Niël Terblanché
On Monday, Commander Klaudia Hainghumbi, the acting Commandant of the Namibian Naval Training School, welcomed members of the Namibian Air Force to a Basic Sea Survival course at Rooikop outside Walvis Bay.
The commander informed course participants that the month-long programme aims to develop water confidence, impart sea survival techniques, and enhance physical fitness among the participants.
In her opening address, Commander Hainghumbi stressed the critical importance of swimming as a lifesaving skill, particularly for Air Force personnel.
“As a member of the Air Force, you are expected to operate in various challenging environments, including water, for search and rescue missions or during possible emergency landings,” she said.
She encouraged the trainees to approach the course with dedication and eagerness to learn, underscoring its significance in ensuring personnel safety and mission success.
Basic sea survival courses are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to survive in maritime emergencies.
Such training typically includes instruction in emergency procedures, abandoning ship protocols, the use of survival equipment, and effective communication methods during crises.
Participants engage in both theoretical and practical sessions to build competence in these areas.
A comprehensive course often covers topics such as personal safety, dangers and symptoms of drowning and hypothermia, securely moving between vessels and platforms, use of life-saving appliances, personal protective equipment, and survival techniques at sea.
Additionally, trainees learn about search and rescue operations, global maritime distress and safety systems, and first aid procedures in the event of a man overboard.
Evacuation procedures are also a critical component of the curriculum.
According to Commander Hainghumbi, by participating in this training, Namibian Air Force personnel will be better prepared to handle emergencies over water, thereby enhancing their operational effectiveness and personal safety.
The course not only aims to improve individual skills but also to implement a culture of safety and preparedness within the Namibian Air Force.
She said that as the course progresses, it is anticipated that participants will gain valuable experience and confidence, contributing to their overall readiness for various operational scenarios.
