THE 20 Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) members of the Explosive Ordnance Team (EOD) commenced their underwater capability diving at Tulagi, Monday.
The diving exercise followed after the officers completed five days of in-class training at the Hell’s Point Camp, East of Honiara.
Speaking to Solomon Star over the weekend Sergeant Rex Waiwori staff in-charge of the EOD team said that his officers are confidence after the five days of in-class theory training and ready for the dive.
“The diving will be conducted under the supervision of the U.S Navy divers and that will be continuing for three weeks at a diving site near Tulagi.
“The training is very helpful and gives us more understanding to deal unexploded ordnance (UXO) under water.”
Mr Waiwori said they do not only concentrate on underwater training but also physical training.
“Because thousands of unexploded ordnances are still under our waters, and the risks involve, U.S has the concern that eliminating them must be done under water.
“That is why they are sending U.S Navy divers to come, assist and give this training to improve the capability of for the members of Maritime and RSIPF team,” he said.
He said that his officers are very confident and looking forward to engage in any regional underwater exercise of any pacific country.
“And also looking forward to have more of the underwater developing exercise from the US Navy divers,” he said.
The training is part of an ongoing training program that began three years ago and funded by the United States government.
Eleven U.S navy divers are conducting the training.
By STEPHEN DIISANGO
