Marine time Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and from other British Overseas Territories has successfully completed another training by the Royal Navy International Maritime Training Team (RN IMTT).
The training which was hosted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Unit consisted of a total of ten officers. One (1) from Anguilla, one (1) from Bermuda, two (2) from the British Virgin Islands, three (3) from Montserrat and three (3) from the Turks and Caicos Islands. The officers learned an array of tactics, techniques, and procedures that will enhance their operational effectiveness in maritime security patrols. A further 12 officers will learn engineering and maintenance procedures and practices that will enable the Police Marine Units to improve operational effectiveness and availability.
Over the past weeks, the RN IMTT had already conducted a small craft operating course here in the TCI to a previous set of local and British Overseas Territories Officers.
The project has been coordinated by the Royal Turks & Caicos Police Force and UK’s Defence Section in Kingston, Jamaica and has been jointly funded by the UK’s Conflict, Security & Stability Fund, as well as the UK MOD’s Defence Assistance Fund.
On receiving their course certificates, graduating attendees commented on the high value of the course and the professionalism of the instructors. Warrant Officer Martin Power, the Officer in Charge of IMTT said, “This training is very important in the global challenge of securing international maritime borders and for enhancing relations between the UK and UK Overseas Territories. These opportunities allow the maritime defence community like RTCIPF to develop skills on their own equipment, realise their potential and thus improve understanding and interoperability in their operating areas. Ultimately it results in greater efficiency and effectiveness.
The IMTT provides a link between individual training establishments and overseas customer countries, primarily through the UK Defence liaison system and consists of five vastly experienced personnel of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines (combined 137 years service).