Rwanda National Police

Thirty marine Police officers graduated Friday after completing a two-month comprehensive maritime operations training on Lake Kivu.

The course enabled officers to acquire basic marine skills and knowledge, including navigation, swimming, maintenance of marine equipment such as engine, and saving lives, among others.

Commissioner of Police (CP) George Rumanzi, the Commissioner for Operations and Public Order in Rwanda National Police (RNP), while closing the training in Rubavu District, lauded both trainers and trainees for the great work done professionally, discipline and hard work to accomplish the course.

“The training was meant to equip participants with skills and knowledge on the basic but important duties of marine police officers, especially intelligence gathering and other maritime operations, accomplishing it required determination and your full commitment,” CP Rumanzi said.

He urged them to put into practice the skills and knowledge acquired to ensure security in water bodies.

CP Rumanzi urged the Marine Unit to continue building its capacity particularly through training and skills development.

“I am confident that you have benefited immensely from this training, so translate the knowledge and skills acquired into safety and security in water bodies,” he noted.

During the closing of the training, trainees shared the experience gained throughout the course and conducted physical exercises to demonstrate the acquired skills.

Inspector of Police (IP) Elie Mureramanzi, one of course participants, said that the training increased their understanding of maritime security and that they learned many new things related to comprehensive maritime operations, which they will also share with other Police officers.

Police Constable (PC) Philbert Murengezi, another participant, said: “I am new in the unit; I needed to learn many things to be able to fulfill my daily marine duties. I now know many things like how to rescue people or apprehend criminals who operate in water,” PC Murengezi stated.

The aim of the training was to equip participants with requisite seamanship skills, enabling them to perform basic engine maintenance and casualty control, equip them with necessary skills to perform a vessel board, search and seizure. Others include water survival, weapon training, maritime interdiction and terrorism.