On September 30th, 2024, the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis, accompanied by the President of the Civil Protection Authority (APC Portuguese acronyms), signed a memorandum of understanding with Aquatica Dive Resort, a specialized diving center. This partnership aims to train members of the APC’s special unit in the maritime area, ensuring a quick and effective response in emergency situations at sea. 
During the ceremony, the Secretary of State underlined the importance of this training for the professionals of the APC’s special unit, stressing that “it will enable APC members to be prepared to provide assistance and protect victims of maritime disasters efficiently”.
He added that “the APC’s Maritime Directorate, which is responsible for coordinating operations at sea, will be strengthened by this partnership, which will enable it to develop the necessary skills to act in emergency scenarios at sea”. 
The Secretary of State also explained that candidates for the training must be aged between 18 and 25 and meet strict physical health requirements and must not have any conditions that could compromise their performance.