Australia has presented goods worth over AUD$60,000 to Samoa’s Maritime Police Wing.
The items were handed over to the Commanding Officer of the Police Maritime Wing, Superintendent Sefo Faafoi Hunt by High Commissioner, Sara Moriarty.
The gifting is part of Defence Cooperation Program’s ongoing commitment to the Police to assist in their capability development, particularly in the maritime domain.
Goods include a chemical storage locker, shipping container, two large toolboxes, multiple personal protective equipment, grinders, orbital sanders, two tonnes of paint for the vessel, fire retardant rope and slipping hardware and parts.
The chemical storage lockers allow storage of flammable goods in a safe and separate manner as per chemical information advices.
The shipping container will provide a secure storage system for the Police as they deem necessary.
The slipping parts are mainly paints to ensure that Nafanua remains safe and capable up until its retirement next year. This is mainly the underwater coatings and some other minor safety sections requiring routine attention.
These goods will allow the Police Maritime Wing staff to continue to conduct maintenance on the existing patrol boat to a high standard and ensure their ongoing safety when conducting tasks utilising chemicals and other hazardous substances (as well as for use for the incoming Guardian Class Patrol Boat due August next year).
Next week, construction will begin at the Police Maritime Wing to add a second floor which will increase office and storage space as well as provide male and female change rooms in preparation for the dual gender capable Guardian Class Patrol Boat.
There will also be a small living space and central operations room for monitoring fishing activity within the Pacific and Samoan EEZ.
Photo supplied