YORKTOWN, Virginia. (09 June 2019) - New batch of Philippine Coast Guard personnel successfully finished the Boatswains Mate “A” School Course last 07 June at United States Coast Guard Training Center, Tracen Yorktown, Virginia, USA.

The course is among other specialized trainings sponsored by the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in Manila for years.

Petty Officer Third Class Roldan O Matildo PCG, Seaman First Class (SN1) John N Fernandez PCG, SN1 Teody E Lopez Jr. PCG, and SN1 Mark Lester S Magbanua PCG were among the 35 students composing the Boatswains Mate “A” School Course Class 09-19 as international students. Said personnel are mostly assigned in Coast Guard vessels and small crafts in the PCG.

The course is designed for every Coast Guard personnel in preparation to become instructors, boatswain mate or coxswain in their future careers. Thus, provides opportunity for the participants to be more effective and proficient in lifesaving while ensuring the safety of both rescuer and person or vessel in distress.

The 14-week training allows the participants to be fully equipped and knowledgeable in deck operations such as open water navigation, international rules and planning, and familiarization on navigation and communication devices onboard their vessels and crafts. It also includes boat trailing, boat towing, basic lifesaving, helicopter operations, knot tying and splicing, portable pump operation, open water survival skills, rescue and survival raft procedure.

Students are also required to do physical training such as swimming, running off-base, sports and must pass the monthly physical training.