What are the biggest operational challenges your agency encounters in securing vessels going in and out of the region?

Our biggest operational challenges arise when operating in and out of Somaliland waters. The Coast Guard is responsible for more than 850 kilometres of coastline, and our crews operate both within territorial waters and sometimes beyond them. Because of this wide area of responsibility, we face limitations in operational capability and in the availability of Coast Guard assets.

Another major challenge occurs during vessel movements—going in and out of various areas. There are many different phases in these operations, but a key issue throughout is communication. Effective communication is essential for both operations and daily activities, yet we sometimes face difficulties in maintaining it. In some places—especially within the Eastern and Western commands—communication systems are limited or not functioning well. This affects our ability to communicate with certain facilities or vessels that may not have adequate communication equipment. As a result, we are sometimes unable to get a clear understanding of real-time situations.

During operations, we also receive information from fishing boats or other type of boats, but limited communication capability makes it difficult to respond promptly. This lack of robust communication systems is one of our main operational challenges.

Some specialized vessels also do not have standard communication systems, such as AIS features while in some cases, they may intentionally switch these systems off when entering our territorial waters or when approaching areas of concern. This makes it harder to identify them and to understand their intentions.

How have evolving piracy tactics or regional instability impacted your security strategies in recent years?

We have not had any reported piracy cases recently. However, we remain vigilant because of our proximity to areas where piracy originates, particularly Somalia. We believe that if piracy groups become more capable and stronger, they could impact our national and maritime security across the Indian Ocean and, at times, even beyond.

At present, our territorial waters, our contingency zone, and our EEZ are secure and stable. But in the future, if piracy grows stronger and more influential, it could threaten our maritime security. Therefore, we are considering several tactics and measures to prepare for such a scenario.

One important tactic involves engaging with territorial and coastal communities. Since piracy often originates at land within these communities, we need to strengthen our relationships with local people—including fishermen, customs personnel, and others. Community awareness and advocacy programs are essential for building trust and preventing piracy from taking root.

Another key area is improving Coast Guard capability. Enhancing human resource capacity, technological capability, and operational readiness are all important steps toward preventing and responding to piracy-related activities in Somaliland and the wider region.

We also place significant emphasis on international engagement. One of Somaliland’s strategies has been to participate more actively in international forums to gather information on regional threats—especially regarding potential piracy vessels. Cooperation with maritime security agencies in neighbouring countries, such as Djibouti, Yemen, and Somalia, as well as with partners like the EU, is crucial.

Through information-sharing platforms such as IORIS and collaborative efforts, we can exchange data, tactics, ideas, and knowledge. Working together enhances our ability to counter piracy, disrupt their operations, and even influence the way potential piracy groups think before they attempt to organize.

What logistical or coordination difficulties arise when working with multiple regional authorities and international naval forces, such as EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, Combined Maritime Forces, and local coast guards?

There are some logistical difficulties, especially now. Standardization is very important when working with counterparts, such as neighbouring navies or friendly countries. When equipment and systems follow different standards, operations become harder to coordinate.

For example, during communication exercises—such as those involving the EU Naval Force’s Operation Atalanta—the systems used by different partners may not be compatible. Communication systems, command systems, or even exit and entry procedures can differ, and this affects decision-making during operations.

Logistical capability is also a significant factor. For instance, when working with regional or friendly counterparts on joint operations, if we do not have similar logistical capacity or compatible systems, it becomes difficult to coordinate and achieve shared objectives. So this is one of the important points to take into consideration.

We coordinate with regional naval forces—such as foreign naval commands—primarily through communication and information-sharing during operations, special missions, and incident responses. We use our communication systems and platforms to stay connected.

Recently, coordination and communication among maritime agencies across the region, including local organizations and international counterparts, has become extremely important. Sometimes we also use other communication channels, such as video links, especially when working in the same operational area.

For example, if our Coast Guard boats are operating near units from other naval forces, we can communicate directly via radio. In addition, during certain situations, we also communicate with EU Naval Forces and other maritime partners as needed.

