KUANTAN, 21st August 2024 – The third day of the NCOS East Visit brought Course Participants to the heart of the maritime safety and rescue operations at the Malaysian Coast Guard (MCG) Academy, also known as Akademi Maritim Sultan Ahmad Shah (AMSAS) in Gebeng, Kuantan.

The day began with a courtesy call from the Malaysian Armed Forces Staff College (MAFSC) Chief Directing Staff, Kol Sukiman bin Mohamed Ghani, to the AMSAS Head of Maritime Operations Studies Cluster, Capt (M) Sanifah bin Yusof.

Delegates received a comprehensive briefing from Cdr (M) Mohd Ardi bin Mat Nawi, Principal Assistant Director of the Maritime SAR and Disaster Relief Division. He highlighted the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)’s pivotal role in Maritime Search and Rescue (MSAR), maritime incident response and disaster relief efforts. The MMEA’s preparedness for HADR and Maritime Disasters was limited, therefore had an emphasis on their coordinated approach with other agencies to manage large-scale emergencies.

Cdr (M) Wan Najib Azrin bin Wan Nor Adib further explained the crucial role of the MCG Air Operations Branch in ensuring maritime safety. This branch utilises helicopters and planes for surveillance, search and rescue missions and firefighting, demonstrating their effectiveness in saving lives, combating illegal activities and responding to disasters.

The visit concluded with a captivating live demonstration of a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation using aerial assets and a winching stretcher, leaving Course Participants with a firsthand witness of the MMEA’s impressive capabilities.