Rwanda National Police

A total of 28 personnel, comprising 24 Rwanda National Police (RNP) officers and four Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) personnel, completed a three-month Basic Marine Course on Wednesday, September 30, aimed at strengthening their capacity to ensure safety and security on waterways.

The course, conducted at Lake Kivu in Rubavu District by the Rwanda National Police, equipped the trainees with practical skills including swimming, first aid, water survival and rescue, police ethics and conduct, seamanship, fire prevention and firefighting, use of force, maritime law, engine familiarisation and boat navigation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Charles Butera, Commanding Officer of the RNP Marine Unit, presided over the closing ceremony and commended the trainees for the discipline, commitment and good conduct they demonstrated throughout the training.

“In fulfilling its mandate to ensure the safety and security of people and their property, the Rwanda National Police continues to enhance the knowledge and skills of its officers at different levels so that they can effectively fulfil their responsibilities on land, in water and in the air,” ACP Butera said.

He said specialised training is particularly important for personnel entrusted with waterborne security responsibilities, strengthening their capacity to respond professionally and effectively to incidents on lakes and other waterways. He added that joint training involving RNP and RDF personnel further strengthens cooperation and operational capacity among security institutions.

The training is part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of security personnel to prevent and respond to incidents on waterways and contribute to safer lakes and ports.