The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to ensuring its servicemen and women undergo job specific training. As such, a total of 40 Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines stationed at the Harbour Patrol Unit (HPU) received certificates on November 29th 2019 after successfully completing the Basic Small Boat Handling and the Small Boat Coxswain Training courses.
The course, which was taught by Senior Enlisted assigned to the HPU, enables Marines to improve their navigating skills while serving aboard Defence Force patrol crafts. It also allows the participants to better operate a craft safely in the Nassau Harbour.
Participants were exposed to intense lessons in seamanship. Some of the subjects covered included seamanship, firefighting, leadership, Rules of the Road, small boat handling, boarding procedures, first-aid, basic chart work, quick response exercise, search and rescue exercise and man overboard exercise. Course participants were required to test their skills and knowledge by participating in a four-week training programme aboard a 27-foot training vessel.
Presenting the certificates were Captain Adrian Chriswell, Captain Coral Harbour, assisted by Commander Shonodel Pinder, RBDF Operations Commander and Senior Lieutenant Andrew Bowe, Commanding Officer, HPU; and Chief Petty Officer Pedro Rolle, HPU Administrative Chief.
Captain Chriswell congratulated all of the recipients and encouraged them to utilize the information taught while executing their duties while in the Nassau Harbour and on the high seas.
The Defence Force’s Harbour Unit assists with water side security of cruise ships in port and they also conduct routine patrol of the harbor. The men and women remain committed to guarding and protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas.
