Three Koror State Rangers Receive JMAS ERW Disposal Training Basic Course Certificate
2022/6/2
Congratulations to 3 Koror State Rangers, Mr. Cleaver Rechellul, Mr. Keogh Moikeha and Mr. Shannon Aguon, for their successful completion of the ERW(Explosive Remnants of War) Disposal Basic Course! On May 26, 2022, Rear Admiral JMSDF (Ret.) SHIMADA Masato, Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) Palau Representative, presented a certificate to them as part of the KSG Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement’s first quarter inspection. Ms. HAGIWARA Mayu, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Japan was also in attendance. See further details in the JMAS’ press release:
3 Koror State Rangers Were Certified ERW Disposal Training.
Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) is an obstacle to beautiful environment in Palau. “Helmet Wreck”, an old tanker sank in Malakal Bay still has over 200 depth charges leaking hazardous acid. “Amatsu-maru” also an old tanker Malakal underwater still has old oil remain.
JMAS (Japan Mine Action Service), the NGO has expert divers who served Japan Maritime Self-defense Force has been eradicating ERW in the water of Palau since 2012. In 2019, JMAS established the ERW disposal training for KSG rangers to transfer the knowledge and skills. The first 3 successful divers from KSG rangers, Cleaver Rechelluul, Keogh Moikeha and Shannon Aguon were certified the completion of ERW Disposal Basic Course at DCLE inspection on 26th May. “We believe the operation to monitor and dispose ERW to be taken over by Palau is important, and we hope these 3 rangers will lead and teach others.” Rear Admiral Masato Shimada, Representative of JMAS Palau said.
JMAS has been granted 3 more years of operation from Government of Japan as special consideration for graceful relationship between Japan and Palau. 3 years, it may not be enough for JMAS alone to clear all ERW in Palau, but it may be enough to train and certify new local experts to continue to eradicate ERW in the beautiful ocean.
JMAS (Japan Mine Action Service), the NGO has expert divers who served Japan Maritime Self-defense Force has been eradicating ERW in the water of Palau since 2012. In 2019, JMAS established the ERW disposal training for KSG rangers to transfer the knowledge and skills. The first 3 successful divers from KSG rangers, Cleaver Rechelluul, Keogh Moikeha and Shannon Aguon were certified the completion of ERW Disposal Basic Course at DCLE inspection on 26th May. “We believe the operation to monitor and dispose ERW to be taken over by Palau is important, and we hope these 3 rangers will lead and teach others.” Rear Admiral Masato Shimada, Representative of JMAS Palau said.
JMAS has been granted 3 more years of operation from Government of Japan as special consideration for graceful relationship between Japan and Palau. 3 years, it may not be enough for JMAS alone to clear all ERW in Palau, but it may be enough to train and certify new local experts to continue to eradicate ERW in the beautiful ocean.