The School of Maritime Operations (SMOPS) has held an opening ceremony for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) Boat Operatives Course on Monday, 16 March 2026, at the SMOPS Auditorium, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Nutekpor.
The course is designed to equip participants with the operational skills and knowledge required to effectively support maritime interdiction operations, particularly in the safe handling and manoeuvring of boats during VBSS activities.
In his remarks, the Second-in-Command of SMOPS, Lieutenant Commander Yaw Achiaw Owusu Danso, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to approach the training with discipline, dedication and professionalism. He emphasised that effective boat handling skills are essential to the successful conduct of VBSS operations and to ensuring safety during maritime interdiction missions.
He further urged participants to actively engage in both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course and to apply the knowledge gained to enhance operational effectiveness within their respective units.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime law enforcement capacity and improve the ability of personnel to respond effectively to maritime security threats, including piracy, smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime at sea.