At present, the main communication platform we use is IORIS, which enables us to see what other partners are sharing and allows them to see our updates as well. Although we do not have direct communication channels with every partner, IORIS brings all of us onto one shared platform. If we need to contact a partner privately or separately, we can still do so through the system.

What environmental or geographic factors (e.g., vast patrol areas, weather, chokepoints) create the most significant obstacles to maintaining consistent maritime security in the region?

Geographical factors pose significant impediments and serve as real obstacles to maintaining consistent maritime security in the region. The area contains several strategic maritime choke points, and we are extremely close to potential threats and vulnerabilities related to major maritime projects.

Protecting such important maritime channels is a shared responsibility for all countries in the region—especially for regional maritime law-enforcement agencies and Coast Guards. As Coast Guard, we believe that one of our core tasks, and indeed our obligation, is to play an important role in maintaining regional stability, international peace, freedom of navigation, and the free flow of trade. These elements are essential for the economic well-being of the entire region.

For this reason, securing critical maritime choke points—particularly ports and other maritime infrastructure—is of the utmost importance. Although our capabilities and operational effectiveness may sometimes be limited, we fully recognize our responsibility. We are committed to fulfilling our role in safeguarding the region and ensuring maritime security without compromising journalistic freedom or transparency in maritime affairs.

During the recent 3^rd IORIS Steering Committee Policy Board and Working Group Meeting, priorities were identified to improve IORIS and strengthen its operational effectiveness. What are the priority improvements and follow-up actions needed to enhance usability and operational outcomes in your perspective?

We currently have only two operational centres, located in Hargeisa and Berbera. These centres use the IORIS platform. Along the wider coastline, we have three additional Coast Guard stations, but they still operate with their own systems and do not yet have fully suitable ICT and communication capabilities.

In my opinion, expanding across our entire coastline is essential. This will play a very important role in our future operations and in preventing potential threats or aggression. Because without capability, we cannot operate; and without information, we cannot take action at sea. Therefore, two areas are equally critical: improving operational capability through suitable assets such as boats and reliable communication systems and strengthening the information-sharing network. Without reliable information exchange, you simply cannot launch or coordinate operations.

For this reason, I strongly recommend expanding the IORIS platform across the Somaliland Coast Guard and also including other national maritime stakeholders. That would be the logical next step.

However, as mentioned, there are challenges. One major issue is that EU personnel cannot access some coastal locations because of security restrictions. This limits their ability to support us directly on site. As a result, officers must be brought to Hargeisa or Berbera for training, which can take one or even two days of travel. This logistical burden is significant. It becomes even more challenging when we consider officers from the more remote stations along the coast—some up to 350 kilometres away. Even when external experts arrive, they can only train a limited number of our personnel at a time.

Another obstacle is the limited availability of stable, fast internet and adequate hardware. Some stations do not even have proper equipment—computers, screens, or ICT tools—needed to run the system. So while expanding the IORIS platform is essential, we must also address these infrastructure gaps to ensure it can function effectively. These are important points to keep in mind as we plan the next phase of expansion.

We also have to remember that we need to follow the IT developments, hence what is really important is continuous receiving training to be updated.

How do you see the IORIS developments in the region?

Since we joined the IORIS community, the development of the Somaliland Coast Guard has improved day by day. At first, the platform was difficult for us to understand and operate. However, our operations centres in Hargeisa and Berbera have now become fully familiar with it. Our officers can use the system effectively and can even support senior officers during decision-making processes.

For example, before commanders such as the Admiral make any decision, they must first have proper and accurate information. Today, our IORIS operations team knows how to use the system well—how to share information, how to receive information from partner agencies across the region, and how to coordinate with relevant authorities.

A good example is our recent search-and-rescue operation, where we successfully saved a fisherman and recovered a missing fishing vessel. For the first time, through IORIS, Djibouti Coast Guard shared information immediately. Our operations officer in Hargeisa received the alert and informed us instantly. We then prepared and deployed our search-and-rescue teams. The operation was completed successfully thanks to very active coordination between Djibouti Coast Guard, the EU NAVFOR, and our own operations centres in Hargeisa and Berbera. This was a strong demonstration of how effective IORIS can be when used properly.

