Road Town, Tortola – Nine officers from six Overseas Territories and Bermuda, successfully completed the new Regional Maritime Training Programme and were awarded certificates of completion at an award ceremony held today at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) Marine Centre.

The certificates were presented by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. David Pearey, in the company of the Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal and President of the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, Dr Karl Dawson.

This is the first regional maritime training course of its kind designed specifically to train and qualify officers of the Overseas Territories. The aim of the training course is to improve the capabilities of each of the islands’ marine units, as well as recognise and reward the competence of individual officers. The course is three and a half weeks long and includes practical training and classroom instruction at the HLSCC Marine Centre, a well-equipped purpose built maritime training facility.

Certificates were awarded in Caribbean Boat Master Licence; Royal Yachting Association Advanced Powerboat Certificate of Competence; Certificates of competence in Fire fighting, Personal Sea Survival Techniques, First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, and VHF Radio Operation.

In addition, the US Coast Guard is supporting the law enforcement aspects of the training with the cutter FARALLON, which will be arriving soon to carry out further practical training.

Governor's Office, PO Box 702, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Telephone: (1) 284 494 2370/2345. Fax: (1) 284 494 5790. Email: bvigovernor@gov.vg

The course was designed and implemented with the support and assistance of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, the H Lavity Stoutt Community College, the Royal Yachting Association, the RVI Police Force, and the Her Majesty’s Customs and is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The officers are accommodated at the Nanny Cay Marina Hotel.

It is intended to run regular courses in the future and the next course is scheduled for October/November 2010.