WILLEMSTAD - In February, six new operators began their operator training at the Maritime Operations Center (MOC). This 11-week training aims to familiarize all new colleagues with the skills and knowledge essential in the maritime world to function as operators.  

During the training, they are instructed in various disciplines, including maritime law, national legislation, search and rescue, maritime regulations, English, Dutch, maritime communication, and customer service. Additionally, they visit key partners such as CITRO and the Meteorological Service, with whom we closely collaborate. The MOC is an integral part of the Coast Guard's Operation Center and serves as the primary point of contact for local stakeholders in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, as well as for international partners. In addition to their responsibilities in search and rescue, the Coast Guard monitors and conducts enforcement tasks in the maritime domain.  

This includes tasks related to maritime border control, fisheries and environmental monitoring, and serving as the initial point of contact for the Coast Guard. In close collaboration with the crew of Coast Guard units, they coordinate all maritime operations. The growth of the Coast Guard is a promising sign for the future, with these new operators playing an essential role in securing maritime operations and enforcing maritime law.