THE Fiji Navy's search and rescue operations now have aerial support services, thanks to Helipro.
Helipro's country manager Graeme Hedge said the service provided to the navy's search and rescue operation included professional training at all levels of search and rescue procedures.
"There are 10 naval officers who had undergone training in search and rescue procedures at the Togalevu Naval Base," he said.
"Last Tuesday, a selected team of navy divers were put through a course of theory and flight drills for six hours.
"The navy officers had successfully completed all facets of the program during the training procedures."
Mr Hedge said further programs had been organised for more advanced search and rescue skills set to ensure maximum life saving capabilities.
"We have signed a contract with the naval base in conducting this training and it would surely benefit the people, particularly in terms of search and rescue," he said.
"We also offer training to DISMAC because our services are always needed in time of disasters."
Mr Hedge said the search and rescue training that the navy officers undertook dealt with rescue out at sea and also on rough landscapes. "We have our pilots from New Zealand and Australia who are facilitating the training," he said.