16 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS COMPLETED VBSS BASIC AND ADVANCED COURSES

The Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) basic and advanced courses were completed by 16 law enforcement officers on 17^th March 2023. Eight officers each from both the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) and Sri Lanka Navy completed the courses.

A special ceremony was conducted at the Sri Lanka Coast Guard's Advanced Training Centre (ATC) Kirinda on the same day to mark the termination of the course. The Director Training of SLCG Captain Charitha Gunawantha and Chief Instructor Indian Ocean Region Team Sri Lanka in Global Maritime Crime Programme, Mr Stuart Melville graced the occasion. Officers who completed the courses were awarded certificates during the ceremony.

The courses are conducted over the course of three weeks, with all theoretical and simulated training conducted at ATC Kirinda and practical boarding exercises conducted close to the international port of Hambantota.

The main objective of the course was to provide trainees with a comprehensive understanding of VBSS operations, boarding team procedure, and maritime law enforcement operations, as well as a brief understanding of maritime law, rules of engagements, and force application. The course enables participants to effectively combat transnational crimes in Sri Lankan maritime zones and beyond.