MUARA, Tuesday 2 June 2015 – Exercise Sembilang is a bilateral exercise conducted annually between the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and the Marine Police Royal Brunei Police Force (POLMAR) which has reached its 11th serial this year. The Royal Brunei Navy has the honor this year to host the Exercise Sembilang 11/15.
The exercise was officiated by Lt Col (L) Pg Mohamad bin Pg Haji Damit, Fleet Commander of RBN during the Opening Ceremony at the Multinational Coordination Centre (MNCC). Representing RBPF was Superintendent Matusin bin Haji Jumat, Officer Commanding POLMAR.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance inter-operability between RBN and POLMAR, therefore increasing the ability of both forces to conduct surveillance and interception within planned operation zones and to enable the RBN and POLMAR to project presence and deterrence within Brunei territorial waters and key installations such as oil rigs in Coastal areas. The exercise had also aimed to enhance relationships between personnel from both forces through social and sports interactions.
During the ceremony, the Fleet Commander highlighted that Exercise Sembilang is a testament to the existing bond between the two organizations and this year, Exercise Sembilang will elevate the relationship to a higher level. The Fleet Commander also emphasized on the safe conduct of the evolutions throughout the exercise whilst focusing to meet the objectives of the exercise; improving mutual procedures and operational tactics between both organizations.
This year’s exercise will comprise of three phases that is Harbour, Sea and Post Sea phase. Exercise SEMBILANG 11/15 is a Maritime Interdiction based exercise focusing on evolutions such as Boarding Operations, Sea Patrol and Hot Pursuit. Guest speakers were invited to present and discuss subjects on Maritime Law, Power of Arrest and Transnational Crime. Other maritime agencies such as The Maritime Coordination Centre, Marine Department, Royal Brunei Customs, Exercise Department and Fisheries Department were also invited to participate in the talk.
Assets involved during the 4-days exercise consists of PDB 19, PDB 63 and a section of Special Operations team from POLMAR. Involvement of RBN assets consisted of KDB IJHTIHAD, KDB SERASA and a section of Naval Surface Action Group (NSAG).
The exercise has witnessed broadening of scope and complexity through the years of its existence and this exercise codenamed “SEMBILANG 11/15” is the latest of its continuing series.
