A rising member of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) has marked a key milestone for the island nation’s maritime security capabilities, graduating from one of the world’s leading specialized training programs focused on the legal frameworks of maritime safety operations.
Acting Corporal Steven Celestine successfully wrapped up the 2026 iteration of the Legal Aspect of Maritime Security Operations (LAMSO) course, an intensive four-week educational initiative run by the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies at the Defense Security Cooperation University. Held from May 22 through June 18 this year, the program brought together 23 national delegations, creating a collaborative space for maritime security professionals from across the globe to exchange knowledge and build cross-border partnerships.
Unlike generic maritime training courses, the LAMSO program was intentionally designed to meet the needs of frontline practitioners and leaders working in the maritime security space: it caters specifically to military commanders, in-house legal advisors, active maritime law enforcement personnel, and civilian experts whose work touches on ocean governance and security. Over the course of the month, participants dove deep into the complex international legal architecture that regulates both military activities and civilian maritime law enforcement operations at sea. Trainees also analyzed U.S. maritime law enforcement regulations and procedural frameworks, exploring how these models could be adapted to strengthen operational capacity in their home jurisdictions.
Core curriculum topics spanned critical areas of maritime governance, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, standardized rules of engagement for security operations, the long-standing international law of armed conflict, and legal protocols for coordinating humanitarian assistance and disaster relief responses in maritime settings.
In an official statement announcing Celestine’s completion of the program, CDPF leadership emphasized that the achievement reflects the force’s sustained, long-term investment in professional development for its ranks. The organization also noted that expanding training opportunities like this aligns with two core strategic priorities: growing collaborative international partnerships in the maritime security space, and upgrading Dominica’s overall ability to secure its territorial waters and coastal communities.
Closing the statement, CDPF extended formal congratulations to Celestine, noting that his commitment to professional excellence brings significant pride to both the police force and the entire Commonwealth of Dominica.