip Wire this week and I have some recommendations:

1. To have a steel carabiner for the flying unit restrain instead if the aluminum carabiner that is currently used.

2. To remove the snap link (refer to photo) on the black lanyard as there is no use for the snap link. It was previously used to hold down the zip wire on the receiving end for ease of removing pax from the system. But now the ladder is tall enough for the receive without the snap link.

3. There are currently 3 normal sized and 2 large full body harnesses for use. Could we have more normal sized ones (2 more) to facilitate a better conduct in terms of transition and continuous flow of dispatch.

4. Could there be a resource for the ECC Zip Wire? The resource can be more on the rigging, dispatch and receiving as a guide for those who are returning to ECC on course. It could be in forms of videos or other documents. This is in similar to the learning resources we have for abseil, CRC and TCM.

Thank you for your consideration!

Ama

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Hi! I used the new sandpiper 21925 today. The trimming button on the edge of the throttle handle cannot be used. I had to press the button at the side of the engine

When trimming the engine in Shallow water or when fast reaction is needed, it becomes quite cumbersome to trim and difficult to look forward

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Instructor PFD vs STE PFD for ECC water confidence only

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Instructor PFD vs STE PFD for ECC water confidence only

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TSR states that instructor should have their issued PPE for any water-based activities, including water confidence.

In ECC context, as water confidence is a short activity just outside the ECC compound and the students are not doing any other water-based activity after (as opposed to Ubin where they continue with KOP etc), is it possible for instructors to use the STE PFDs instead?

What would be the considerations for instructors to still use their issued PFDs in this context?

- Kristine on behalf of ECC trainers

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My understanding is that we tell participants to hold the handle to lift the IRB, and to support by the hull instead of the bumper, deckline or d-ring.

Recently, I heard on the ground that participants may be briefed on holding the handles and deckline together and other variations.

I would like to clarify what is actually load-bearing? The handles, the d-ring attachment, the d-ring or the marine rope?

Understand that participants hold on to the deckline while in water so it is 'load-bearing' a relatively lighter load.

-Ginger

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Hi, would like to check if it is possible for participants to hold both handles and deck lines for IRB? What will be the appropriate briefing for participants on how to lift IRB? If it is strictly handles, can we install more handles please.

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Linens

- not clear where to put the linens as there was no blue bag on d2 for c1b to place the dirty linens even after 9am. End up c1b put at the box outside

- other days there was a blue bag but it is too small to put everything in

- unsure of the standard. Pictorial guide will be good. Do we need to fold? Separate or everything together?

- 9am is a strange timing. Esp if it is KOP.

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Hi F&PM, the condition of the white board is bad.. the space for writing is limited due to the rust and algae formed in the surface.. in addition, the cleaning of the board also face difficulty as the marker’s ink stays on the surface after wiping.. is there a possibility that all the white boards will be changed?

Thank you

ECC instructors

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Just to clarify: can pax receive the buffet rations from caterer by themselves and sign on their instructors behalf? Or must instructors be present?

This week caterer allowed pax to collect themselves.

Thanks

Osh

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Balanced distribution of participants; gender/medical conditions/weight 

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Balanced distribution of participants; gender/medical conditions/weight 

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Dearest PMs,

I have a feedback/clarification after a challenge arose during the recent MOC course (13-17 Jan at ECC) regarding participant distribution from Grp 36. The watch composition presented challenges during the land expedition, and this led to a request for additional trailwalkers for the remaining days of the expedition.

For context, the watch composition included:

3 participants with scoliosis

1 participant with a pre-existing knee injury

2 males and 10 females

6 out of 12 participants under 45kg

While it's understood that the PM team strives to balance distributions and cannot predict absences or undeclared medical conditions, there may be room for improvement in mitigating certain factors in advance.

Concerns and observations:

1. Medical conditions: Four participants in the watch had medical conditions likely requiring trailwalkers and only 2 trailwalkers are available for use per watch store. This information was available on their enrollment forms.

2. Weight distribution: Half of the participants were under 45kg, which affected load distribution capabilities.

3. Gender ratio: The 2:10 male:female ratio may have impacted the overall physical capacity of the watch.

4. Safety considerations: The use of additional trailwalkers posed potential risks:

Limited space at pedestrian waiting areas on some islands

Narrow walkways on the onion route approach to checkpoints

5. Load management: Despite efforts to redistribute loads among participants and existing trailwalkers, the options were limited.

Perhaps the following can be taken into greater consideration for future group allocations:

1. Utilise medical information from enrollment forms to anticipate potential challenges and distribute participants with known medical conditions more evenly across watches before issuing out the nominal roll.

2. Review the process of allocating participants based on weight and gender to ensure a more balanced composition in each watch.

Clarification:

Will PM transfer or swap participants to other watches if instructors voice out their valid concerns before meeting their respective groups?

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Outpro arranging pax into group level before handing over to school

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Outpro arranging pax into group level before handing over to school

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We've been receiving instructions to distribute pax into school level, and then arrange according to group number. Is it possible to change to arrange into class level instead?

