Ministry of Justice’s Division of Maritime Security and Fish and Wildlife Protection (DMSFWP) Acquires Drones and Completes Training to Enhance Surveillance and Enforcement in the Palau National Marine Sanctuary

As part of the GEF7 PNMS project, the Ministry of Justice’s Division of Maritime Security and Fish and Wildlife Protection (DMSFWP) has successfully acquired two (2) 350 Matrice RTK drones to bolster enforcement and surveillance operations within the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. The acquisition is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect and preserve Palau’s marine environment.

In conjunction with the drone acquisition, a two-day training session was conducted from February 2–3, 2025, with expert technicians from 2CoFly, a company based in Guam. The training equipped DMSFWP officers with essential skills to operate and maintain the high-tech drones.

Day One of the training covered the fundamentals of drone operations, including maintenance, battery care, and the flight checklist. Participants also practiced emergency protocols and engaged in simulated flight exercises to build their confidence and expertise.

Day Two focused on an in-depth introduction to the drone’s technical specifications, flight setup and breakdown procedures, and additional simulator exercises. The day culminated in real-flight drills, reinforcing safety protocols and operational procedures in the field.

“The M350 Drone Training with 2CoFly was excellent!” said Jeremiah Ngiratreged, the Division’s Surveillance and Enforcement Coordinator. “I believe the training as a whole gave officers solid foundational knowledge on not just the operation and maintenance aspect of the M350 RTK, but also a good understanding of the importance of safety while being a Small Unmanned Aerial System Operator. The training emphasized the pivotal role these drones will play in future operations.”

The M350 Matrice RTK drones will significantly enhance the Ministry’s ability to conduct aerial surveillance, monitor protected areas, and respond quickly to any enforcement challenges within the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. With the training now complete, the Ministry is fully equipped to deploy these advanced technologies for more efficient surveillance and monitoring.