PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE NATIONAL SECURITY SECRETARIAT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 2 May 2025: Three distinguished members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment—Lieutenant Zachery Rigby, Lance Corporal Antonio Clarke, and Marine Nicardo Ewing—have successfully completed an intensive eight-week Patrol Craft Coxswain Course at the Caribbean Military Academy, School of Maritime Studies, in Port Royal, Jamaica. They were among a total of ten candidates from the Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The course was strategically designed to develop essential skills and knowledge for operating auxiliary patrol boats in both inshore and offshore environments, supporting critical missions such as interdictions, counter-terrorism, and narcotics enforcement. Its primary objective was to prepare participants to maneuver and navigate effectively during diverse maritime operations.
Key areas covered included:
- Basic Coxswain Skills (ramp launch & recovery, mooring, pier tie-offs, high-speed maneuvering)
- Maritime Safety and First Aid
- Inter-Agency Response Coordination
- Vessel Stability and Man Overboard Procedures
- Navigation and Survival at Sea
- Basic Engineering (outboard motors and diesel systems)
- Ship Husbandry
- Insertion and Extraction Operations
- Maritime Law Enforcement
The program emphasised practical boat handling, beginning in the second week and continuing throughout the course, allowing trainees ample time to hone their skills as small boat operators. To qualify, candidates were required to achieve a minimum score of 70% across all assessments.
Reflections from Participants
Lieutenant Rigby described the course as a valuable opportunity, noting that the welcoming environment fostered learning and growth. “The skills, experience, and knowledge I gained have significantly enhanced my ability to perform my duties more efficiently and effectively,” he said.
Lance Corporal Clarke expressed that the training was a career-changing experience. “This course has given me the confidence and expertise to command a patrol craft and crew. I learned valuable skills in navigation, interdiction tactics, maritime law enforcement, and leadership. I am proud to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment and look forward to sharing these skills with my team.”
Marine Ewing also shared her experience “I attended the Patrol Craft Coxswain Course from February 24 to April 25, 2025. The course was comprehensive and covered essential areas such as navigation, communication, and emergency protocols. The hands-on training component was particularly beneficial, providing practical experience in a controlled environment.
The instructors demonstrated a high level of expertise and professionalism, making the learning process both informative and engaging. The facilities available during the course were of top quality, enhancing the overall training experience.
I found the course content highly relevant to real-world operations, offering valuable insights and techniques that I believe will greatly assist in our duties.”
This training initiative paves the way for the upcoming deployment of two fast patrol vessels scheduled for delivery in May 2025. These vessels will be commissioned as the core of the newly established TCI Regiment Maritime Troop, reinforcing the Islands’ border security and sovereignty.
