A dedicated group of Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) personnel successfully completed the Basic Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), as amended, at HMBS Coral Harbour Base.
The sessions were held from November 11–15 and December 09–13, 2024.
The STCW framework, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on July 7, 1978, and introduced to the RBDF on April 28, 1984, sets critical global standards for seafarers. These standards ensure that marines possess the essential skills to operate safely and efficiently at sea.
This year’s Basic Safety Training course, designated as Course 01/2024 and 02/2024, was led by Chief Course Instructor Force Chief Petty Officer Kermit Turnquest, with support from Reservist Kivarlo D. Smith. The course covered essential topics, including: Elementary First Aid and CPR , Personal Survival Techniques , Basic Fire Prevention and Firefighting , Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. These topics were designed to equip participants with critical safety skills for responding to emergencies at sea.
A key highlight of the training was the Man-Overboard (Abandoned Ship) exercise, which tested and demonstrated survival techniques and basic firefighting and fire prevention skills. This exercise ensured that participants were well-prepared for real-life emergencies.
Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, publicly commended Reservist Smith for his outstanding contributions to the STCW course, recognizing him as “the backbone of this program.”
This initiative reflects Commodore King’s commitment to fostering a high-performing and continuously developing workforce within the RBDF. Comprehensive training programs like this strengthen personnel capabilities, ensuring the RBDF remains prepared to fulfill its mission with professionalism and dedication.
(RBDF Photos by Marine Seaman Jaeshawn Taylor & Marine Seaman Dante Forbes)
