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International Safety@Sea Week 2025

Capt William Francis

Capt William Francis, President of the Singapore Power Boat Association, shares his 47-year passion for boating — from Navy captain to training over 10,000 students in seamanship.

Last updated 12 April 2026
Middle-aged Asian man with dark hair posing near a waterway with green trees in the background.

Capt William Francis

President
Singapore Power Boat Association

William’s love for the sea began at age 5 when his dad brought him fishing in a sampan off Changi beach.

In his youth, he served as a Naval Ship Captain. Today at 62, he serves as President of the Singapore Power Boat Association.

His passion for boating spans 47 years.

He owned his first boat, a wooden sampan in 1975 off East Coast beach. Joined the Navy at 18 and retired after a 31-year tour of duty. (15 years as a regular & 16 as a reservist).

Shortly after ROD in 1994, he founded a nautical school. Together with a team of 12 instructors and a fleet of pleasure crafts, they trained over 10,000 students in PPCDL and seamanship.

He believes in the freedom of-the-seas for every citizen and pushes for the minimalization of prohibitions and restrictions governing its use particularly by recreational boaters.