CIFS Facilitates Coast Guard Training

Members of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) took part in a three-day training course last week, beginning on Tuesday, 9 February 2021, to learn essential firefighting skills from the Cayman Islands Fire Service (CIFS).

Sixteen CICG recruits were trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers, the deployment and use of fire hoses, working in confined spaces and the correct technique for lifting and carrying a casualty on a stretcher.

“CIFS works closely with CICG regularly during inshore search and rescue operations as well as other major incidents. Exercises such as this builds a shared language and understanding between members of both first response agencies, which helps to ensure an effective and coordinated approach when jointly tackling incidents,” said Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Roy Charlton.

He continued, “I wish to thank the training department led by Acting training Manager John Christian, assisted by Pump Engineer James Jackson and the Domestic on duty crews for once again sharing their time and expertise. We are extremely proud to be able to contribute to the development of our CICG colleagues and wish them all every success in their new careers.”

“We are very grateful to the CIFS for the training offered to our new recruits. Being able to decisively take control of a fire, especially when you are miles from shore is critical to ensuring the safety of yourself and all other persons onboard. Thanks to this and other training our recruits are now better prepared to act and respond should the need arise,” said the CICG Commander, Robert Scotland.