By KATHERINE HOBY
Boarding vessels at sea was one skill Customs staff had to learn during a three-day training exercise last week.
Staff from Customs, Police, MAF Quarantine, Health and Defence were trained to ensure they were prepared to respond if a vessel carrying illegal migrants arrived.
The operation's chief, Customs Air and Marine manager Paul Campbell, said the exercise was part of sensible planning for the possibility of such an event.
He said Customs regularly worked closely with other agencies.
Most of the time was spent in a classroom learning about the roles each agency would play in such a situation.
About 100 staff were involved. The most practical part involved familiarisation with vessels including the HMNZS Canterbury, and learning how to board vessels at sea.
The exercise was deemed successful and further joint training was planned.
Agencies ready to react to illegal migrants
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