Ongoing Training
Marine Patrol Officers are required to complete a state-mandated basic police academy. They then must attend the in-house Basic Marine Patrol Course to learn maritime issues, including boating laws and regulations, boat handling, boat safety, and water rescue techniques.
Officers also attend the regional Search and Rescue Forum each year hosted by the Virginia Port Authority and the U.S. Coast Guard as well as annual refresher training in special maritime law enforcement topics in addition to their required law enforcement annual in-service training.