The Diving Unit was established in 1975 by the then Marine Police Inspection Team and was later transferred to the current establishment of the Macao Customs Department, making it the only underwater search and rescue team in Macao.
The Diving Team of Macao Customs is a 24-hour team with 22 members, which is mainly responsible for rescue work in the waters under the management of Macao, such as personal rescue in the event of collision and sinking of vessels, and personal rescue of persons falling into the sea. In addition, in the event of an accident in the artificial lakes and reservoirs of the Macao SAR, the Customs and Excise Department Diving Team will also be responsible for the rescue work.
In addition to receiving officer training and completing a one-year onboard internship, the members of the diving team are required to undergo diver training and obtain a passing grade.
In addition to carrying out rescue missions, the Customs and Excise Diving Team is also responsible for other tasks, including assisting in maritime security, civil defence, salvage, underwater search for evidence, and inspecting Customs patrol vessels.
Incumbent members of the Customs and Excise Department Diving Team are required to receive continuous training to further master skills such as underwater search and rescue, so as to consolidate and enhance their ability to respond to emergencies. (Photo courtesy of Macao Customs)
The Customs and Excise Department Diving Team arranges various training programmes for its members, such as diving rescue and inter-march boarding, etc., and simulates the interaction and operational coordination between team members in the event of an accident, so as to enhance their law enforcement and rescue capabilities in dealing with various marine incidents.
The dive team is required to carry out routine safety checks on Customs patrol vessels, and to ensure that each Customs vessel is in good working condition if there is an abnormality in the bottom of the vessel or when the propeller is entangled in fishing nets and other debris.
The Customs and Excise Department Diving Team keeps pace with the times and adds advanced equipment in a timely manner to continuously enhance the capability and efficiency of emergency rescue.
The Customs and Excise Department Diving Team has been serving the Macao SAR Government and the general public. Whenever a marine accident occurs, they will stand at the forefront of the rescue and do their best to carry out the rescue mission. (Photo courtesy of Macao Customs)
Photo: Leung Cheuk-neng