WCO VR Assisted Training Programme
FRCS in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has launched the WCO Virtual Reality Training Programme (VRT) System to assist in enhancing the capacity of the Customs officers by providing the relevant knowledge and skills in improving customs operations and driving compliance in revenue collection.The VRT System trains Customs officials in the basic procedures of physical inspection of containerised cargo at a maritime port. The System has been installed at our Regional Training Centre located at the Headquarters in Suva and our officers from various divisions including Border, Intelligence, Compliance and Investigations (ICI), International Relations, Training and IT were trained on how to use it.
Using a virtual reality headset and controller, trainees enter a virtual world where they learn how to detect contraband items such as drugs, counterfeit goods and explosives smuggled in imported cargo. As part of the training, trainees also practice reviewing documents for identifying fraudulent information, learn about the appropriate safety gear for performing inspections, and gain insight into the tools and resources used during inspections, such as ZBV vehicles, scanners, magnifying glasses, etc.
This is the first virtual training program for FRCS, and we are grateful to WCO for the assistance provided. This will greatly assist in the capacity building of our officers.