Colin Tough

Regional Training and Operations Co-ordinator

I am a Regional Training and Operations Co-ordinator (RTOC) based in Galle, Sri Lanka with responsibility for immediate operational matters relating to the efficient delivery of MAST’s Indian Ocean maritime security services. This includes monitoring the safe well being of our deployed personnel, overseeing and co-ordinating personnel and equipment movements in the region, and dealing with all out of UK hours business enquiries and being the initial point of contact for operational incidents. The role is a rotational role, usually 2 months on and two months off, opposite my RTOC colleague David Bell. We conduct operations from the MAST villa in Galle and are also the company’s maritime security officer trainers and deliver continuation training to the security teams.

I started at MAST in 2009 as an unarmed Team Member providing onboard assistance and advice to ship’s Captains on vessel hardening techniques. Once MAST obtained permission to carry firearms, I became a Team Leader and led three, four and sometimes six-man armed teams onboard vessels transiting the Indian Ocean’s High-Risk Area.

When I’m home, I enjoy long walks, especially in the Highlands of Scotland where the parents of one of my seven grandchildren live.