Monaco’s maritime police have undertaken a live-fire training exercise in the Mediterranean, testing their ability to operate weapons safely and accurately aboard a moving patrol boat in challenging conditions…
The operation began at 07:00 on Friday at Quai Antoine Ier, where officers from the Maritime and Airport Police Division prepared the Princesse Gabriella patrol boat, checking equipment, protective clothing and navigation conditions before departure. Following a two-hour journey, the crew reached a designated training area controlled by the French Navy, where carefully coordinated shooting exercises were conducted under strict safety procedures.
The training focused on the MAC 58, a 7.62mm automatic weapon carried aboard the patrol vessel. Approximately ten officers within the division are authorised to operate it, with annual live-fire exercises required to maintain their qualifications. Unlike shooting on land, firing from a moving vessel demands constant adjustments to compensate for waves, wind and instability. Officers must maintain accuracy whilst coordinating closely with the pilot, firing supervisor and crew members monitoring surrounding sea and airspace.
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The exercise also highlighted cooperation between Monaco’s police and French military authorities, whose facilities support specialist training. Back in Monaco, officers reviewed their performance during a debriefing, identifying improvements for future exercises.
Such training helps ensure the division remains prepared to protect Monaco’s territorial waters, safeguard maritime users and respond effectively to potential security threats.
Source: Monaco Info
