BRUNEI-MUARA

THE Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and Marine Police (POLMAR) yesterday concluded their 11th Sembilang Exercise.

The four-day exercise – held at the Muara Naval Base – was aimed to further enhance interoperability between the two maritime security agencies in conducting surveillance and interception within planned operation zones.

A press release from the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) said the June 2-5 exercise comprised harbour and sea phases.

The harbour phase included briefings presented by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), RBN and POLMAR on respective maritime security responsibilities.

Participants also had operations briefings and discussions, table top exercises as well as practical and theory sessions on boarding during the harbour phase.

Other maritime security agencies who attended the briefings were the Marine Operation Department, Customs and Excise Duties Department, National Maritime Coordination Centre, Fisheries Department, Narcotics Control Bureau and Immigration and National Registration Department.

Exercises conducted during the sea phase were boarding exercise and joint maritime patrol.

Assets deployed throughout the exercise comprised the KDB Ijtihad, KDB Serasa and Naval Surface Action Group.

Prior to the closing ceremony, KDB Darulehsan Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (L) Willie Padan, as the commander task group, presented the post-exercise report to the participants.

The report was then signed by Lt Col (L) Willie Padan and POLMAR commanding officer as the deputy commander task group, Superintendant Matusin Hj Jumat.

Present to close the exercise was RBPF Acting Deputy Director Operations ACP Hj Mohamed Don Hj Harith.

Also present at the ceremony was RBN Fleet Commander Lieutenant Colonel (L) Pg Mohamad Pg Hj Damit.

The Brunei Times