Lieutenant Gerard Wenk of the Maritime Safety and Security Team of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) led a seven-member delegation to attend Hong Kong Marine Police's Small Boat Division (SBDIV) training programme between August 1 and 5. This followed from an earlier exchange with the USCG Pacific Command where many commonalities of law enforcement duties were identified.

The programme covered a wide range of topics, such as an overview of SBDIV, Maritime Emergency Response Tactics, high-speed pursuit, boat interception tactics and forced boarding techniques. The training offered the opportunity for officers to exchange best practice, in particular with regard to mission responsibilities around the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and maritime counter-terrorism responses.

Superintendent of SBDIV Lau King-lun said that both sides benefited from the programme, which provided a good platform for local officers and the delegates to exchange views and share maritime operational tactics. Mr Wenk appreciated the informative course, and looked forward to more bilateral exchanges and co-operation.