MEDIA RELEASE
16 December 2008
For Immediate Release
PNGDF AND ADF CELEBRATE PNG MARITIME COLLEGE GRADUATIONS
Ten PNGDF Maritime Element students graduated from the Papua New Guinea Maritime College in Madang on 5 December, completing merchant marine certificates in engineering, seamanship and navigation alongside civilian counterparts.
With assistance from the Australian Government via the Defence Cooperation Program, each year a number of PNGDF officers are trained at the PNG Maritime College. The training delivered through the annual program is critical for building the maritime skills needed to operate complex vessels at sea.
“I am delighted to have PNGDF personnel studying at the college: they bring a depth of service experience and discipline that is invaluable to the civilian students. The Australian Defence Force-sponsored initiative has proven to be extremely successful with more than 100 PNGDF officers graduating since the program started in 2003,” said Mr Richard Coleman, principal of PNG Maritime College.
The 2008 graduates will return to their ships and help to ensure that the PNGDF is able to meet key operational requirements in 2009, including combating illegal fishing, maintaining border protection and helping with disaster relief.
“This year’s graduating class is yet another prime example of the valuable results the PNG and Australian Defence Forces achieve through very close ties and cooperation. Our work together on merchant marine training is a great contribution to the PNGDF’s overall capability,” said Head of Australian Defence Staff in PNG, Colonel Luke Foster.
“The graduates, their families and their broader Maritime Element can be very proud,” Colonel Foster said. “The roles these officers will play aboard their ships are very important ones. Australia is very pleased to help equip them with the skills they need.”
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276, Email: [email protected]