The out pro boats don't necessarily come to ppj according to group number. So when they are distributed into group number, they need to leave an unknown size of a gap for the groups that have not reached. Sometimes we can have up to 44 groups outpro-ing at RAC. Arranging in group level will make it a very wide group. For the pax, they need to keep asking around what group numbers are there. It's been observed a few times that after the teachers collect them, they rearrange until classes anyway.

If we arrange then in class level, all of them would know who their classmates are so naturally they know where to gather. For CS managing, we don't have to instruct or assist them about the group numbers.

I've asked around several CS this week, most preferred to have it in class level.

-Osh, CS for 13-17 Jan week

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Clarification: how to rectify and retrieve halyards that are pulled up on the mast

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Clarification: how to rectify and retrieve halyards that are pulled up on the mast

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I want to clarify if there's a difference between 3G and 4G cutter response to retrieving halyards that are pulled up on the mast.

Can we still hoist a person up to rectify it?

If this is no longer a process, what is the purpose of the helmet and harness in the cutter sea ex box?

Kaixiang

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Hi. Want to clarify whether the new process for Fresh Rations @ Mainland is a proposed trial.

If it is a trial, is there a more formal channel for instructiors to submit feedback and for the data to be collated.

Thank you

Petrisson (TU)

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I feel that it would greatly help me and/or others if some commonly used words such as:

Medication (Prescribed Supplement?)

Supplements (Vit C?, Energy tablet?)

Prescribed (TCM?)

Consumed (Inhaler?)

...etc

Are clearly defined or given a brief statement of what it means to the organizationso as not to create confusion in the sense of "Layman vs Policymaker's" definition. This definitions can be shared on KL or a preface to the policies.

Thank you for your time. Much appreciated

Sufyan.

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Colour tag for Pax Helmet & Harness for set 1-8

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Colour tag for Pax Helmet & Harness for set 1-8

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Hi, can i clarify if MLO is aware that the STE at ECC are doing a trial on colour tagging for Helmet & Harness specifically for Set 1 to Set 8?

May we know the purpose of this trial and is there any action needed from the Instructors?

By Azzah on behalf of ECC instr

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I would like to find out what is the agreed commitment with ST on the cleaning of instructor dorms.

During the recent 4-week course break, some instructors had also notice the lack of weekly cleaning as compared to before that.

For this week of course running (14-18 Oct), the floors in blk 2 dorm had not been cleaned.

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Hi!

I am reaching out to make sure we have a common understanding on the matter. There have been varying levels of understanding on what to do.

Issue:

Retrieve line drops / breaks from belay school element.

Question:

What are the proper steps that TAD / OSM recommends for when the instructors need to carry out rectifications?

Warmest regards,

Argyrios

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Camp 1 situation where 4 watches have stores that are clustered in one building, making it extremely challenging when space is required to organise pax to pack, wash, organise equipment in a very crowded area. Equipment gets mixed up and lost when they are accidentally taken by other watches, making it a store nightmare.

Solution:

To space out these watches at further store locations not within the same building.

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Dangerous uncovered drainage around bunk areas

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Dangerous uncovered drainage around bunk areas

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As the bunks are more utilised, pax are walking around the bunk areas like blk 6,7,8,9 & 10. There are sections of deep drains around the blocks that are uncovered, and it’s a matter of time someone will fall into them and be seriously hurt. Can we suggest that they are fully covered as a preventive measure rather than a knee jerk management. Thanks in advance.

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Just to clarify on the TSR, under section 2 (SOP), 1.9

It states that instructor must have their FAK when conducting all activities.

Would this include activities not covered by the TSR (debriefs, walking to bunk/store, etc)?

Or is it just activities as per the TSR.

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1. It has been a long standing occurrence and it seems that no regular cleaning has been done to MPH floor and also the internal rockwall which are full of bird droppings. Unlike the outdoor elements where rain will wash dirt away, the indoor bird shit, dusts and dirts just accumulates.

2. It was so bad that participants' hands touched the dirts, dust and bird shit when they climb...

3. It is a waste of the MPH space as it is not conducive to be used for briefing/debriefing circles.

4. When laying out the retrieve lines neatly on the floor at the internal rockwall area, the bird shit stench was really really bad.

5. To consider general health, hygiene and activity experiences of all staff and participants.

We would greatly appreciate if there's regular cleaning and maintenance of the MPH &/or preventive measures of birds perching and pooping in our indoor areas. Can perhaps refer to what some coffeeshop / hawker use to prevent e.g. fixing plastic spikes that prevent birds from perching on structures.

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Request: RAC pax’s dinner to be ration with more nutritional Value.

Current State: Bee Hoon & Vegetable Stock & Luncheon Meat for Day 2 Dinner / Nasi Lemak Rice & Mock Abalone for Day 3 dinner

Consideration(Specifically for outdoor cooking):

Pax’s nutritional value requirements VS intake

Variety

-RAC WIs

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Just would like to find out why is welfare checks on d1 and d4 asked for by different timings

D1 coord is usually at 1930 but love notes ask for health check to be done by 1900, what is the point of asking it to be done by a timing already past?

