AFM Maritime Squadron ship boarding course

The Maritime Squadron of the AFM, together with the Training Italian Military Mission in Malta, have just completed a special course of training in ship boarding techniques. The aim of this exercise was to have a specially trianed team of military personnel who would be in a position to board a vessel out at sea by means of helicopter "fast rope" deployment or by dinghy, in the event of criminal action taking place on board. The course also covered training for the qualification of Jump Master, whereby two commissioned officers and two other ranks qualified in this field.

Ship piracy and hijacks are becoming more of a common trend in the maritime sphere. Many passenger vessels normally encounter cases of violent disputes among passengers; situations which normally also jeopardize the safe manning of ships. Cargo and Container vessels, also encounter problems with stowaways and illegal immigrants, and would normally require the additional support of a disciplined law enforcement body on board in order to resolve problems, which might arise from such scenarios.

The training commenced towards the end of April 1999 and prospective candidates for this course from the Maritime Squadron were submitted to a rigorous selection process. The initial phase of the course consisted of numerous physical-efficiency tests and a daily programme of weapon training and tactical maneuvering on vessels. As part of the training programme consisted of having a Maritime Rapid Deployment Team embark vessels and carry out routine security procedures on board, it had been felt that priority should first be given to Maltese Flagged Vessels operating in, or in the vicinity of Maltese territorial waters. For this purpose a number of ship boarding exercises with Maltese registered vessels were held between Monday 31st May and Wednesday 9th June 1999, whereby the boarding teams practiced ship boarding techniques and procedures they had learnt during the course. The advantage of these exercises was that the teams became familiar with the vessels they trained on, and are now in a better position to assist the latter, should the need arise.

The companies participating in the exercise were:

• Gozo Channel Company Limited
• MA.RE.SI Shipping (SMS Ltd)
• Sea Malta Company Limited
• Virtu' Ferries Limited

The course was directed by Lt. Col. R. Surano, of the Italian Military Mission Training Team, assisted by Captain L. Cespuglio, and Warrant Officers: Verre, Virdichizzi, Ronca and Caruso. The officer co-ordinating the exercise for the Maritime Squadron was Captain Rueben Lanfranco, MRIN, MNI, AFM who was assisted by Lt. W. Camilleri, AFM.