Australian and French divers are helping train police from the remote, central Pacific atoll nation of Kiribati to detect illegal drugs.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) divers joined their French military counterparts in Tahiti to train 12 Kiribati officers to combat maritime threats, particularly drug trafficking.
The AFP says the training course focused on inspection techniques to detect drugs hidden underwater.
While the French divers led the training, the AFP provided training, financial and logistical support, including new specialised equipment to the Kiribati divers.
AFP Detective Superintendent Grant Liddy says the tri-nation partnership is strengthening the response to maritime threats like drug trafficking.
“Collaboration is now more important than ever, especially with the ever-increasing threat of serious organised crime impacting the Pacific region,” he says.
“Training such as this dive course gives our Pacific partners the necessary skills to further target and disrupt serious organised crime.”
French Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget says the pioneering training program is a landmark achievement for regional maritime security.
“It underscores the deepening collaboration between France, Australia, and Pacific Island nations,” he says.
KIRIBATI OFFICERS CERTIFIED
“The engagement of 12 Kiribati police officers highlights our neighbours’ commitment to this initiative, which integrates advanced field-tested instruction, cutting-edge tactical equipment and hands-on operational engagement.”
Participants in the two-week course gained a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) open water diver certification which comprised of eight dives involving observation exercises on aircraft wrecks.
They also took part in 10 other dives including evidence search exercises and a nautical challenge at the Papeete naval base.
The Kiribati divers will be used to detect illegal cargo, undertake maritime police missions like search-and-rescue and help to maintain port infrastructure.
There are plans for more advanced dive courses to be extended to other Pacific Island nations, the AFP says.
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