While our teams are motivated and ready to play their roles, we still need to expand the platform across the entire coastline.

The biggest challenges we face in expanding IORIS are:

1. Logistics and accessibility:
   Many remote coastal stations are difficult to reach. It can take officers one or two days to travel to Hargeisa or Berbera for training.
2. Limited infrastructure:
   Several stations lack reliable internet, computers, screens, and other ICT equipment needed to operate the system.
3. Continuous training needs:
   Personnel changes frequently. Even officers who were trained earlier may move to other roles, and new staff require ongoing training.
   Because technology and the IORIS platform evolve continuously, training cannot be a one-time event. We need regular exercises and refresher courses to ensure the system is used effectively.

Despite these challenges, we are making continuous progress. Our capacity is improving, our teamwork is stronger, and the operational results—like the recent rescue—show that the investment in IORIS is truly valuable.

To know more about Somaliland Coast Guard: https://marines.govsomaliland.org

L’article Protecting the coastline: insights from the Somaliland Coast Guard est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

In this context, the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center (RMIFC) in Madagascar and the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) have partnered to conduct the joint exercise RECOPORT-ESA 25, with IORIS serving as the main communication platform for all participants.

Starting on January 27, 2025, and lasting for a week, under the patronage of the Madagascar Minister of Transport and Meteorology, port security officers from the Eastern and Southern Africa – Indian Ocean region took part in a virtual simulation exercise at the RMFIC.[1]

The exercise simulated a range of maritime incidents, including stowaway situations requiring a coordinated response, contraband trafficking such as drug smuggling that called for regional enforcement cooperation, theft of goods or vessels within port areas, and illegal trafficking of wildlife and natural resources.

The primary goal of the exercise was to strengthen information-sharing practices among PMAESA member states, enhancing regional maritime security and economic cooperation. This is vital to improving maritime safety, facilitating trade, ensuring emergency preparedness, and ensuring regulatory compliance with international standards. Additionally, the exercise aimed to foster a proactive security culture and promote greater collaboration among member states to address maritime challenges.

Throughout the exercise, IORIS served as a secure web-based platform, enabling the seamless exchange of information across various agencies, both domestically and internationally. This marked the second deployment of IORIS in a port security-focused exercise—following its successful use in South America. This successful implementation further reinforces IORIS’s value as a critical tool for ports in the region.

In fact, by aggregating and analysing maritime data from multiple sources, including Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, satellite imagery, and user-generated reports, IORIS provides port authorities with enhanced situational awareness which allows port authorities to better assess and mitigate potential risks.

Moreover, at the regional level, IORIS also functions as a vital tool for connecting port authorities globally, as it facilitates the exchange of critical information about vessels arriving in their areas of responsibility and enables them to notify authorities at the “Next Port of Call” of any suspicious activities, thus enhancing regional cooperation and response capabilities.

The success of RECOPORT-ESA 25 underscores the vital role of ongoing collaboration and information sharing in maritime security. By strengthening regional partnerships and leveraging IORIS, port authorities can collectively enhance their ability to protect ports, prevent illicit activities, and ensure the safe and efficient flow of trade across the region.

To know more about the advantages IORIS offers for harbour and port operations: https://ioris.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/241029-IORIS_Brochure_HARBOUR_A4_V3.pdf

[1] The exercise saw the participation of RMIFC, PMAESA and member countries from the Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania, the lndian Ocean Commission (IOC), Port Security Project, the International Maritime Organisation, the International Labour Organisation, the Regional Coordination and Operations Centre  (RCOC), the Agence Portuaire Maritime et Fluvial (APMF), the  Centre de Fusion d’Informations Maritime, the Madagascar Customs and Navy, the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and INTERPOL, Djibouti, Mozambique Somalia and South Africa who participated as observers.

