The School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS) has officially concluded the Training of Trainers (T-O-T) and Basic Civilian Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Course 3/2026 on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the SMOPS Auditorium, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor.
The course, organised under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP), was aimed at enhancing the capacity of civilian maritime stakeholders to effectively support maritime law enforcement operations through internationally recognised Visit, Board, Search and Seizure procedures. It also sought to develop a cadre of qualified instructors capable of delivering standardised VBSS training within their respective institutions.
Throughout the training, participants received both theoretical and practical instruction in maritime law enforcement principles, legal frameworks governing maritime operations, human rights considerations, boarding techniques, search procedures, evidence preservation, risk assessment, operational planning, team coordination and safety procedures. Participants on the T-O-T component were also equipped with instructional techniques and course delivery methods to enable them to effectively train others.
Addressing the participants, the Guest of Honour and Commanding Officer of SMOPS, Naval Captain Michael Cudjoe, congratulated them on the successful completion of the programme and commended them for their commitment, discipline, and active participation throughout the course. He noted that maritime security requires strong collaboration among military, law enforcement, and civilian maritime institutions, adding that the knowledge acquired would strengthen inter-agency cooperation and enhance collective efforts to combat maritime crime within Ghana's maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea. He encouraged the participants to apply the skills gained in their respective organisations and to serve as ambassadors of best practices in maritime security.
As part of the training, participants undertook a practical exercise to demonstrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the course. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants who successfully completed the programme.
Story by Miss Morkli Rebecca
Pictures by Sgt Ampomah Samuel
