The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) recognized the successful completion of the Boatswain’s Mate Course, following a graduation ceremony held on 28 April 2026. The course is designed to strengthen shipboard leadership, operational capability, and safety across the Fleet.
Successfully completing the course were Leading Seaman Olishavon Ambrister, Leading Woman Marine Shantaye Hall, Able Seaman Kenton Bowe, Able Seaman Obleoh Butler, Able Seaman Geronimo Benson, Able Mechanic Johnathon Williams, Able Seaman Joshua Thompson, Able Seaman Deangelo Edmund, Able Seaman Dortannian Colebrooke, Able Seaman Kameron Moxey, Able Seaman Vincent Seifert, and Able Seaman Stefon Brown.
A Boatswain’s Mate stands as the critical link between the officer’s intent and the crew’s execution, ensuring each vessel remains a floating fortress and that every marine returns home safely. “A ship is only as sharp as its Bosun.”
The course began with Technical Seamanship, advancing participants beyond basic line handling to mastering the physics of shipboard operations. For example, ground tackle, crane operations, towing, RHIB deployment, marlinspike, snap-back zone awareness, and ship husbandry. These reinforce routine preventative maintenance as the defence against the corrosive conditions at sea.
The second phase emphasized leadership through the “Step Back” philosophy, conflict management, watch organization, and emergency readiness for fire, flooding, and man overboard responses. These lessons prepare participants for the supervisory role of leading junior marines in demanding maritime evolutions.
Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Floyd Moxey, the RBDF is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, we congratulate the marines on their successful completion of the Boatswain’s Mate Course as we remain committed to the continuous education and training of our personnel.
Photos By: Marine Seaman Edwin Basden & Marine Seaman Tavano Ferguson
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