L’article Enhancing Port Security Through Information Sharing: The RECOPORT-ESA 25 Exercise est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

L’article Strengthening Maritime Security: Somalia Inaugurates New Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

On September 17, 2024, civilian and military experts from 35 European Union (EU), Latin American, and Caribbean (LAC) countries, along with key decision-makers, gathered in Cartagena, Colombia, for the Fourth Seminar on Security and Defense.

L’article CRIMARIO at the EU & Latin America and the Caribbean bi-regional seminar on peace, security and defence challenges est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Both trainers are highly motivated to help the Somaliland Coast Guard strengthen its role in regional maritime security through this intensive program.

The day began with opening remarks from Kenneth Neijnes, who underscored the growing challenges in the Gulf of Aden, which has become more problematic in recent years. He stressed the urgent need for countries and maritime organizations in the region to collaborate more closely.

“Only by sharing information on maritime security can we reverse this negative trend,” Neijnes remarked. He also highlighted the help the CRIMARIO  project can bring to the region and how the IORIS platform, which is currently utilized by over 100 maritime organizations in more than 50 countries can be useful in the area. The platform, he noted, is vital not only for security but also for Search and Rescue operations, saving lives at sea.

Lt. Colonel Khadar Isse, Head of International Relations, emphasized the importance of mutual support in building competence. He pointed out that stronger participants must assist those with less experience to ensure no one is left behind. Lt. Colonel Isse stressed that it is essential for the Somaliland Coast Guard to gain a thorough understanding of the IORIS system in order to manage maritime operations effectively and coordinate with organizations beyond Somaliland’s borders.

Colonel Abdirahman Nour, Head of Operations, elaborated on how the IORIS system could greatly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to access critical information from other maritime organizations and engage in professional, secure collaboration.

Poul Severinsen, Head of EUCAP Field Office Somaliland, spoke about the significant advancements the Somaliland Coast Guard is currently experiencing. These include the construction of a new command centre and communication tower in Berbera, supported by EUCAP. He also touched on ongoing efforts to boost Maritime Domain Awareness, enhance cooperation, and improve information-sharing practices. The collective message from all the speakers was clear: Together we are stronger.

This collaborative effort aims to build a safer and more secure maritime environment for everyone in the Gulf of Aden.

L’article Refresh Training Began in Hargeisa for the Somaliland Coast Guard est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Over the past two months, the PMPF’s efforts have consistently thwarted attempts to bring illegal weapons into Puntland communities. These weapons, often intended for use by various groups, are now under thorough investigation, which further strengthens maritime security and helps curb illegal activities in the region.

In the words of PMPF ” Our gratitude goes to EUCAP Somalia and CRIMARIO for providing the tools andsupport necessary for monitoring maritime movements through the IORIS platform. This system facilitates information exchange among relevant maritime agencies, both domestic and international, bolstering our ongoing operations. Additionally, the IORIS platform has been instrumental in tracking and intercepting boats and ships engaged in illegal activities in our region”.

CRIMARIO will keep working with PMPF, EUCAP Somalia and the international community to address piracy-related security threats, ensuring safe maritime traffic and trade, committed to protecting Puntland Somalia waters and preventing illegal operations, as we strive to ensure the safety and security of the sea, ports, and the community at large.

NB: Exact timing, locations and details of arrests, items seized are being withheld in order to ensure ongoing operational security of further investigations

L’article Seizure of Weapon Shipment and Arrest of Weapon Smugglers with the help of IORIS est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

To read more: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/04/22/maritime-security-eu-to-become-an-observer-of-the-djibouti-code-of-conductjeddah-amendment/

L’article Maritime Security: EU to become an observer of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Co-organised by CRIMARIO and the Indian Ocean Commission, the exercise was designed to be a dynamic and engaging simulation, to test and improve the regional maritime operational capabilities of the Indian Ocean region. Through detailed preparation, robust communication protocols, and strict adherence to legal frameworks, the exercise aimed to foster a cooperative environment that enhanced the response to maritime security threats.

During the exercise participants shared information on #IORIS, a communications platform for interagency planning and coordination at the national and regional level, which facilitates the gathering, analysis, and exchange of information to timely and efficiently support decision-making and actions at sea.

