The Unites States Coast Guard has initiated an 11-day training program aimed at improving the operational capability of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel on navigation and rescue operations using small boats.
The Small Boat Operations course, held in Manila from Sept. 5 to 16, also focused on boat driving, risk management, towing, and man-overboard recovery.
In a statement, the PCG said 12 PCG instructor candidates trained 16 PCG students through classroom instruction and at-sea practical exercises to improve their skills in navigation, boat driving, risk management, towing, and man-overboard recovery.
"This training is part of a series of courses sponsored by the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, with funding support from the U.S. Global Contingency Security Fund, to prepare Filipino instructors to lead small boat operations training for the PCG," the statement read.
PCG Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Charlie Q. Rances expressed gratitude to the US Coast Guard: “This is just one of the many training and learning opportunities that INL and USCG extend to the PCG.
For his part, Commander Bien Decena, USCG Liaison at U.S. Embassy Manila, said the training program highlighted the strong relationship, unity, and likeminded outlook between the Philippine and U.S. Coast Guards.
He said more training activities will be organized for the PCG later this year on various topics, including maritime law enforcement operations and vessel engineering program management.