Cayman Islands Coast Guard Hosts RNLI Train-the-Trainer Course to Strengthen Regional Search and Rescue Capacity

The Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) recently hosted the RNLI Train-the-Trainer course, held from January 12–23, 2026, bringing together maritime and law enforcement professionals from across the Overseas Territories; including Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands to enhance search and rescue (SAR) training capacity throughout the region. Delivered by RNLI trainer David Whiddon and his team comprising Glynn Wyatt and Michael Pearce, the intensive two-week programme focused on strengthening instructional delivery, operational readiness, and regional collaboration. “It’s been an absolute privilege to be here back in the Caymans delivering a train-the-trainer course, and hopefully that will improve search and rescue capacity within the Overseas Territories,” said Dave. “I want to thank all the participants for their hard work and dedication over the last two weeks. Hopefully this will help improve their own personal training delivery and allow them to train others within their organizations. A big thank you to the Cayman Islands Coast Guard for hosting this event…It’s been great to share our knowledge and expertise and also learn from each other.” Her Excellency the Governor of the Cayman Islands, Mrs. Jane Owen, also underscored the importance of the programme and its wider regional impact: “It was a pleasure to welcome a team from the UK Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) to the Cayman Islands for a two-week train-the-trainer programme, featuring a wide range of practical exercises. The RNLI team is delivering training for all Caribbean Overseas Territories, and I had the opportunity to visit and observe a live vessel rescue exercise. Thank you to the Cayman Islands Coast Guard (CICG) for taking part and for hosting this important training, which not only strengthens local capacity in the Cayman Islands but also builds regional cooperation and enhances our collective ability to respond effectively to emergency situations across the Overseas Territories.” Participants from the various territories took part in the programme, which blended classroom instruction with practical, hands-on scenarios.
Dexter Anthony, representing the Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Unit, shared: “I’m here in the Cayman Islands for a two-week RNLI training course to strengthen our search and rescue operations and to be able to deliver that training back to our team in TCI. The programme was intense, and we collaborated with colleagues from various territories. It was a refresher for me, but also an opportunity to learn new methods and strategies on how to deal with search and rescue and saving lives at sea. Overall, the course was well attended and well delivered. Thanks to the Cayman Islands Coast Guard for facilitating this training.” Lance Corporal Adderley, a Maritime Enforcement Specialist from Bermuda, also praised the experience: “I thoroughly enjoyed the course. This is my second time attending, and it’s a great opportunity to brush up on my skills, sharpen my tools, and take what I’ve learned back home to share within my unit.” Another repeat participant, Leading Seaman Andrew Welds of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard highlighted the continued value of the programme and its impact on instructional development: “This was my third time taking part in the RNLI Train-the-Trainer programme, with my initial course taking place in Bermuda. Each time I’ve participated, I’ve learned new ways of instructing lessons to a wide range of students. The course equips new trainers with the ability to teach individuals from different backgrounds, skill sets, and learning styles. This course in particular refreshed the knowledge of those who had previously attended, myself included. With the guidance of the instructors, we were able to further enhance our existing teaching skills. Going forward, I hope to be part of more RNLI Train-the-Trainer courses in the near future.” From the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Sergeant James Ramprashad emphasized the importance of continuous professional development: “The course is very important to law enforcement within the Overseas Territories. Refreshers are essential because when you don’t constantly revisit things, you tend to lose them. I also appreciated the logistics aspect…going around to different territories, experiencing different forces, sharing knowledge, and building networks.” Ryan Darroux of the Royal Montserrat Police Service, Marine Division, highlighted the practical value of the training: “This was very informative training. A lot of good information was passed on, and the sessions were very practical. The theory and practical sessions worked together seamlessly, giving a clear understanding of what is required during emergencies and rescues at sea. It was a great learning experience, and I look forward to further training of this nature.” Local participants also benefited significantly. Able Seaman Maleke Ebanks of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard shared: “I thoroughly enjoyed the RNLI Train-the-Trainer course and gained valuable knowledge in navigation and instructional techniques. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in practical situations.” Incia Brooks, of the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service, added: “The course was informative and helped me polish my skills as both a trainer and a maritime rescue operator. It was awesome to learn the proper terms and techniques for practices I’ve been using all my life as a mariner.” The successful delivery of the RNLI Train-the-Trainer course in the Cayman Islands highlights the importance of continued regional initiatives. Facilitated by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the RNLI, the programme brought together maritime and law enforcement professionals from across the Overseas Territories to enhance search and rescue capabilities. By equipping participants with advanced skills and instructional techniques, the course provides each territory with the opportunity to build local resilience, enabling them to train their own personnel and respond more effectively to maritime emergencies. The Cayman Islands Coast Guard looks forward to continuing its partnership with the UK MCA and RNLI to deliver future training that strengthens regional collaboration, professionalism, and lifesaving expertise at sea. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is an independent charitable organisation providing 24-hour search and rescue services around the coasts of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, operated primarily by trained volunteers and funded entirely through public donations. Over the most recent 24-month reporting period (2023–2024), RNLI lifeboat crews were launched approximately 18,300 times, responding to maritime and coastal emergencies and assisting tens of thousands of people in difficulty, while saving more than 700 lives through lifeboat operations alone, with additional lives saved by RNLI beach lifeguards. These figures underline the RNLI’s continued critical role in maritime safety and emergency response.