The exercise scenario focused on locating and identifying ships involved in the transportation of narcotics, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, Search and Rescue and how to respond to these challenges (i.e., interdiction, interception, handover, legal finish, etc.) and coordinate operations at sea, in the framework of the IOC regional agreements.

The TTX helped participants to practice the law of the sea, including article 17 of the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Moreover, they trained about interagency coordinated responses at national and regional level, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures in a controlled, simulated environment.

In the words of Martin Cauchi Inglott: “Essential in our line of business is the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively, so that we can conduct effective and efficient missions and operations, and this is precisely what the exercise targeted. A total of 11 scenarios were played in this exercise, over 2.5 days addressing the three main themes: people, drugs and IUU. I would like to congratulate all the agencies participating in the exercises for playing an essential role in it”.

In his closing remarks Raj Mohabeer, Indian Ocean Commission, underlined: “These exercises are extremely important to enhance cooperation among national and regional centres. I would like to thank all participating countries, the RMIFC, the RCOC, and EU CRIMARIO project for the good cooperation and for the success of this exercise which will contribute to strengthen maritime security in the region”.

L’article BALINN24: working together to enhance regional coordination and information sharing for safer and more secure seas est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Operation ASPIDES will ensure an EU naval presence in the area where numerous Houthi attacks have targeted international commercial vessels since October 2023. In close cooperation with like-minded international partners, ASPIDES will contribute to safeguard maritime security and ensure freedom of navigation, especially for merchant and commercial vessels. Within its defensive mandate, the operation will provide maritime situational awareness, accompany vessels,and protect them against possible multi-domain attacks at sea.

The operation will be active along the main sea lines of communication in the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf.

The Operation Commander will be Commodore Vasilios Griparis, and the Force Commander will be Rear Admiral Stefano Costantino. The Operation headquarters will be based in Larissa, Greece.

Operation ASPIDES will coordinate closely with the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA to contribute to maritime security in the West Indian Ocean and in the Red Sea,  as well as, with like-minded partners contributing to maritime security in its area of operation.

For further information: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/02/19/security-and-freedom-of-navigation-in-the-red-sea-council-launches-new-eu-defensive-operation/

L’article Security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea: EU Council launches EUNAVFOR ASPIDES est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Moreover, the process facilitates collaboration and teamwork and helps build valuable skills, much needed when one operates out at sea.

CRIMARIO values peer learning and each year instructors and country representatives offer Train-the-Trainer workshops in different countries of the Indo-Pacific.

At the beginning of February, an IORIS workshop was carried out in Mozambique, at INAMAR, the Maritime Authority responsible for Fisheries, Pollution and Search and Rescue in the country.

The particularity of this workshop being that it was performed by local trainers, all Mozambique Navy officials, who were previously trained on IORIS by CRIMARIO instructors.

The Navy officials explained the information sharing tool to their peers, bringing on board their knowledge and practical experience.

The successful completion of the workshop also affirmed the importance of inter-organisational learning and teamwork in handling complex challenges in maritime security.

As Candido Roberto Manhique, General Director of INAMAR, underlined: “I am pleased to say that INAMAR (National Institute of the Sea) feels very happy to have this opportunity to operate the IORIS platform in the country, as it offers great advantages to INAMAR, as it is responsible for maritime safety, prevention and the fight against maritime pollution and maritime inspection. IORIS comes at the right time for us, as INAMAR is being restructured and needs support both nationally and internationally. When IORIS is fully operational in INAMAR, it will be an even greater benefit for the country as a whole, because we are going to share information inside and outside Mozambique. Regarding Mozambique, we are talking about the agencies we are working with: the Navy, the Maritime Police and other entities that have interests at sea. IORIS is a great opportunity because we are going to share information that will help us to solve problems that may eventually occur, related to maritime pollution, as well as maritime safety, in the field of Search and Rescue and other aspects that we consider important to control, and to which IORIS provides real-time support.”

