Three-week training strengthens DMSFWP officers’ ship maintenance skills

“Presence is deterrence”. This cannot be achieved without proper maintenance of patrol vessels. Keeping patrol vessels in good condition and ready for action is the most important course of action to protect Palau’s waters.

With support from the Nippon Foundation, three sponsored officers from the Department of Maritime Security and Fish and Wildlife Conservation (DMSFWP), namely Sergeant Kamrul Zaman, Senior Engineer, Officer lll Ronald Yashiro, Second Engineer and Officer lll Lenin Louis, will attend a 15-day mechanical training course at the engine manufacturer’s simulation centre at Rolls-Royce Asia Solutions in Singapore from 8th.^day to 26^day July 2024.

This is highly specialized maintenance training tailored to the PSS KEDAM main engine and includes classroom instruction on engine models, as well as practical engine disassembly and assembly using actual engine equipment.

PSS KEDAM was provided by the Nippon Foundation in 2017 and has been active in various activities. In particular, PSS KEDAM has been providing maritime surveillance and humanitarian missions to remote islands, including the Helens Reef, approximately 380 nautical miles from Malakal. As the name suggests, Palau’s majestic frigate bird “KEDAM” has been protecting the safety of Palau’s waters by capturing the farthest sight range.

In addition to PSS KEDAM, the Nippon Foundation has also provided small patrol boats “KABEKEL M’TAL”, “BUL”, and “EUATEL” to the DMSFWP through the “Strengthening the Capabilities of the Micronesian Coast Guards” program. Since the first patrol boat was provided in 2012, the Foundation has been supporting incidental costs such as fuel, maintenance, satellite communications, and training required for its operation, thereby continuously contributing to Palau’s maritime security.

Sergent Zaman, who completed the training, said: “It was very meaningful for me to participate in the Engine Maintenance Training. The comprehensive course provided in-depth knowledge on the working principles of main and auxiliary engines, giving me a deeper understanding of their complexity. The trainer’s expertise and interactive sessions made it easy for me to grasp complex concepts. I particularly appreciated the hands-on exercises and real-life examples that enabled me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Overall, I would highly recommend this training to anyone who wants to improve their engine maintenance and troubleshooting skills, and enhance professionalism and discipline in marine diesel engineering”.

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