D4 coord at 1930 and love notes ask for health check by 2000

Osh, on behalf of c2, 19-23 aug

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This has been going on for quite a while. It may be worth revisiting, for newer instructors and rusty ones like me, although i think it may have been discussed before.

I’d like to question the practice of SB sending Sandpipers to RAC for D1 and then picking them back again after the orientation:

1. How did this practice come about?

2. Why was the CD reluctant to allow me to send the boats in advance? I.e. send at their starting time only.

3. Why does the ops team still need to bring back all the boats?

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Request:

Is it possible to have extra rations with longer lifespan (e.g. Biscuits like Oreos etc.) to be kept in campus separately and be provided to pax when needed?

Example: 1 -2 carton of Oreos to be kept in ECC main office; and this emergency rations will only be given out when it was observed that pax food is running low/insufficient by the instructor.

Reasons:

It was observed this week for watches with more boys pax, the rations given was insufficient (9B5G; 10B2G) as the boys generally have a bigger appetite. Pax runs out of food before day 4 of their expeditions.

Soon Ming on behalf of ECC trainers.

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Hi,

For this week in ECC there were multiple cases where pax were sent back to ECC by ONP without the knowledge of ECC OIC. The SB team only realise when pax were seen walking around in campus.

What happened:

Inst called MST for tele consult, and decision was made to extract pax back to ECC.

Can we check on who's responsible to inform ECC OIC when pax are being sent back? And what's the arrange work flow when inst requires extraction?

Thanks

Soon Ming on behalf of ECC (12-16 Aug)

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Can we provide 10 lighters in mainland smart lockers?

Last year it was raised up for C2 when only 2 were provided in the expendables cabinet, the decision was to provide 10 in c2. Can we do the same in mainland smart lockers too?

These few weeks we faced the issue in ECC where the wind was very strong during outdoor cooking, even with measures like human shield to block wind, toyogo box cover to block wind, it is still very difficult to light the fires, and the having lighters with insufficient lighter fluid exacerbates the issue

Osh, on behalf of ecc A 18/7/24

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In case of emergency, where do we gather at RAC?

is there a need for fire bell for emergencies?

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Usage of emergency phones at participant blocks

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Usage of emergency phones at participant blocks

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Are the emergency phones at participant dormitories still meant to be operational? They used to provide a direct line to Ops Room, and don’t seem to be working anymore.

To clarify: if there is an emergency and instructor is not around, pax are expected to head over to their instructor’s area in C1, or Ops Room?

Aisyah, 9 July 2024

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1. When is it necessary to call MST for teleconsultation?

- Is it supposed to be via the OBS Medical hotline or can the staff call the duty nurse directly?

- Is it a must to teleconsult before posting in " Ops room + WI chat group"?

~Nathan

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Clarification: Anchoring of Safety boat (Not TSR but OSM related)

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Clarification: Anchoring of Safety boat (Not TSR but OSM related)

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1. Must each SP be anchored individually or can 2 SPs be tied off and anchored together?

2. Based on discussions with some staff, their understanding was that each safety boat should be individually anchored.

3. To clarify if this is a policy or good practice/ process/ guideline.

~Nathan

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Does PD have a recommended timing on what time we should be arriving at our designated campsites, whether it be Mainland or Ubin?

Reason I'm asking this is I have observed some watches arriving and pitching tents at 1pm (it was later clarified that they should not pitch tents till after 5pm for that particular Mainland external campsite), and when I approached the instructors to clarify, they mentioned that their pax had embarked on expedition since 8am; pax were already mentally and physically drained; and it is not started anywhere that they must arrive at campsite after a certain time.

-Osh

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Attaching of carabiner on Fig.8 bight to belay loop on Instructor's harness

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Attaching of carabiner on Fig.8 bight to belay loop on Instructor's harness

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Just want to clarify, for heights involving a ground anchor setup; when instructor is taking over the role as a belayer, is it OK to not clip in the carabiner to our belay loop? Since if the ground anchor is used correctly, that carabiner will not be loaded anyway.

(Ground anchor is tie with a fig.8 bight where a belay device and carabiner is attached to the rope linked the climber.)

Rationale:

Was conducting a buddy watch for pamper pole at C2, where 1 instructor helped to check pax's ppe and clipped them in on the harness, while the other acts as the belayer. Had to clip in and out of my belay loop when I change between lanes, and helped to check in on pax (when there's no climber). Just wondering if instructor are required to clip in that carabiner as how we brief pax for similar ground anchor setup, like inverse tower.

Thank you.

Soon Ming

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Hi! I believe there was this discussion before about providing metal scrubs or some other suitable scrub to better scrub off the hard stains. But I can't find it. Is there an update to this discussion?

Rationale for this request: I think using these better suited scrubs would be able to better preserve the longevity of our equipment. But it shouldn't be provided as a store item due to hygiene, rather just as an expendable item so trainers can control it better, that would be great

Thanks!

