In a significant move to bolster maritime security, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a collaborative Boarding Officer Course in Davao City. The training, which took place from January 13 to 24, 2025, aimed to enhance the skills and cooperation of maritime law enforcement agencies across the region.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the course included instructors from the PCG, USCG, and Vietnam Customs. Participants learned essential skills such as safe vessel boarding, maritime law, evidence handling, safety protocols, risk management, and arrest techniques.
USCG Team Lead Lt. Dana Schmitt praised the dedication and growth of the participants, noting their eagerness to master the course’s technical aspects and their collaborative spirit. The training brought together members from the PCG, the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, and various international partners including the Vietnam Coast Guard, Vietnam Customs, Vietnam Department of Fisheries Surveillance, and the Indonesia Coast Guard.
The Australian Border Force also participated as observers during the first week of the course. Commodore Rejard Marfe of the PCG emphasized the importance of U.S. support in strengthening maritime security, highlighting the commitment to maintaining peace, safety, and prosperity in maritime zones.
This event marked the first International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs-USCG training in Mindanao, following previous sessions in Palawan, La Union, and Cebu. The Southeast Asia Training Team (SEATT) program plans to continue hosting multiple training events in the Philippines, integrating PCG instructors into courses co-hosted with other nations.