Some 21 members of the Philippine Coast Guard District in Palawan (CGDPAL) underwent a three-day Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training under the United States Civilian-Military Support Element (CMSE) to equip them with the capability to respond to emergencies in the sea. 

The training of personnel and the crews of PCG vessels across Palawan held on Jan. 28 to 31, 2021 is part of the Coast Guard’s Surface Support Force (CGSSF) Boarding Officer Course. 

The 21 participants were presented with scenarios designed to simulate emergencies during maritime law enforcement, maritime security, and maritime search and rescue operations, and were also trained on skills to address and manage an injury on the spot.  

It also strengthened the medical capabilities of the participants who work in a wide range of environments during maritime and land-based operations.

“Our personnel, specifically our boarding team members, had the opportunity to level up and enhance their skill and capability in responding to emergencies that they might encounter while performing our functions at sea.  The training boosted their confidence, knowing that they can depend on each other’s capabilities when situations such as those they have encountered during the training might suddenly arise,” said BRP Cabra Commanding Officer Commander Erwin Tolentino.

CMSE-Philippines Medic Zachary Shimley said: “With our PCG partners, we created challenging and realistic training that simulated scenarios the participants will encounter in emergencies.  Their enthusiasm to train and professionalism was invaluable to the execution of this training.” 

This training partnership, according to a statement from the United Embassy in Manila, “exemplifies the close relationship between American and Philippine friends, partners, and allies in strengthening maritime law enforcement and maritime search and rescue, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”