- Osh

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Provision of round stoves or windshield in campuses

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Provision of round stoves or windshield in campuses

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Hi! On behalf of c2 trainers this week, we would like to ask if round stoves or windshields can be provided at c2. During strong winds period the wind is so strong that it takes very long to light the fire, even with multiple pax as windshield and using box cover in addition.

I think the round stoves in c1 could be a good alternative to be provided for trainers to consider using, or can even give windshield in pax store to use on expedition also

osh

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Can we request for peelers for ECC stores?

At the current juncture, pax are using jack knives to peel potatoes, posing safety concerns.

For LO assistance please. - ECC OIC, Eng.

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The brackets on the SP are supposed to be for the SP’s box, which have since been moved into the seat compartment of the SP.

Based on what MLO mentioned, it is now supposed to be for petrol cans. However, based on the video, it cannot fit. (refer to video above)

Can we have the brackets for all SPs removed so that we can fit other things such as sea ex box / petrol cans in those spaces?

CX (Training Unit )

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Usage of C2 Helipad, near the long boys toilet, for outdoor cooking (instead of C2 C&C Park)

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Usage of C2 Helipad, near the long boys toilet, for outdoor cooking (instead of C2 C&C Park)

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While a watch is assigned to the C&C Campsite at C2, the practise is to perform the outdoor cooking up at C&C.

Will it be fine, if the watch instructor opt to cook instead at the Helipad area near the boys toilet and the bell, where TSR is adhered, RAMS done, it does not block anyone and area usage deconflicted.

Reason: its a risk for the pax to carry the large jerry can up to c&c and a lot of hassle to for the pax to clean their cooking equipment. Alternatives like using pax individual bottles collectively for water, poses a hygene risk.

Since cooking at helipad is still outdoor cooking, it should not defray from the course objectives.

Hence, can we be allowed to choose either of the 2 sites to perform our outdoor cooking under the abovementioned conditions?

Thank you.

Peter Ang.

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Usage of C1 Dorm block spaces for tarping of bags, cooking by watches from other campuses

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Usage of C1 Dorm block spaces for tarping of bags, cooking by watches from other campuses

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Can other watches from other campuses make use of C1 Dorm block spaces for tarping of bags, to do outdoor cooking even though it is dry weather? - Cx

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If a participant sustained a 2nd degree burn, is it a must for instructors to bring the participants to MST for further checkup?

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We checked with the security for Termasek Poly campus and was made aware that the all the campus gate will be close to MoPs by 10pm. As such, I don't rationalize the need for sentry duties for the pax in the said campus 🙏please advise if we are able to revise the guideline or remain status quo 🙏

Karim

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There had been many instances where watches had to wait for their turn (up to 30 minutes sometimes) to do their water confidence test.

Reasons:

1) Most of us ended our key activities around the same time.

2) Some instructors also like to conduct some simple water activities alongside water confidence test, and this takes up more time for the activity.

Can we perhaps increase the number of PFDs available for use at ECC, especially those of smaller sizes.

Thanks..

Soon Ming

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Clarification: Does the word “staff” in TSR Section 2 SOP, Annex 2B Point 1 sub-point 1.1 only refers to operational staff?

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Clarification: Does the word “staff” in TSR Section 2 SOP, Annex 2B Point 1 sub-point 1.1 only refers to operational staff?

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1.1) All on-site safety escort boats should have the means to carry at least 2 staff. Staff have the discretion to provide safety coverage on kayaks or from the safety boat if they are on a kayaking expedition.

To clarify, the word staff consist of OBS staff who have a valid PPCDL license and have been through a familiarization session on the craft.

That being said, as operational staff we should always be self sufficient unless circumstances calls for us to reach out to Ops Rm for additional standby support. Should Ops Rm not be able to support then we can consider tapping on other resources (non operational staff with PPCDL license) as a last measure with the approval given by Ops Rm.

The main responsibility of overseeing the safety of the fleet and engaging in rescues should fall on the operational staff present in the boat. When considering tapping on non operational staff as a safety boat pilot, operational staff must be able to manage both the overall safety of the fleet as well as to command the pilot to where the boat should be during the safety supervision or rescue.

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Donning of Helmet at specific heights platform 

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Donning of Helmet at specific heights platform 

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In light of the clarification today during EOC, understand that harness need to be worn for any heights conduct base on the over arching height section in TSR.

Just seeking clarification for helmets wise, on MET tower and CRC towers at ECC from EIT as mentioned that a helmet is not required when doing dispatch of participants.

But for Hill 31 a helmet is required is it because hill 31 has no railings but MET and CRC towers has ? In both cases Instructors are on restrain

Just seeking rational

- CX (Training Unit )

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Is a heads up to ops room or approval needed to walk through MRT underpass? e.g. Bedok North MRT

Fahmi on behalf of ECC WIs

MOC 26 Feb - 1 Mar

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Feedback for 26 Feb-1 Mar run,

Dragonboat feels like it is deliberately being delayed

Last year briefing took 15-20min

Previously briefing was succinct, mainly focusing on wearing of PFD

This week's total briefing duration:

- ECC A: 30min

- ECC B & C: 45min

Breakdown:

- PFD briefing 10-15min

- Varied "E&SE" content varied

ECC A & B: 20min - Addressing trash around but not about the protecting nature, impact etc. Appeared unstructured.

