Search and Rescue Coordination Training over four days this week aims to increase understanding and coordination between agencies involved in Maritime Search and Rescue in Tonga. 

Tonga Police Commissioner Caldwell reminded participants that the first role of police is to protect citizens, by working with the community they serve.

Since the launch of the Police Rescue Boats in December 2015, 86 lives have been saved from 24 Marine SAR Operations.

Public education is important to Marine SAR, in order to create more awareness to stop people making bad decisions with bad boats and equipment.

Maintaining the capability to respond quickly and professionally in a coordinated manner, and bringing home lost seafarers to their families was the goal.

"But also make sure that you the rescuers also get home to your families by making good operational decisions," he said.

Experts from the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ, David Wilson and Christie Wilson are training members from His Majesty’s Armed Forces (Navy), Tonga Coastal Radio, Marine and Ports, Ministry of Environment, a representative from the Vava’u Emergency Response Association and Tonga Police SAR Team.

Police Search and Rescue National Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau said they are grateful to the expert trainers for giving time to pass on their knowledge and teach the SAR team and the rest of the participants valuable skills.

The training funded by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a follow-up from a Sixth Pacific Regional SAR Workshop held in Noumea in 2015 one in Auckland in 2017, where Pacific Island delegates committed to promote cooperation in SAR matters, among the 26 members of the Pacific Community (SPC).