Exercise Coastwatchers develops RSIPF small boat and maritime skills from foundation to advanced level. The courses have trained beginners, as well as leaders and trainers who will teach future generations.
RSIPF Officer Moses Karui from Auki in Malaita Province completed Exercise Coastwatchers in 2025 and has returned for his second Coastwatchers, developing his skills in the advanced course.
Acting as an instructor to new students working with ADF instructors, Moses said he was very excited to return to Coastwatchers for the advanced course. It allowed him to help bridge the language gap between instructors and students.
“We came back for advanced course to learn as instructors and to help the ADF, we support translating to pijin to help the students understand and give the right information fast,” he said.
“I feel proud to return, to be recognised as instructors for Solomon Island RSIPF,” Officer Moses said.
To test their skills the students completed a complex exercise, conducting a search and rescue for a missing fisherman, supported by students from the Coastwatchers drone surveillance course.
The students had to plan the route, calculating travel time, speed and required fuel as well as the impact of weather. They also planned what safety equipment and supplies would be needed as part of the rescue, to ensure the fisherman were safe and well.
Once planning was complete, the students received a safety brief from instructor Moses, they prepared their boats, and took off to complete the mission.
This was RSIPF Officer Castro Roramae’s first Exercise Coastwatchers, he was the leader for the exercise and said it was challenging, but a great opportunity and experience.
“I’m really enjoying it, I’ve learned a lot of things especially parts of the boat engine and how to approach and deal with problems when at sea,” Officer Castro said.
“It’s my first time so it was a little bit hard for me being the leader for the search mission, but we worked together as a team and it was very easy because we’re learning from each other.”
Maritime safety and preparation stood out as one of the most important lessons to Officer Castro.
“The best thing I’ve learned during this training is about the safety on board, it’s very important to prepare ahead towards our mission, preparing all of our equipment in case we meet dangers on our way.”
Officer Castro said he has gained confidence and learned real skills that he can take back to support this role at Auki, and that he hopes to complete the advanced course in the future.
“Right now I feel like I have something in me that I will carry back to my workplace to help the Auki Police.”
“I’d really like to return for the advanced course,” he said.
