FIVE ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard, who successfully completed the COXWAIN course, have graduated recently.

The course equips participants with the necessary skills to command, safely and efficiently, a commercial vessel of less than 12m and 500kW engaged in inshore operations.
The participants now have the knowledge to enable them to competently stand duties as a coxswain aboard any inshore patrol vessel and Second Officer of The Watch aboard any offshore patrol vessel.

Meanwhile, 13 persons, including two ranks from the Guyana Police Force and two others from the Guyana Prison Service, graduated from the Marine Diesel Engine Operator’s Course.
They are now equipped with the knowledge to efficiently maintain and conduct repairs to vessels, and to efficiently complement the engineering watch onboard a vessel under any condition.

Lieutenant Colonel Selwyn Austin, who delivered the closing remarks, urged the graduating students to do their best.
“You are being trained at a time when the country is excited about the prospect of great financial wealth to be derived from the huge reserves of hydrocarbon that are in Guyana’s territorial waters. This will have an impact on the way you at Coast Guard conduct your business,” he said.

He continued: “You will be called upon to play a greater role in maritime security and maritime safety. While the planning and shaping of the operations picture would be done by your commanders, your role as a diesel mechanics will be critical to mission success. In recent times, you would have heard of the many vessels, large and small, commercial and non-commercial, legal and illegal that transits our waters. It means that we must be prepared for any mission assigned by our leaders.”
Lt Col Austin further explained that the role and function of the unit is important for the protection of marine resources.

“While the roles of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service may differ from the Coast Guard, they all are important in the Joint Services fight for a better and safer Guyana. Your training as marine diesel operator may appear small and insignificant to you, but it is not. I wish to say that as individuals and collectively, you have an important role to play in the overall support of the Coast Guard’s missions, and those of the police or fire service,” he said.

Lt Col Austin also told the officers that they would be faced with challenges but must be professional in all circumstances.
“You will certainly meet different challenges as the days go by, but don’t be afraid to consult with your operating or technical manuals, or another of your peers, since no one individual has the solution for us all. Build a reputation for yourself with your hard work, dedication and honesty. Tell your supervisors the truth about the engine/machine that you have been entrusted to repair. Your honesty may save lives,” he said.