A three-day Port and Physical Security Seminar concluded today at HMBS Coral Harbour Base, where Marines and Port Facility Security Officers sharpened their skills to better protect the nation’s maritime gateways. The training focused on countering potential threats, conducting vulnerability assessments, and strengthening collaborative responses to risks facing The Bahamas’ ports and commercial facilities.
The seminar was coordinated by Senior Commander Berne Wright, the Designated Authority, within the Port Department and the International Ship and Port (Facility) Security (ISPS) Compliance Unit led by Senior Lieutenant Ernestine Cleare. The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and the United States Fleet Command facilitated the training with Port Facility Security Officers on New Providence, as well as Marines at HMBS Coral Harbour Base.
The Seminar was made possible through the partnership between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, U.S. security counterparts, and local representatives, supported by the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service Security Training Assistance and Assessment Team (NCIS STAAT). The effort emphasized the critical role of cooperation to enhance port security and maintain strong ties between Bahamian and U.S. counterparts.
More than 20 Marines took part, along with Port Facility Security Officers and representatives from Nassau Cruise Port, Island Cement Company Limited, Sol Petroleum Ltd., Caribbean Gas Limited, Sun Oil Limited and RUBiS Bahamas Limited.
Over the three days, participants engaged in hands-on exercises, including vehicle inspections, explosive device detection drills, and a live vulnerability assessment. Training modules also covered a range of critical security areas: terrorist operations and methodologies, intrusion detection, access control, perimeter monitoring, hazardous materials, and coordinated emergency response. By sharing international best practices and joint strategies, the seminar highlighted the value of cooperation in protecting Bahamian infrastructure.
The highlight of the training was the Port Vulnerability Assessment at the Nassau Container Port, where participants worked together to identify surveillance positions, analyze potential threats, mapping possible avenues of attack, and developing practical security plans to mitigate those risks. The seminar concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony and group photos.
The RBDF, under the leadership of Commodore Floyd Moxey, is optimizing excellence by bridging generations and embracing modernization. As such, this initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, to working with partners to advance The Bahamas’ maritime interests and ensure safety for all.
