PCG and AFP cross-train on lifesaving and Maritime Law Enforcement

By Philippine Coast Guard Public Affairs

In line with the directive of President Benigno C Aquino III for all government agencies to integrate their efforts and strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the Philippine Coast Guard has entered into an agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the 4th Special Forces Battalion and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines for the conduct of joint training on Lifesaving and Maritime Law Enforcement in Zamboanga City.

The said training formally convened last August 9, 2010 involving fifteen (15) members of the Special Operations Group of the Philippine Coast Guard and fifteen (15) personnel of the Riverine Unit of the 4th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army. To ensure interoperability and common understanding of the participants, the Philippine Coast Guard shared their personnel expertise in Basic Water Survival, Basic Navigation, Scuba Refresher Training, Recompression Chamber Operations, Boarding Procedures, Rules of Engagement and Legal Aspects of Maritime Law Enforcement. On the other hand, the AFP shared their expertise in Combat Life Saving Techniques, Small Unit Tactics, Marine Interdiction Operations and Basic Close Quarter Combat; while the US Contingent shared their knowledge and skills on Underwater Demolition and Post Blast Investigation.

To manifest commitment and sincerity of the Coast Guard on the said training, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo has directed the Search and Rescue Vessel (BRP EDSA-II) fitted with a recompression chamber and complemented with a Hyperbaric medical doctor onboard to participate and serve as a training platform in Zamboanga. Commander Artemio Abu PCG is the Commanding Officer of BRP EDSA II (SARV 002) which is presently under the operational control of Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao under the command of Commodore Rodolfo Isorena PCG. The training is scheduled to culminate tomorrow 24 August 2010. The PCG has embarked on aggressive cross-training programs with partner services and maritime nations in the areas of maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and maritime security.

(coast guard) http://www.coastguard.gov.ph/ (manila bulletin) http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273786/pcg-afp-crosstraining-lifesaving-procedures