Beirut: The Ministry of Public Works and Transport celebrated the graduation of 392 officers and personnel from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces (ISF), General Security (GS), and Civil Defense. These individuals successfully completed an intensive maritime safety and security training program, which was part of the European Union-funded ‘Disaster Management, Port and Maritime Reform for Economic Recovery’ project. This initiative was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the ceremony was held under the patronage and presence of H.E. Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Public Works and Transport. It marks a significant advancement in Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen maritime governance, improve operational readiness at sea, and support national compliance with international maritime conventions.

The training program was developed following a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) and included 17 specialized modules. These were delivered through hands-on sessions facilitated by MARSATI and the International Maritime Academy (IMA). Training topics varied from maritime domain awareness and crisis management to firefighting, VHF communications, diving, survival at sea, and advanced search and rescue coordination.

Minister Fayez Rasamny stated that the graduation signifies Lebanon’s commitment to building a professional maritime system rooted in unified standards and strong national institutions. He emphasized that investing in personnel strengthens the state, enhances maritime safety, and reaffirms Lebanon’s commitment to international law and national security.

Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Lebanon, Alessandra Viezzer, highlighted the European Union’s investment in the readiness and skills of Lebanese officers. She stressed the importance of local ownership and the need for Lebanon to continue building on the achievements made, supported by substantial internal investment.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Thair Shraideh noted the project’s strategic importance in building a unified maritime system that reinforces state authority and strengthens institutional capacities. He remarked that the graduation of 392 officers from specialized modules represents a key milestone in translating reforms into practice.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of commemorative plaques to representatives of the participating agencies, followed by a group photo with representatives from the Ministry, the European Union, UNDP, and partner institutions.