The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has embarked on cross-training programs with partner services and maritime nations in the areas of maritime safety and security and marine environmental protection.

In line with the directive of President Benigno S. Aquino III for all government agencies to integrate their efforts and strengthen inter-agency cooperation, PCG has partnered with the 4th Special Forces Battalion and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines for the conduct of joint training on maritime law enforcement and life saving in Zamboanga City.

The training was participated by 15 members PCG's Special Operations Group and 15 personnel of the Riverine Unit of the 4th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army.

PCG has shared their personnel expertise in basic water survival, navigation, scuba refresher training, recompression chamber operations, boarding procedures, rules of engagement and legal aspects of maritime law enforcement.

On the other hand, the AFP shared their expertise in combat life saving techniques, small unit tactics, marine interdiction operations and basic close quarter combat, while the US contingent shared their knowledge and skills on underwater demolition and post blast investigation.

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo has directed the search and rescue vessel, BRP EDSA-II fitted with a recompression chamber and complemented with a medical doctor onboard to participate and serve as a training platform in Zamboanga.

Commander Artemio Abu is the commanding officer of BRP EDSA II (SARV 002) which is under the operational control of Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao under the command of Commodore Rodolfo Isorena.