November 7, 2014

Australia - Papua New Guinea Maritime Security Exercise Begins

The Royal Australian Navy patrol boat HMAS Broome has arrived in Port Moresby to participate in Exercise PARADISE with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

Exercise PARADISE is an annual bilateral activity aimed at enhancing interoperability in bilateral maritime surveillance and Exclusive Economic Zone protection. It furthers PNGDF capability and professional skills, and strengthens the longstanding relationship between Australia and PNG.

Exercise PARADISE coincides with 40th anniversary celebrations for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Maritime Element (PNGDF- ME). It follows the PNGDF’s successful apprehension of a number of vessels for fisheries and other infringements in the Exclusive Economic Zone, which is an area off PNG’s coast over which PNG has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources.

Commanding Officer Broome, Lieutenant Commander Michael Kerrisk said that his crew was looking forward to working with their regional counterparts.

“During PARADISE, we will exercise with PNG’s Pacific Class Patrol Boats, Landing Craft Heavy and crew. The interaction will enhance our seamanship, communication and mariner skills as well as our ability to work with our small boat colleagues,” Lieutenant Commander Kerrisk said.

“Australia and Papua New Guinea face a range of challenges protecting our Exclusive Economic Zones. By spending time together at sea, we are able to share tactics, which enhances our ability to work together in maritime surveillance. It also builds trust and respect between our nations,” Lieutenant Commander Kerrisk said.

As regional security partners, both nations have a common interest in working closely together to ensure a safe, prosperous and peaceful region.

Head of Australian Defence Staff Colonel Dick Parker said this exercise was part of Australia’s significant engagement with PNG on maritime security through the Defence Cooperation Program.

“The PNGDF has recently demonstrated its effectiveness in maritime surveillance in Operations ISLAND CHIEF and KURU KURU, where they apprehended a number of vessels for fisheries and other infringements. Exercise PARADISE strengthens those skills and should be a platform for even more surveillance activities by the PNGDF, working in close coordination with other PNG agencies, with Australian agencies, and with regional bodies such as the Forum Fisheries Agency.”