Police expected to receive rescue boats and underwater cameras next month

Six-million dollars worth of specialized maritime equipment like rescue boats, underwater cameras and underwater communication equipment are expected to be handed over to the Fiji Police Force early next month.

It will be handed over by the government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Police officers have been receiving online training on the use of the specialised equipment.

Discussions took place this week between Taisuke Iwano who is the Japanese Embassy First Secretary of Development Cooperation, Peni Saurara who is the Japanese Embassy’s Economic Research and Aid Coordinator and Fiji Police Force Director International Relations SSP Ulaiasi Ravula and ASP Ulaiasi Tamanisau on online training conducted to date and the official handing expected to take place next month.

Police say the assistance is expected to improve the Fiji Police Force’s coast guard capacity by providing lifeboats and other maritime safety equipment, which can be used for search rescue efforts in coastal areas when disaster strikes.