A Search and Rescue Coordination Training is being held at the Police Training College aimed at enhancing increased understanding and coordination between the Agencies involved in Maritime Search and Rescue in Tonga.
The Training is a follow-up from the Sixth Pacific Regional SAR Workshop held in Noumea, New Caledonia, in 2015 followed by one in Auckland in 2017. Pacific Island delegates were committed to promote cooperation in SAR matters among the 26 members of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
Delivering the training are two experts from RCC (Rescue Coordination Centre) NZ, Mr David Wilson and Ms Christie Wilson. They visited Tonga last November 2016 and met with relevant people to identify and scope out training that will enhance SAR response and boating safety.
Commissioner Caldwell in his opening speech reminded the participants that the first role of Police is to protect our citizens by working with the community we serve.
Since the launched of Police Rescue Boats in December 2015, 86 lives have been saved from 24 Marine SAR Operations.
The Commissioner acknowledged the good work of Tonga Police and their courage but also took the opportunity to acknowledge the great support of HMAF, Tonga Coastal Radio and Marine and Ports.
He emphasized three points with Marine SAR; 1. Public Education and Awareness to stop people making bad decisions with bad boats and equipment. 2. To maintain the capability to respond quickly and professionally in a coordinated manner. 3. To bring home the lost seafarers to their families but make sure you the rescuers also get home to your families by making good operational decisions.
He further said, there is always room for improvement and to do that we have to learn from our mistakes, debrief after every Operation, practice our drills, examine our S.O.Ps (Standard Operating Procedures), be prepared at all times, maintain our boats and learn from the experience of others.
Police Search and Rescue National Commander A/Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau is grateful to these talented and expert trainers for giving up their time to help pass on their knowledge and teach the SAR team and the rest of the participants some valuable skills.
Attending the Training are members from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (Navy), Tonga Coastal Radio, Marine and Ports, Ministry of Environment and a Representative from Vava’u Emergency Response Association as well as Tonga Police SAR Team.
This Training is funded under the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Photo supplied