Marine Tactical Operations Training Set To Begin In Pinellas County; Excellent Photo–Op During Practical Exercises Of Casting-Off Vessels and Beach Entry
Release Number: 09-242
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operation Bureau
-SWAT
-Marine Unit
-Dive Team
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC)
Tampa Police Department
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
Clearwater Police Department
United States Coast Guard
Port of the City of St. Petersburg
What: A Marine Tactical Operations/Armed Ship Boarding Training class is set to begin in Pinellas County. The week-long course, which will include the participation of various state and local law enforcement agencies, is classified as one of the first of its kind for maritime tactical training in the state of Florida.
A total of 24 students will participate in this pilot training course designed to prepare its participants in the event of an emergency/crisis on the water or maritime environment.
The media is invited to cover the practical training exercises that are scheduled to take place on Monday, October 5, 2009. The exercises scheduled during this time frame include casting-off vessels and beach entry. Member of the media interested in attending are asked to arrive at the Port of St. Petersburg located at 250 8th Avenue SE at 11:15 a.m. in order to be processed at the Port prior to the interviews and practical exercises photo-op. All should bring picture identification (such as a Driver’s License or State ID) in addition to their issued media credentials.
Where: The classes will be held at the United States Coast Guard Sector- St. Petersburg located at 600 8th Avenue South East in St. Petersburg with practical training exercises being held at various locations on and off the Port of St. Petersburg.
Member of the media interested in covering are asked to meet at the Port of St. Petersburg located at 250 8th Avenue SE. Parking will be provided.
When: The week-long training is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 4 through Friday, October 9, 2009.
The media is invited to attend the practical training exercises scheduled to be held from 11:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2009.
How/Why: A Marine Tactical Operations/Armed Ship Boarding Training class is set to begin in Pinellas County. The week-long course, which will include the participation of various state and local law enforcement agencies, is classified as one of the first of its kind for maritime tactical training in the state of Florida.
The week-long training is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 4 through Friday, October 9, 2009. The classes will be held at the United States Coast Guard Sector- St. Petersburg located at 600 8th Avenue South East in St. Petersburg with practical training exercises being held at various locations on and off the Port of St. Petersburg.
The instructors for this course are from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Waterborne Strike Team which is recognized statewide.
A total of 24 students will participate in the training designed to prepare its participants in the event of an emergency/crisis on the water or maritime environment. This pilot course will provide a unique opportunity for state and local agencies to work together and pool resources in an effort to standardize the training.
The various types of training that will take place during the week include the following: waterborne tactical swimming; close quarter combat; casting off vessels (static and underway); boarding low and high freeboard vessels underway; tactical vessel formations; vessel touch and go’s; and tactical beaching.
The media is invited to cover the practical training exercises that are scheduled to take place on Monday, October 5, 2009. This will be the only window for media opportunities during this week of training. Member of the media interested in this photo-op are asked to arrive at the Port of St. Petersburg located at 250 8th Avenue SE at 11:15 a.m. in order to be processed at the Port.
Interview opportunities will follow. Members of the media will then be brought aboard a Marine Unit vessel and an Operational vessel in order to capture images of the practical exercise of casting-off vessels (a tactical way to disembark while the vessel is in motion) as well as beach entry.
For further information please call the Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office at (727) 582-6221.
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