BOARDING TEAM BUILDS EXPERTISE Whether it’s among the world’s boarding elite in Singapore or applying the skills in local waters, HMNZS MATATAUA’s Deployable Boarding Team (DBT) is keeping up the momentum. MATATAUA is developing a fullyequipped and qualified boarding capability, available at short notice for “fly-in, fly out” deployments to support a RNZN ship on operation, or the vessels of partner nations (see Navy Today June 2023).
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Navy Today #281
Navy Today caught up with Lieutenant Jack Walters, Boarding Officer, as his team practised a Tier 1 (low threat) fisheries inspection on a fishing vessel in the Hauraki Gulf. He and members of his team have recently returned from Singapore, after attending the South East Asia Cooperation and Training’s (SEACAT) ‘Visit Board Search Seize’ workshop. Led by the US Coast Guard, the workshop included modules on maritime law, enforcement, rights of approach and boarding, use of force and tactical combat casualty care. The team were rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the boarding fraternity, including Royal Marine Commandos, French Navy Commandos and Singapore’s 180 Squadron.
