The Spanish oceanic patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Infanta Elena’ called at Douala (Cameroon) from March 29th to April 2nd as part of her scheduled African deployment. The main goal of the port of call was cooperation and training of Cameroonian Navy forces on Maritime Security.
During the instruction sessions, a naval squad was thoroughly trained on VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure) techniques, to enable local units to efficiently carry out maritime security tasks; namely counter-piracy procedures, as this type of incident is starting to become a problem in the area.
Other training aspects included Damage Control issues, fire-fighting techniques and breakdown management.
The OPV ‘Infanta Elena’ is deploying in Western Africa for a two and a half-month mission, organized within the APS framework and the Defense Diplomacy Plan. Both initiatives intend to strengthen maritime security and stability in the area, enhancing local operational capabilities and helping to preclude possible conflicts.
[mappress] Press Release, April 8, 2014, Image: Spanish Navy