Disaster unit works on search, rescue ops

 By PISAI GUMAR
THE Morobe Disaster Unit and the defence force’s engineering battalion at Igam began to strengthen ways to carry out search and rescue operations in coastal waters this week.
The training aims to network with relevant government agencies and non-government organisations to establish mutual relationships to execute sea emergencies and rescue operations.
PNG Defence Force’s engineer battalion commander Lt-Col John Giregire said  watermanship training instructions outlined the tasks, responsibilities and administrative requirements involving four phases.
That included theory and practical lessons in mobilisation and deployment, watermanship and demobilisation.
Training began at Salamaua, Huon Gulf, on Tuesday and will end at Buna, in Popondetta, Northern, on April 5.
“Essence of the course includes watermanship skills, sea traffic rules and signals, general safety procedures and standards, man overboard drills, boat capsize drills, survival skills and first aid and basic sea navigation skills,” Giregire said.
“It will enhance skills of Morobe disaster crews and government agencies to execute and conduct waterway emergency and rescue within the province and neighbouring provinces such as Oro, Madang and West New Britain.”
The Bravo Company soldiers of the Engineer Battalion are responsible for the first phase training that will allow
participants learn long-distance watermanship to set the foundation for future training.
“The training is vital and critical for a government approach in terms of emergency response during sea  emergency and rescue in coastline waters,” Giregire said.