AKE Prep 04 (20060304)

The 4th prep for AKE was held on Mar 04, 2006 (Saturday) at Sembawang STC.

AKE Prep for the SSTC Cluster included:
1. Bukit Batok Sec Sch
2. Canberra Sec Sch
3. Choa Chu Kang Sec Sch
4. Marsiling Sec Sch
5. Riverside Sec Sch
6. Sembawang Sec Sch

In the morning, the cadets were required to canoe to the Seletar Island and back. While the cadets were covered by 3 safety boats, they were also covered by "sweepers" (CLTs and Snr Specs) who worked to ensure that cadets did not stray too far from the main group.

CPT(NCC) Oliver Tan also took part in this prep exercise by canoeing with a CLT to Seletar Island and back.

As the tide was coming up (high tide at 1400hrs), many cadets had difficulty staying away from the shore. Some canoes were washed up on shore with cadets furiously trying to paddel back out. The current also pushed the cadets close to the shipyard and the group given notice by the Marine Police to stay further out away from the docks.

Due to the distance to Seletar Island, the group spread out quite a bit, resulting in the need to tow some cadets closer to the main body. However, there were also quite a few capsizes that needed to be attention by the safety boats.

After lunch, the plan followed those established in the previous weeks to have cadets practice their capsize recovery drill and water confidence. Further, the students were also given a chance to review their Bends & Hitches in preparation for AKE.

The training helped to identify the weaker cadets so that more emphasis can be given to their canoeing techniques and their overall fitness. Teacher officers got a chance to see their cadets in action so as to enable them to effectively guide them for the upcoming AKE.

Here is a snapshot of the activity from that day.

Here is the link to the photos from that day:
AKE Prep 04 Photo Set Link

Cheers!