Beirut, 3 December 2025 — The Ministry of Public Works and Transport today celebrated the graduation of 392 officers and personnel from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces (ISF), General Security (GS), and Civil Defense, who completed an intensive maritime safety and security training programme delivered under the European Union-funded “Disaster Management, Port and Maritime Reform for Economic Recovery” project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Held under the patronage and presence of H.E. Fayez Rasamny, Minister of Public Works and Transport, the ceremony marks a major step forward in strengthening Lebanon’s maritime governance, improving operational readiness at sea, and supporting national compliance with international maritime conventions.
Developed following a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA), the programme delivered 17 specialized training modules through hands-on sessions facilitated by MARSATI and the International Maritime Academy (IMA). Training topics ranged from maritime domain awareness and crisis management to firefighting, VHF communications, diving, survival at sea, and advanced search and rescue coordination.
Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny said: “Today’s graduation is proof that Lebanon is building the maritime system it deserves, one rooted in professionalism, unified standards, and strong national institutions. By investing in our people, we are strengthening the State, enhancing maritime safety, and reaffirming our commitment to international law and national security.”
Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Lebanon, Alessandra Viezzer, emphasized that:
“The European Union invested in the readiness of the Lebanese officers. In their skills. In their certificates. This support is for every community living along Lebanon’s coast. It is for every family that relies on safe waters.
“Lebanon must now build on what has been achieved, as local ownership is key to lasting results. The country has strong internal talent that should be backed by substantial internal investment. Training works best when national resources continue it, protect it, and scale it.”
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Thair Shraideh emphasized the project’s strategic importance, stating: “This project aims to build a unified maritime system that reinforces state authority, strengthens institutional capacities, and enhances public safety.”
He added that “today’s graduation — with 392 officers completing unified and specialized modules following a comprehensive training needs assessment — represents a key milestone. It translates reforms into practice and helps to ensure that Lebanon’s maritime institutions can work together effectively and in alignment with international standards.”
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of commemorative plaques to the representatives of the participating agencies, followed by a group photo with representatives from the Ministry, the European Union, UNDP, and partner institutions.