Maritime Security 2013 West

The Port of Los Angeles, in partnership with the State of California Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has developed the country’s first Maritime Training Course specifically designed to train state and local law enforcement personnel. The 5 week, 3 module course is based on Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) curriculum, and was developed jointly by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Port Police, Long Beach Police Department and FLETC staff.

The focus of the training will be to provide basic through advanced instruction for crewmembers on law enforcement and public safety vessels operated by local authorities. Course curriculum will include boat handling, chart reading and navigation rules. Additionally students will receive comprehensive training on maritime boardings, arrest procedures, vessel identification, searches, and counter-terrorism practices and procedures. The course is California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified, and consistent with current federal doctrine. It will be made available to municipal, county, state or federal law enforcement personnel that need maritime skillsets to perform their duties.

Training will be conducted at the new Port of Los Angeles Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center (MLETC). MLETC training staff will be comprised of members of the Los Angles Port Police, Los Ange­les County Sheriff, and Long Beach Police Departments, augmented by United States Coast Guard. All MLETC instructors are FLETC trained.

Initial funding for course development and facility upgrades has been provided through a Port Security Grant from the State of California. Continued funding for facility will be provided by student tuition along with Port Security Grant funding and other sources.

The Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex is an ideal location for this type of facility due to generally optimal weather conditions, the excellent Federal, State, County and Municipal training cadre and access to local resources. The doctrine and strategies that will be taught at the MLETC in areas such as Maritime Interoperability and Small Vessel Security will fill a critical gap in maritime tactical training at the state and local level.