ECC C: 20min - More of a "Did you know?" And fun fact session.

Impact:

- Instr feel that pax limited water time will be further reduced vs their friends in Ubin/RAC

Request clarification if there is a new syllabus or other considerations leading to the lengthen briefing.

Fahmi on behalf of ECC instructors

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Request: Is it possible to install bidets in all WC cubicles, especially in Camp 1.

Reason 1: Participants in C1 have limited shower cubicles to use (EVL wall and Swimming Pool) in Camp 1. As such they tend to require more time to shower as they need to queue up.

Installing bidets will give them the option to use the bidets for showering.

Reason 2: Using water to cleanse ourselves reduces paper usage. This reduces costs and is in line with OBS philosophy on LNT. It will benefit both staff and participants.

Peter Ang

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I will like to clarify on the usage of trust fall at ECC. Are we allowed to use the station for conduct with MOC pax?

This week there were some instructors who were considering doing trust fall as the trust activity, however, we had challenges finding guidelines if we were able to proceed with the conduct as the TSR does not mention that there are exclusions.

~ Nathan

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Clarification:

Is it compulsory or is it just a practice to remove necklaces for heights conduct?

Many have referred to TSR that “necklaces” are not mentioned.

TSR: “Anyone participating in the activity should be free of hard objects such as bangles, watches and rings, on their body.”

Li Ying

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Piloting of Sandpiper under gangway/jetty

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Piloting of Sandpiper under gangway/jetty

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Q1: May I check if there is an official stance of piloting on sandpiper under the linkway/jetty at C2? Or is it just a practice?

Q2: Or is there a zero tolerance policy to refer to on going under the jetty/structures?

- this with the context that if RAMS is done properly and there is clearly sufficient space to pilot under. With also the context that we are willing to take responsibility should there be damage to the craft.

- asking for clarity so that we can share clearly on the future practice/preference, official stance and understanding on this topic. Not trying to test system ok!

Thanks!

- Joseph & Chong

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About the showering facility at TP sports complex which is the allocated toilets. There’s a showering facility at the design school, is there a reason why we can’t use that?

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Feedback for process of OBS HAE Pre-use visual check inspection form

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Feedback for process of OBS HAE Pre-use visual check inspection form

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Default process:

- For element “X” that will be used in AM & PM (based on program), AM instructor will inspect and submit the form. PM instructor does not need to re-inspect nor resubmit form.

Scenario 1: AM program change

AM instructor did not inspect nor submit form. PM instructor unaware that inspection was not done, and conducted without inspection or submission of form.

>> Should we consider having the PM instructor do the inspection and submission of form as well?

Scenario 2: Lapse in checks, resulting in faulty element not reported initially.

AM instructor inspected and submitted form, without realising that there was an issue. However, prior to PM conduct, PM instructor observed that something is faulty.

>> Should we submit another form to flag out the issue?

>> Or is it sufficient to send a Workchat text to update Ops room?

From, Ernest & Li Ying

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Sea - ex boxes for both Expeditions and Sandpipers.

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Sea - ex boxes for both Expeditions and Sandpipers.

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Main Issues: SP sea ex boxes (the small one with air horn, flares etc) and the big sea- ex boxes for expeditions were caught in the heavy downpour of rain and wind on the 23/01/24 causing water to flood the boxes and affecting the equipment inside.

Many resources as seen were wasted due to the need in exchanging and many human resources have to be invested in exchanging these items. Furthermore, expeditions were pushed to start later to ensure all the required safety items are on board.

Root problem: Boxes lid are loose and not air tight due to not having rubber seal - it is not air tight in other words. Water always gets in during heavy rain or when boats are flooded (which happens very often).

In addition, the box cant fit into the hatches of SP, if we slant it and fit in, the SP seat is sitting on the handle of the box hence it will damage the box if we force the SP seat closed.

Proposal: To change the boxes to air tight or small barrel type. Small barrel may be longer lasting as rubber can shrink due to the environment.

ST mentioned there are still existing boxes in store - if we can use it for other purposes that would be best.

If not, a more suitable box for future use instead of re-stocking the same current box in order to be more efficient and effective for future programmes would be best.

Attached are the pictures taken when standbys had to replace and manage the equipment that were submerged in water.

Published by Sly, and all the standbys this week ( 22-26 Jan)

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Hi,

There are instructors on the ground who allows/get pax to use tong to top up solid fuel; while some use it only on food.

I had taken over a store and had seen white substance (most likely solid fuel residue) still sticking on the tong.