The workshop demonstrates the primary benefit of building a robust network of maritime security professionals capable of matching local and regional challenges based on shared experiences and cooperation.

This IORIS training, organised by the Mozambique Navy for INAMAR, boosts maritime security awareness, leverages teamwork, and enhances local expertise, in an effort to jointly tackle maritime challenges.

The creation of a strong network of security professionals starts with bringing people together.

L’article Peer learning in Mozambique for safety and security at sea est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

ALMERAJ1

On 22 November 2023, a pirate action group (PAG) hijacked the fishing dhow ALMERAJ1 when sailing off the Somali coast of Somalia, some 90 nautical miles northeast of Eyl. The information was relayed to the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) through IORIS after being received by the Somali Maritime Authority through Somali Police Force Department of Coast Guard in Mogadishu. PMPF thereafter sought the assistance of EUNAVFOR Atalanta, again through IORIS, where further intervention was requested upon agreement by the Federal Government of Somalia,[1] through its Bossaso based Maritime Operations Center (MOC). EUNAVFOR Atalanta, monitored the movements using aerial assets (drones), reporting movements back to PMPF again through IORIS, until the dhow proceeded back out of Somali waters after a period of surveillance. The suspicious vessel movements are still under investigation and could be related to MV RUEN.

During the entire ALMERAJ1 operation, IORIS was the primary communication tool used throughout, allowing the Mogadishu-based maritime agencies including the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and the Somali Police Force Department of Coast Guard (SPF-DCG) to be kept abreast in real-time of ongoing actions.

IORIS Regional Uptake

Serious CRIMARIO engagements in the region commenced in January 2023 when IORIS training was provided to five regional authorities in Djibouti, these including the Djibouti Coast Guard, Somalia Maritime Authority, Somaliland Coast Guard, the Puntland Maritime Police Force and the Yemen Maritime Affairs Authority. In March 2023, a first historic tabletop exercise (TTX) was organised in Djibouti, where students from the afore-mentioned agencies coordinated joint maritime interdiction for the first time, albeit in a simulated manner. European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA, operating in the Gulf of Aden, also participated in the IORIS based exercises.

In following months, CRIMARIO organised more activities including an IORIS-based Search and Rescue (SAR) planning course in Kenya, focused on enhancing interagency and interregional information sharing.

IORIS Somali Maritime Agency Uptake

At the beginning of November 2023, CRIMARIO provided focused IORIS training to the Somaliland Coast Guard, training seventeen officials on how to use IORIS to communicate with other entities, exchange documents, use dedicated mapping features and AIS data, and other basic principles of the platform, to support the decision-making process.

And at the end of November 2023, CRIMARIO trained the Somali Police Force Department of the Coast Guard, the Somali Navy and Coast Guard and the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy on the IORIS platform, in coordination with EU Capacity Building Mission to Somalia (EUCAP SOMALIA).

At the course closing ceremony, Andrew Lyttle, IORIS Instructor concluded: “To partake in this training, the participants were required to develop many vital competencies which EUCAP and other Somali and international agencies have supported. The success of having staff members and officers directly benefit from this type of technology, which requires pre-entry knowledge of maritime matters, speaks well on collective development. I see this course also beneficial for the European Union, since enhancing safety and security in the busy waters of Somalia region provides direct mutual gain for all”. 

In response to a request from the PMPF, CRIMARIO trained the Maritime Operations Centre based in Bossaso Puntland between the 28^th January and the 1^st February 2024, and, in the not-too-distant future, CRIMARIO intends facilitating an interagency Standard Operating Procedure workshop through which all Somali maritime safety and security authorities and agencies will define harmonised procedures for exchanging information.

CRIMARIO further supports EUNAVFOR in its Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) activities specifically using IORIS as the communication tool via TTX to exercise maritime safety and security scenarios. Such an exercise (supported by EUCAP) was most recently undertaken on the 6^th February 2024, between EUNAVFOR ES Victoria and the PMPF MOC which used the case of the AMERAJ1 as a exercise example.

