By S.Browne. Updated 2:24 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Two officers of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service have completed demanding training programmes designed to strengthen their maritime expertise, leadership skills and ability to serve in critical operational roles.
Sub Lieutenant Alvis Daniel and Leading Seaman Saville Hackshaw recently returned from separate programmes that tested their knowledge, discipline and readiness for greater responsibilities within the Coast Guard Service.
Sub Lieutenant Daniel completed the 13-week International Maritime Officer Course (IMOC-75) at the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia, where he trained alongside 23 commissioned officers from 21 partner nations.
The programme exposed participants to key areas of maritime operations, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, port state control, international maritime law and incident command.
According to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, the course allowed participating officers to share experiences and examine how different countries approach maritime challenges.
Sub Lieutenant Daniel highlighted the value of that international exchange, describing the opportunity to train alongside experienced maritime officers as one of the most valuable aspects of the programme.
The knowledge gained is expected to support improved planning, decision-making and coordination within the SVG Coast Guard Service, particularly during situations involving maritime emergencies, national waters and security operations.
Meanwhile, Leading Seaman Saville Hackshaw completed Officer Candidate School, an intensive programme aimed at preparing servicemen and women for commissioned leadership responsibilities.
The programme, which ran from April 20 to July 9, 2026, included academic examinations, physical training, obstacle courses, swimming assessments, inspections, drills, public-speaking exercises and continuous leadership evaluations.
Hackshaw was trained in areas including military law, navigation, operational planning, administration, communications, ethics and officer responsibilities.
The Police Force said the course challenged candidates to demonstrate “discipline, resilience and the ability to make decisions under pressure”, while developing the leadership qualities required of future officers.
The completion of both programmes represents two different stages in the development of Coast Guard leadership, with Sub Lieutenant Daniel returning with expanded international maritime knowledge and Hackshaw advancing towards future commissioned service.
The Commissioner of Police, officers and other ranks of the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force congratulated both servicemen, noting that their training will contribute to the continued development of the SVG Coast Guard Service.
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