ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Ora Ubao Scout Visit gave young members an educational look at maritime surveillance, safety equipment and the responsibilities of the Caribbean Coast Guard during a tour of Marinierskazerne Savaneta.
Grupo Scout Ora Ubao visited the military base on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until 3 p.m. Members from several age sections participated in the activity as part of the group’s summer programme.
Summer Programme Combines Learning and Recreation
Grupo Scout Ora Ubao continues organizing educational and recreational activities during the school holiday to give its members opportunities to explore new subjects, gain practical knowledge and create memorable experiences together.
The group arranged bus transportation to reduce the amount of time the children had to walk in the afternoon sun. Organizers said the bus journey also became an enjoyable part of the day for the participants.
Scouts Visit Coast Guard Radar Room
One of the main activities during the Ora Ubao Scout Visit was a tour of the Coast Guard’s radar room.
Personnel explained how monitoring systems and specialized equipment are used to observe maritime activity in the waters surrounding Aruba.
The presentation gave the scouts a better understanding of the technology, discipline and responsibility required to protect Aruba’s maritime territory.
The Caribbean Coast Guard performs surveillance, law-enforcement and assistance duties in the waters around Aruba and the other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. Its responsibilities include search and rescue, border control, environmental enforcement and combating illegal fishing, weapons trafficking, drug smuggling and human smuggling.
Maritime Equipment Demonstrated
Coast Guard personnel also showed the group different items of equipment used during maritime patrols and emergency operations.
The demonstration helped the young visitors understand the level of preparation required before personnel can respond to incidents at sea.
The Caribbean Coast Guard operates cutters, fast Metal Shark boats, helicopters and Dash-8 patrol aircraft to carry out rescue, detection and enforcement operations throughout the region.
Scouts Learn About Anti-Smuggling Operations
During the tour, the scouts viewed boats that organizers described as having been confiscated during drug-related operations conducted over the past two years.
The children received information about the vessels and the Coast Guard’s role in preventing illegal maritime transportation.
Official defence reports confirm that intercepted vessels, suspects and confiscated drugs from several 2026 operations were transferred to the Coast Guard support point in Savaneta and handed over to the Aruba Police Force.
Speedboat Ride Ends the Tour
The highlight of the afternoon was a speedboat ride offered to the participating scouts.
Both younger and older members reportedly enjoyed the experience, which allowed them to conclude the educational tour with a closer look at maritime travel.
The boat ride generated considerable excitement and gave participants a practical connection to the equipment and operations discussed earlier in the visit.
Scouts Gain Insight Into Maritime Careers
The activity also introduced young people to possible careers involving maritime security, technology, rescue operations and public service.
The Coast Guard support point is located at Marinierskazerne Savaneta, where personnel help protect Aruba’s coastline and territorial waters.
By observing the radar room, patrol equipment and vessels, participants learned that Coast Guard work involves technical knowledge, teamwork, discipline and the ability to respond quickly during emergencies.
Group Thanks Hosts and Parents
Grupo Scout Ora Ubao thanked Marinierskazerne Savaneta and the Caribbean Coast Guard for welcoming the group and providing an informative tour.
The organization also expressed appreciation to the parents and adult volunteers who accompanied the children and helped supervise the activity.
The Ora Ubao Scout Visit reflected the group’s belief that school holidays can provide time for relaxation while also creating opportunities for discovery, education and shared experiences.
Through the visit, the scouts gained a clearer understanding of how the Coast Guard monitors Aruba’s waters, responds to maritime incidents and contributes to the safety of the island.