Since the ever-growing IORIS network is beginning to push CRIMARIO resources to their limit, CRIMARIO is now providing Train-the-Trainer courses so that nationals can begin to teach themselves without direct CRIMARIO support, and such a course in the country is planned in the spring.

Virtual Community Areas

Through IORIS, all six maritime enforcement and safety agencies mentioned above are now interconnected through IORIS 24/7. This is through the creation of a nationally administered virtual national Community Area called SOMSEA, allowing for the coordination of maritime operations up to the outer perimeter of their Exclusive Economic Zone. Beyond this, authorities can connect with neighbouring countries through the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Horn of Africa, Gulf of Aden (ROHA) Community Area.

In the words of Colonel Mohamed Jama, Head of Puntland Maritime Operation Centre: “Since CRIMARIO initiated its engagement with PMPF to provide capacity-building training related to IORIS, there has been a significant improvement in PMPF’s knowledge and understanding of the maritime domain. This training has enhanced our capabilities and facilitated information sharing and exchange with other maritime stakeholders in the region. Thanks to the implementation of the IORIS system, PMPF is now able to track the movements of hijacked boats and report local maritime incidents to other maritime security stakeholders and neighbouring countries. Furthermore, PMPF has established effective connections, communication, and collaboration with Somali Maritime authorities, the Somali Maritime Administration, and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA operations in the regional sea.”

According to Mr. Yonis Adan, Senior Maritime Advisor to the Federal Government of Somali GS Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport recognises the importance of IORIS: “The platform helps on different levels; it allows individuals, organisations, and coastal communities within the federal government of Somalia to share their knowledge and expertise with others. It enables the transfer of valuable insights, experiences, and best practices, fostering continuous learning and improvement. At the same time, IORIS facilitates collaboration and networking among users who have similar interests or goals. It brings together diverse perspectives, encourages discussions, and promotes the exchange of ideas, paving the way for innovation, problem-solving, and new opportunities.

Moreover, through the platform, you get access to up-to-date information: in the virtual IORIS National Community SOMSEA, where there is the need to rapidly exchange information, IORIS ensures that all users have access to the most current and relevant data. It enables users to stay updated on the latest incidents in the region and beyond. One last point I’d like to make is related to empowerment and inclusivity: I believe IORIS provides an opportunity for everyone to share and access information freely. IORIS instructors empower individuals, coastal communities, and maritime administration staff, regardless of their background or location, to participate actively in discussions, contribute with their perspective, to gain valuable insight”. 

Concluding Remarks

Working with officials from the various authorities and agencies has indeed been a rewarding experience for CRIMARIO given that many operators are some of the most active IORIS users in the Indo-Pacific region. This besides the fact that the Horn of Africa and its approaches is probably the region which requires IORIS the most at this moment in time.

[1] The Federal Government of Somalia via the Somali Maritime Administration has a key role in ensuring these permissions considered issues related to the Territorial Waters (TTW) to agree the assistance of EUNAVFOR.

L’article Enhancing connectivity and interoperability around the Horn of Africa through IORIS est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Coming out of a crisis well requires serious planning, rehearsals, and support from the very top of the organisation.

These were all the topics discussed during the five-day workshop provided by the project in Djibouti between the 14 and 18 of January, in an international context marked since December 2023 by serious disruptions to maritime traffic on the traffic axis of the Bab Al Mandeb Strait, at the confluence of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The seminar, organised in cooperation with by the Regional Maritime Training Center of Djibouti (CRFM/DRTC), brought together national and international experts to discuss best practices in maritime crisis management.

Throughout the seminar, participants had the opportunity to attend presentations and interactive workshops led by international specialists. Topics covered included maritime crisis prevention, emergency management at sea, international coordination and the role of the maritime authorities.

National institutions also shared their own experiences in this area, highlighting measures taken to strengthen maritime security and safety in the country. Case studies were presented, reflecting the specific challenges Djibouti faces due to its strategic geographic position.