Can we get a clear message (preferably during EOC) so all instructors are aware whether this practice of using it for fuel is allows? Or it's simply instructor's discretion and our own check to ensure the safety of our pax.

Thank you..

Soon Ming.

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Writing on behalf of ECC Trainers, it was brought up that some mobiles are required to do 2 nights of sentry due to campsite locations (ie Temasek Polytechnic) which may not be ideal for the pax as it may be taxing for them.

Is there a possibility to:

1) Able to keep to 1 night of sentry for the pax as much as possible to ensure sufficient rest.

2) To look into the necessity of doing sentry at places with security in place, such as Temasek Polytechnic.

In the ops guide for mainland campuses as of 12 Jan 2024, there is no wet weather plan stated for mainland campsites. Are we able to add them into the ops guide especially for places that have limited sheltered area to pitch tents (ie. Passionwave bedok, Temasek Poly)

-ECC IC, Shannon (on behalf of ECC Trainers)

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1. Is it a Protocol or Practice for pax to don PFD when loading Sandpiper that is moored off to a pontoon?

- Joseph & Khai

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Recently notice that more and more pax are bring crocs and shoe cover as water shoes.

Can we get the packing list to specify covered show or show and example of what a water shoe can be / should be so there is lesser ambiguity for MOC pax

- Cx

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This is a non-TSR matter, which different trainers have different way of management, hence would like to align our general understanding & practice:
- At “external campsite” i.e. not C1/C2, do we bring the Rhib into the campsite, or it is ok to leave at the beach.

Considerations:

- Bring in to campsite, because beach is acessible to public
- If leave on shore, it needs to be covered under sentry
- But if it rains heavily in the middle of the night, we would not encourage pax to go out to check…….

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On 6/9 at Jelutong Besar, there was an external vendor who pitched tents Jelutong Besar western side. They pitched their tents with no consideration for sharing spaces, with their tents cordoning off a large area as 'living room space'. Allegedly, the vendor had talked to NParks who gave them the green light to share the space.

This is not the first time we had to share space with an external vendor. But everytime we would be asked to squeeze the 2 mobiles at Jelutong Besar into the remaining space available.

Furthermore, the vendor would request for us to access the kayaks the next early morning by rounding their camp grounds by the back of Jelutong as their tents would have also cordoned off the designated 'track' closer to the beach line.

Would like to clarify if we have tried talking to the vendors in question about the sharing of space. Would it be better if we can come to a compromise with them to give them Kecil instead and our 3 mobiles share Besar? And NParks would have known in advance that OBS is using the space, do they inform the vendors to contact OBS on the sharing of space?

Lastly, we have seen the vendors cooking with naked fire outside of the designated cooking pits (they set up kitchen tent). Unsure if this is approved by NParks but just FYI...

Osh, on behalf of C2B for 4-8 sep

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Shopping centre doesn't have a good connection for both sg / msia line. Requesting approval for phone bill to be claimable under equipment allowance (for weeks that we are assign shopping centre as our campsite)

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Shopping centre doesn't have a good connection for both sg / msia line. Requesting approval for phone bill to be claimable under equipment allowance (for weeks that we are assign shopping centre as our campsite)

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Thank you!

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Is PFD a safety equipment for land expedition?

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Is PFD a safety equipment for land expedition?

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If two watches are doing a full land expedition, can the 2 watch instructors share one pfd for kekek rafting?

Does it apply to participate as well?

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1. For concurrent two watch conduct of abseil practice (full set rigging) in C2, which other ropes are we allowed to use since there's currently only 1 set of nursery abseil rope set in the store?

2. According to TSR, current abseil practice sites in C2  are outdoor. Apart from the usual BLK 10 rockwall beams, are there any other accepted indoor spaces in case of wet weather? Or will trainers need to request for ops sup approval as per TSR?

From Maurice & CX

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Sit or Full body harness for Tripod Chasm

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Sit or Full body harness for Tripod Chasm

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Ran a full land course this week and requested for addition of tripod chasm in to the day 4 programme.

Looking through tsr, it doesn’t state clearly which or what harness to use.

We asked our seniors and instructors alike who had differing opinions on what  harness is the minimum to be used for tripod chasm in Camp 1.

Thus we would like to seek clarification on this element as to our understanding it is different from trapeze or pamper pole where there is a jump factor.

Thank you for attending to our query.

From,

Sly and Derek

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Is there a better way to dry PFD @ RAC?

As the current practice of hanging all watches’ PFD on the provided rack tends to lead to PFDs being taken away by other watches as PFDs are not being labeled properly as well making it difficult to account.

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Celebration cooking food was not pleasant to the pax.

- not much meat and was given strawbery jam n pocari which was not suitable for celebration cooking and no bread was given if tht was the intention of the Strawberry jam?

The only meat given was only Hotdog but the green vegies were overwhelming.
Instructor suggested to switch most green vegies to meat instead. As alot of greens were wasted.

- Instructor request for eggs + Oil + pepper + salt + onion. Condiments in general to enhance the flavor as the spagetti taste blant and tasteless.

