Pacific Patrol Boat training program wins $10m contract [1]
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - 18:20. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
The Pacific Patrol Boat Training program that includes Tonga, will run for a minimum of four years after the Australian Maritime College Search won a $10 million Commonwealth contract to continue the program with an option for extension.
The University of Tasmania announced on June 11, that the Australian Maritime College Search, the commercial arm of the Australian Maritime College (AMC), won the contract to continue the program to be delivered at its facilities on the University's Newnham campus.
The PPB program provides the participating Pacific Island nations with vital maritime surveillance capabilities to independently patrol and protect their exclusive economic zones. It has been the centerpiece of the Federal Government's Defence Cooperation program, with 22 patrol boats gifted to 12 nations between 1987-1997, stated the College.
"The training contract has been held by AMC Search since 1992, which has trained 4,064 students in courses ranging from electronics and communications to cooking and hygiene. The trainees will also be provided with 24-hours pastoral care and support while they gain their qualifications."
AMC Principal Professor Neil Bose said the commercial hire of the University's facilities and services at AMC will allow for 16 core training courses to be delivered to around 150-160 trainees annually. The contract is a result of the successful commercial professionalism bought to AMC through AMC Search, he said.
The participating island nations include Kiribati, Palau, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Cook Islands, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
Rear Admiral Mark Purcell, Head of Maritime Systems, and AMC Search's Chief Executive Officer Dean Cook signed the contract in Canberra on June 5.