By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard and their counterparts from the United States Coast Guard carried out a multinational Boarding Officer Course in Davao City to boost the capabilities and enhance the cooperation of maritime law enforcement agencies in the region.
The course, which is funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of State, featured US-trained PCG instructors and instructors from the USCG and Vietnam Customs.
Participants were trained on the safe conducting of vessel boardings at sea, maritime law, evidence collection and preservation, safety and risk mitigation, and arresting techniques.
“It’s exciting to witness the professional growth and confidence displayed by our multinational instructor group and student participants. We are impressed by their desire to not only master the technical aspects of the course but also to seamlessly interact with and assist one another to optimize the experience,” USCG Team Lead Lt. Dana Schmitt said.
The course gathered members of the PCG and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, and partners from the Vietnam Coast Guard, Vietnam Customs Anti-Smuggling and Investigations Department, Vietnam Department of Fisheries Surveillance, and the Indonesia Coast Guard.
The Australian Border Force also observed the first week of activities.
“U.S. expertise, resources, and guidance are invaluable in ensuring that we are better equipped to address maritime threats. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our maritime sovereignty remains a zone of peace, safety, and prosperity for all,” Commodore Rejard Marfe, Commander of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, said.
This was the first International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs-USCG training held in Mindanao. Previous USCG Southeast Asia Training Team maritime law enforcement courses were held in Palawan in May 2023, La Union in November 2023, and Cebu in May 2024.
The SEATT program will continue to convene multiple training events in the country this year while integrating PCG instructors into courses being co-hosted by partner nations. (PNA)