Customs officers have been put through their paces by French officials from St Martin and Martinique ahead of the America’s Cup this summer.

Jacky Trinel and Sylvian Testud, experts in vessel rummaging, helped local officers perform live simulated rummage exercises on board the Bermudian, the Spirit of Bermuda and other private vessels.

The culmination of the training, which took place in Dockyard, resulted in a certification presentation which took place at the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service this afternoon.

Senator Jeff Baron thanked the two French experts for their assistance and praised Bermuda’s customs officers for the work they do.

“Our customs department provides an important service for Bermuda,” the Minister of National Security said. “On an annual basis members of the department engage in critical training exercises to ensure their skills, methods and techniques are current.

“Bermuda is roughly two months away from hosting the America’s Cup. This will be an incredible occasion for our island. As part of their overall preparation for the event, this past week our customs officers received four days of intense instruction, which included live simulated search and seizure training.

“It was an invaluable opportunity for our Officers as it provides them with the relevant skills and preparation that will be required for influx of arrivals we will experience for the America’s Cup.”