The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard has concluded the first forensic diving course in the Maldives. The course was facilitated by the European Union (EU) Critical Maritime Routes Programme (CRIMARIO) in association with French Gendarmerie Nationale and MNDF Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Commander Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy attended the closing ceremony held at the MNDF headquarters. A total of 12 participants, including six from the MNDF Coast Guard and six from the Sri Lanka Navy, took part in the course. Commander Hilmy presented certificates to the individuals who completed the course. French Gendarmerie also donated an underwater camera to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commander Hilmy noted that it is the first time such a course has been conducted in the Maldives and spoke about the importance of the course for the security forces of the Indian Ocean countries.
The course was taught by instructors from the French Gendarmerie and was designed to teach how to obtain evidence and how to conduct investigations on various illegal activities at sea or underwater.