Nine RSIPF officers graduate with EOD International Mine Action Standard level one training

A total of nine officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have graduated with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) International Mine Action Standard level one training course today (6 November 2020) at Hells Point, East of Honiara.

RSIPF Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operations, Evelyn Thugea, the Australian Defence Force Attaché to the South West Pacific Commander Mark Northcote and EOD Officers were present at the graduation ceremony.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operations, Evelyn Thugea says, “The training was conducted from 28 September to 30 October 2020. The EOD Level one training was conducted in order to produce Level one EOD Operators in accordance with the International Mine Action Standard (IMAS).”

“The course was to produce an EOD Operator capable of disposing of a single item of ordnance they have been trained on. The course is centered on WWII UXOs. The follow-on level two course is planned for 2021 once the graduates gain more experience.”

“For those graduating today this marks another milestone in their career into the field of EOD. I am proud of you. I encourage you to discipline yourself and have courage to move forward. In order for you to succeed, you need strong determination. Believe in yourself and keep going to serve our communities,” says Ms. Thugea.

One of the officers who graduated, Police Constable Ezekiel Jackson Ilisia says, “I am happy and proud to be one of the graduating students with this training. It was challenging for me as I go through weeks of intensive training but today I am a proud person. I am looking forward to helping my team members to serve our communities. I know a lot of UXOs remained in our country after World War II. I believe that with the skills I have acquired, I will be able to assist our communities get rid of the UXOs.”

EOD level one training consists of both theory and practical lessons delivered over five weeks. There will be a Level Two and Level Three training. Topics delivered during during the course include:
• Explosive Ordnance Recognition;
• Explosive Theory and Safe Handling of Explosives;
• Explosive Effects and Uses;
• Safety Precautions and Hazards;
• Firing Devices and Safety Ohmeters;
• Methods of Disposal;
• Explosive Safety Distances;
• Protective Measures;
• Storage and Transport of Explosives;
• Ebinger PIDD Shallow Search Meter;
• UPEX 740M Deep Search Meter;
• EOD Operations;
• Battle Area Clearnance; and
• Map Reading Navigation and GPS