- Quantity for shredded cabbage was too much and not much was consume.

- Tomato Basil sauce doesnt suit with the spagetti. Instructor request to change to another brand that has a better taste.

by CD on behalf of RAC IC, Azzah, 6 July 2023

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Is it possible provide a portion of non sugary drinks for instructors as it would be healthier for those who prefer it ? E.g  ayataka green tea.

Peter Ang

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Some feedback heard from instructors that the light coloured armsleeves on larger pax tend to still let the sun tan the skin, leaving a shadow of the OBS logo on their arms after a long exposure. not sure if that is what we want to leave pax with.

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When a pax is found to be Covid positive, the rest of the watch is made to take ART test.

1. [For MST] Is the watch level ART testing our current protocol or an initiative for safe measure?

2. [For OM] For watches at mainland external campsite, it may take a while for Ops Sup approval and then OBS Van to travel. This delay watches from setting off at their intended times. Could staff use personal vehicle to send ART kits? What is our current policy and insurance coverage for use of personal vehicle for work purposes?

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Based on allocation, C2E, a 4 watch mobile was allocated beachfront inner on Thur (11/5). We had a down watch this week, and the campsite can just fit 3 watches (with 12 tents), with some tents pitching on a slope. Can we revise the allocation for the space for the campsite?
Thank You.

From Soon Ming

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We notice that a watch has special diet participants, the whole watch has to eat the same diet as that one pax. e.g. a few vegetarian/ seafood allergic pax means the whole watch would have vegetarian meals and comfort food forhe entire course.

1) Is it true so that this is to ease the vendor's task of packing separate meals?

At the same, during celebration cooking fishball and fishcakes are provided for the same watch. Instr will then need to make separate portions for the pax with special diet.

2) If instr is made to prepare separate portions for celebration cooking, why can't it be the same for other meals and comfort food?
3) Separate rations were not prepared for special diet pax and instr had to manage this. Given that this might be a one-time off incident, what is the actual arrangement for celebration cooking for watches with special diet pax?

Fahmi for CX grp 42, 22-29May MOC

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Feedback from 22 May 2023.

1. Too many can food
• 12 cans of corn kernels for a meal is too much (Heavy for pax to carry and create wastage as they are unable to finish)

For example, this is provided for Wed lunch:
Kernel --> 1 can/ 2 pax = 7 cans
Luncheon meat --> 1 can/ 3 pax = 5 cans

• Suggestion: maximum 4 cans per ingredients

2. For Friday, avoid canned food for lunch
• Stores will be returned by 10am, no access to jack knife/ can opener
• To many canned food for the week already

3. Repeated hot dog bun + luncheon meat (lunch) for Wed and Fri
• Suggestion: bread or wraps with jams (to reduce the number of canned food)

Fahmi on behalf of RAC Trainers

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Cleaning of store items with Dettol solution

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Cleaning of store items with Dettol solution

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Love notes stated for instructors to clean high touch points items such as tents and whistles with diluted Dettol solution.

If instructors were to clean the items with it and STE were to clean it once again, the tents and whistles will have a layer of solution due to cleaning it twice. Pax have ever complained that they get rashes after using the items.

Question: Is there a difference in practices for STE in managing the store items in different campuses?

- Ernest (TU)

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Inpro timings and  Release of nominal Roll.

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Inpro timings and  Release of nominal Roll.

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This query is in regards to the normalcy of in-pro timings now being extended due to various reasons ( this refers to the time the instructor has the opportunity to start meeting the participants) eg. late buses, bus lost their way, down watches, etc.

Although I understand the amount of back end work and administrative processes that have to be taken into account regarding prior to inpro, the waiting time from when the instructor arrives in RAC and between meeting the pax have  been extending or has always been a prolonged period of time.

This has led to the instructors waiting at RAC for the nominal roll or when the watches are finalised to then meet the participants.

The following are two suggestions for consideration:

1) The instructors makes their way to RAC once standbys have confirmed that the nominal rolls are ready, this is to allow time and space for instructors to wait and make their tie downs in their Mobile at the Instructor area at RAC.

2) Looking at whether 8.15am to meet for ops brief is still a viable timing since the amount of time taken to wait ‘is normally’ a long and arduous process. For example shifting it to 8.30 or even 8.45 to give a better timeline or shorten the waiting period before eventually meeting participants.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Regards,
Sly

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Clarification on max no of watches in C1 MPH

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Clarification on max no of watches in C1 MPH

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TSR 2022 states this: "There may be a maximum of 6 watches at any one time in the MPH (includes watches doing non-climbing activities)."

Can we have flexibility on this to have max 6 watches involved in climbing and others can be sitting around observing and waiting for their turn?

This is because there are other moments when we have more than 6 watches in MPH anyway, eg Course Opening and Closing we have entire campus; sometimes final debrief there might be more than 6 watches sitting around in MPH.

Esp during inclement weather, EVL and other indoor areas is taken up by other non heights mobiles; and there is c2 watches also coming in to c1 to do heights due to weather; c1 mobiles not being done with heights yet; other programs also doing heights on the same day (NYC induction for this week).

