In an effort to enhance its maritime security capabilities, a group of 20 dedicated Rwandan police officers recently completed a four-week comprehensive ‘Coast Guard Functions’ course conducted in Lake Kivu, in Rubavu District.
This groundbreaking training programme equips law enforcement personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively protect Rwanda’s waterways and coastal regions.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, presided over the pass-out of the first intake of the basic course facilitated by Coast Guard experts from Italy on November 14.
Organized in collaboration with international partners specialising in maritime security, the course covered a wide range of topics, including marine law enforcement, search and rescue operations, vessel inspections, and navigation techniques.
During the four weeks, the police marine trainees acquired knowledge and skills in environmental protection, search and rescue, operational data management, ship and port facility security, safety of navigation and marine casualty investigation.
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Ujeneza said that Rwanda National Police (RNP), in its course to accomplish its duties to ensure the safety of the people and their property on ground, air, maritime and cyberspace; it prioritizes building the capacity of its personnel to professionally handle tasks at hand.
She added that maritime operations are among the RNP priorities and crucial in the fulfilment of the institutional mandate.
“This and many other marine courses conducted before, are meant to build the capacity of our marine unit officers in all marine operations in water bodies,” Ujeneza said.
She added that it’s paramount for the RNP to consistently develop and enhance the knowledge and skills of its personnel in all specializations, including how to handle all incidents, and to investigate any incident in water bodies, both in Rwanda and abroad where Rwandan Police officers are deployed.
She thanked the Italian Coast Guard trainers and the strong cooperation between Rwanda and the Italian Carabinieri.
She also reminded the trainees that the acquired skills and knowledge should not be perishable but of additional value to maritime security and the safety of people in water bodies.
