SIMPSON BAY:--- Throughout the month of August, the Rescue and Firefighters of Princess Juliana International Airport were trained by the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guards for the first time. The purpose of the in-depth training was to improve knowledge of rescue at sea in the event of a rescue operation or aircraft accident.
The Rescue and Fire Fighting Department of PJIAE N.V. initiated and developed the training in close cooperation with the Coast Guard. The team got trained in rescue operations at sea, which also involved a simulation of an aircraft incident. The training also included maneuvering and operating a vessel in difficult circumstances. In the future, new training will be developed and both PJIAE N.V. and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard will combine training to make this cooperation a success.
Gerald Baptiste of the Rescue and Firefighters Department comments:
‘We are very happy with the established cooperation between the Coast Guard and PJIAE N.V. We made a good start and I’m looking forward to developing a strong working relationship to ensure our rescue capabilities.’
“The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard will always support efforts to ensure the safety of life at sea and this initiative of the PJIAE N.V. fits the bill. We remain your safety and security partner within the maritime domain,” summarized Captain, R. J. Levenstone, Head of the St. Maarten Support Station of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard.
