More than 90 personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) have completed a comprehensive Austal vessel training programme in preparation for the delivery of their six-vessel fast patrol craft fleet in early 2010.
The crew training programme, held at Austal's training facilities in Western Australia, familiarised TTCG personnel with the features and capabilities of the 30-metre fast patrol craft, equipping them with the skills necessary to operate the vessels and perform basic maintenance.
Ordered in 2008, the all-aluminium fast patrol boats will support the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard in providing sustained surveillance in the country's internal waters, the archipelagic territorial sea and its exclusive economic zone.
Additional contracts for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, along with the crew training services, were attached to the initial order.
The crew training package comprises two different streams: a familiarisation training programme for TTCG deck officers and ratings and a maintenance training programme for engineer officers and ratings.
The comprehensive maintenance training programme familiarised the TTCG's shore-based support personnel with the construction of the vessels, equipping them with the capability to conduct operational level maintenance as required.
Austal General Manager – Service, Michael McCourt, said Austal would train a further 60 TTCG personnel on location in Trinidad and Tobago commencing in January 2010.
Disclosure: Members of the Baird family or companies in the Baird Publications group own shares in Austal.