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Enhancing Sea Patrol Skills: UNODC's Hands-On Approach

Maritime security. Using captured vessels for maritime security and crime investigation training.

Intro

GMCP#17 IOE: VBSS training in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka involves using captured vessels for training on maritime crime, with the help of Sri Lanka Special Boat Squadron and UNODC trainers.
  • GMCP: Global Maritime Crime Programme
  • VBSS: Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure
    • While not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, VBSS is a common term in maritime security operations.
  • UNODC: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Video

Summary

GMCP#17 IOE: VBSS training in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka involves using captured vessels for training on maritime crime, with the help of Sri Lanka Special Boat Squadron and UNODC trainers.

Highlights

  • Training on water using captured vessels 🚤
  • Involvement of Sri Lanka Special Boat Squadron and UNODC trainers 🌊
  • Focus on improving capabilities of member states 🛳️
  • Treating boats as evidence and crime scenes 🕵️‍♂️
  • Joint training exercises with counterparts for coordination 🤝
  • Presence of Japanese ambassador to observe spending 🇯🇵
  • Hands-on experience for participants 🤲

Key Insights

  • The unique training approach of using captured vessels ensures a realistic learning environment for tackling maritime crime, enhancing the effectiveness of the program. 🌊
  • Collaborating with specialized units like the Sri Lanka Special Boat Squadron and UNODC trainers brings a wealth of expertise to the training, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience for participants. 🚤
  • Emphasis on treating boats as evidence and crime scenes highlights the importance of thorough investigation and evidence collection in combating activities like trafficking and illegal fishing. 🕵️‍♂️
  • Joint training exercises with counterparts not only enhance tactical skills but also foster camaraderie and promote effective coordination in addressing maritime crime collectively. 🤝
  • The presence of the Japanese ambassador underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in utilizing resources effectively, showcasing the commitment to combatting global maritime crime. 🇯🇵
  • Providing hands-on experience for participants enables them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, enhancing their preparedness and readiness to tackle maritime crime effectively. 🤲

Transcript

  1. UNODC's Global Maritime Crime Program is here in Trincomalee delivering the sort of training that can only effectively be delivered on the water.
  2. So we're making use of vessels that have been captured from those involved in the trafficking of heroin and illegal fishing. And we're making use of the skills of the Sri Lanka Special Boat Squadron who are based here in Trincomalee, combined with the skills of UNODC trainers who are specialists in law enforcement and evidence seizure to provide a really first-class course.
  3. Some of our member states who want to improve their capabilities to build these sorts of vessels.
  4. Now, our aim on a vessel, is firstly, secure, to make sure [of] its fitness to travel in, or to sail in our territorial waters. That it has got no environmental impact or environmental threat on our territorial waters.
  5. We are from the Coast Guard. We are doing routine patrol.
  6. Second of all, is to treat the boat as evidence, as a crime scene, to find contraband, to find weapons, to find undocumented people, illegal fishing, slave labor on fishing vessels. That is our job.
  7. The UNODC mentors, they are law enforcement officers. So we mix together with law enforcement and the tactical staff.
  8. Then the trainees will learn both. They will learn the legal aspects at the same time as the tactical things.
  9. Doing joint training exercises with our counterparts, most especially later with our Asian neighbors, is very important. We get to know them more. We get to do lateral coordination because it also promotes camaraderie within the Asian brothers.
  10. And what makes today particularly special is that we have one of our most important donors here represented by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka.
  11. And it gives him the opportunity to see how we spend donor money.
  12. All right, so you're taking this boat to harbor for an extended safety sweep.

Comprehension Questions

  1. What types of skills are being utilized in the training program mentioned in the video?
  2. What are the main objectives when securing a vessel for travel?
  3. How does the training program promote camaraderie among participants?
  4. Who is the ambassador of Japan represented by in Sri Lanka?
  5. What is the significance of joint training exercises with counterparts in law enforcement?

Discussion Questions

  1. How important do you think international cooperation is in combating maritime crime? What challenges might arise when different countries work together?
  2. In your experience, what are the most effective methods for detecting and preventing illegal activities at sea?
  3. How do you think technology is changing the way maritime security is handled? Can you give examples from your own work?
  4. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when dealing with captured vessels and potential evidence?
  5. How can training programs like the one described in the transcript benefit your specific field of work?
  6. What are the unique challenges of conducting law enforcement operations at sea compared to on land?
  7. In your opinion, what role should private security companies play in maritime safety and crime prevention?
  8. How can countries balance the need for maritime security with the rights of fishermen and other legitimate seafarers?
  9. What do you think are the most pressing maritime security threats in your region, and how are they being addressed?
  10. How important is it for security personnel to understand both the legal and tactical aspects of their job? How do these two areas complement each other?
  11. In what ways can international training programs promote better relationships between countries in addition to improving skills?
  12. How do you think climate change and environmental concerns might affect maritime security operations in the future?