Raised up to some senior trainers, they mentioned that the clause is somewhat newly inserted into TSR (unsure which version it came in).

-osh, observing c1 heights @MPH on 28/2

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Hi PM (or whoever is taking charge of managing the nominal roll),

Have attached a screenshot of the response from the evaluation survey from my pax for last run of MOC (17-21 July).

During my run of the moc last week, I'm blessed with largely very cooperating and capable pax, but it's sometimes difficult to break the ice within the watch. As many of them are from the same class, and tends to stick to each others, forming their own group. This was especially so for my 3 boys who sticked very closely together throughout the 5 days, despite my various actions to separate them and getting them to work with the girls.

As one of our learning outcome is social cohesion, perhaps there will be more learning when pax are group from different school and different classes together?

Regards,
Soon Ming

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Ponchos at ECC have some spots on them which could be mold. I am wondering if there is a health concern for participants to use them?

- Edwin

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Thank you for attending to my query. This is in regards to NSG participants who are part of Ubin courses especially those in Camp 1 and 2 KOP programmes where there is a certain time that these participants have to be back on land, changed and ready for the 5.45 boat ( or whatever timing stated) so that they can outpro.

These movements affect not only the watch as a whole ( incomplete KOP) but the mobile and programme change as well which does not seem beneficial to the course. Furthermore,  administrative process such as expedition packing, cooking dinner have to be accounted for the participants that have to attend NSG/SYF. Standbys have to manage multiple participants and their packing from different watches/ instructors and bring them over to the campsite or along the expedition.

Suggestions for ease of movement of these group of participants are:
1) Mainland programmes ( ease of not relying on eng hup boat to send participants back to PPJ and lesser skills acquisition, KOP or belay school
2) Having a separate programme that is catered towards their timeline so as to interfere with those going through the whole camp

Although i do understand, that there are many other measures and administrative procedures to consider, i wish to both understand and find out whether anything can be done for such scenarios as they are happening often and will be present yearly as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

From Sly

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Celebration cooking - provide oil salt and pepper

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Celebration cooking - provide oil salt and pepper

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Why is salt pepper and oil not provided in pax rations? For frying of luncheon meat and eggs, having oil will make it easier to fry and clean

Osh

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This is to clarify about cooking indoors due to certain factors.

I understand that whenever we can, we should let the participants cook outdoors for them to get the full experience. But sometimes due to the weather recently, it might not be very feasible to cook outdoors.

An example would be doing celebration cooking at RAC. Due to the placement of the fire pits, they will be very exposed to the sun. Especially after sea expedition when they are already exposed for a prolonged time (Even after covering up fully). With that being said, it will not only expose them to a higher risk of getting sun burnt, but they would also not be able to enjoy the celebration cooking fully due to being under the hot sun.

Upon requests, we will usually be turned down because they will always want pax to cook outdoors. Do know that when I put in the request, it’s not out of convenience. But for the safety of my participants and to ensure that they have the best OBS experience too. So I’m raising this up during EOC to seek further clarifications on the intentions of outdoor cooking.

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1. In a 4 watch mobile, we have to bring 8 spare paddles and placing it on the pax’s boat. What’s the consideration for 2 additional spare paddles per watch?

2. Are instructors allowed to conduct cross island with “Sit On Top”, TSR stated “Single Seat Kayak”?

- Ernest & Cross Island mobiles

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Provision of lighter fluid in c2 expendable store

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Provision of lighter fluid in c2 expendable store

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Many pax store lighters are running out of fluid/ not flagged up/ not topped up. Not enough spare lighters in expendable cupboard. As a result trainers had to ask around from other mobiles to use their lighters.

Unsure how often expendable store cupboard in c2 is topped up

-osh

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Provision of funnel for dishwashing liquid top up at c2

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Provision of funnel for dishwashing liquid top up at c2

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Can there be a small funnel provided at c2 pantry for pax to top up dishwashing liquid? The funnel in pax store is too big to top up into the soap bottle and there will be quite a bit of wastage if they just pour straight in.

-osh

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Clarification of fresh rations when at external campsites

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Clarification of fresh rations when at external campsites

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I will like to clarify what is the current stand on fresh rations at external campsite. This week we were given the option if we wanted rations at our external campsite.
With a number of instructors indicating that they do not want food to be sent to them. However, upon arrival there were fresh rations for all our staff who were at the campsite.

Hence, do we or do we not have a choice of wanting rations at our external campsites.

**Will also like to request to get data from the staff running courses, to understand how many staff do not actually want rations. As this attributes to a higher amount of food wastage.

- Nathan (On behalf of camp 1 trainers)

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Provision of funnel at dishwashing liquid top up point

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Provision of funnel at dishwashing liquid top up point

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Can there be a small funnel provided at c2 pantry for pax to top up dishwashing liquid? The funnel in pax store is too big to top up into the soap bottle and there will be quite a bit of wastage if they just pour straight in.

-osh