KOCHI. The ‘On Job Training’ capsule, conducted by the Southern Naval Command for the Coastal Police of Kerala, concluded on May 30, with a valedictory function conducted at the Joint Operations Centre Kochi. The Chief Guests for the function were Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni, VSM, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command (SNC) and IG Coastal Police, Vijay Sakhare. The function was also attended by the DIG Coastal Police, K P Philip, as well as staff officers from the headquarters of SNC and Naval Officer in charge (NOIC), Kerala. Course Completion Certificates were distributed to all the Coastal Police personnel who attended the course.
Sagar Prahari Bal (Kochi), a unit under NOIC (Kerala) was the nodal agency responsible for the conduct of the training capsule, which commenced on 30 Apr 18 and was attended by 30 Coastal Police personnel. The decision to conduct Coastal Police training by the Indian Navy was taken at the Joint Coastal Security Review Meeting held on 21 Feb 18. This training initiative is the first of its kind, undertaken on a 24×7 basis, with active participation and coordination between the Indian Navy and the Coastal Police.
The training was aimed at familiarising the police to the marine environment so as to enhance their overall proficiency, while carrying out patrolling at sea. They were trained on survival at sea, boat handling, maintenance of Fast Interceptor Craft, weapon firing – both ashore and at sea, Boarding Exercises, fire-fighting, night patrolling at sea, inspection of fishing boats, navigational safety, Rules of Engagement, Force Protection Measures, Rescue of Life at sea as well as First Aid and CPR.
The capsule comprised both theoretical lectures as well as practical training, with greater focus given to the practical aspects of coastal security. Familiarisation sorties onboard naval ships were also conducted.The training would immensely contribute towards capacity building and in dealing with maritime threats and handling emergencies at sea. It has also provided the much needed fillip and confidence to the coastal police for patrolling at sea and strengthening the coastal security of the State. This training capsule will be continued for successive Coastal Police batches in future.