The seminar was inaugurated by the Director General of CRFM/DRTC Ms. Mina Houssein, who underlined the importance of strengthening national capacities in maritime crisis management. Ms. Houssein also highlighted the crucial role of Djibouti as a maritime shipping hub in the Horn of Africa region.

Closing the workshop Fabrice Tollari, responsible for the international crisis management training said: “During this week, we were able to identify and train a team ready to respond to any type of crisis that might occur at sea. The team now masters the fundamental principles of crisis management, the specific tools needed to successfully manage an exceptional situation, and the processes involved in making decisions under uncertainty. We carried out a large-scale tabletop crisis exercise, which enabled participants to confirm the need for an organised structure and trained teams to respond to a crisis.
The investment of the participants and the level of preparation of the Republic of Djibouti deserve to be underlined. We need to continue working in this direction, to keep coordinated management at tactical, strategic and political levels.”

L’article We always need to communicate, especially in time of crisis. est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

The initial objective of the mission was to understand the general crisis management organisation of the Seychelles Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) and prepare a workshop to the benefit of all agencies involved at relief coordination level.

On the 7^th of December, though, Seychelles suffered two major blows. Firstly, heavy rainfall caused severe damage to roads, flooding, and landslides, with destruction of several properties and three people dead. On the same day, an explosion at a quarrying company in the Providence industrial area caused massive damage to residential homes and commercial buildings, along the east coast of the main island of Mahe.

Despite the difficult situation, the DRMD authorities decided to carry on with the mission while changing the objective: in light of the events, they requested the assignment to focus on analysing organisational chains during the management of a crisis and proposing solutions, particularly in terms of information management in crisis situations.

Upon arrival Fabrice Tollari and Samuel Champon, from the CRIMARIO II project, met M.Errol Fonseka Minister of the Interior,  M. Robert Ernesta DG of DRMD and M.Daniel Cetoupe Principal Disaster Management Officer, to discuss the situation and agree on the actions to take.

In the following days, the CRIMARIO team played an important role in leading the activities in handling the situation in cooperation with the country’s partners in charge of crisis management at national level.

The work focused on analysing and sharing with DRMD the organisational areas needing improvement, drawing a communication plan, and delivering 2 awareness-raising workshops for the agencies involved in DRM.

The workshops equipped officials from various branches of the Seychelles Government, many of which were involved in the disasters that took place on the 6th & 7th December, with the knowledge and tools to better communicate in a crisis.

Moreover, the CRIMARIO team drafted a procedure for activating and implementing the 3-level chains of command (tactical, strategic and political) and a Situation Report (SITREP) template, to provide decision-makers and readers with a quick understanding of the current situation.

In addition, the CRIMARIO team has drafted a procedure for managing and sharing information in a crisis situation, for use by the three-level chains of command (tactical, strategic and political), as well as a situation report template (SITREP). In the long term, this procedure could greatly facilitate understanding of the situation and support decision-makers.

During the press conference held on the 12^th of December Mr. Cetoupe, after explaining the situation on the ground, informed about the support the country was receiving from the CRIMARIO project, whose team was in Seychelles at the time of the incident conducting training with the DRMD staff[1].

[1] http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/19767/Seychelles+steps+up+disaster+preparedness+following+Dec.++floodings+and+blast

L’article CRIMARIO supports Seychelles to coordinate Disaster Risk Management est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

EUCAP and CRIMARIO II organised a two-week training for members of Somali Police Force Department of Coast Guard, Somali Navy and Coast Guard and the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. In total, 23 officers successfully completed the training on the IORIS platform. It makes them able to exchange and analyse information and jointly coordinate maritime operations.

L’article Connecting and coordinating Maritime – IORIS training in Mogadishu est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

The meetings aimed at discussing the future governance of IORIS with partners from a policy, legal and technical point of view to submit recommendations for discussion at the next IORIS Steering Committee, scheduled to be organised in Sri Lanka, supporting the ambition of IORIS being adopted and governed.

Furthermore, from an operational perspective, participants analysed the Regional IORIS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Indo-Pacific to facilitate the exchange of timely and accurate information across the Indo-Pacific by all members. The adoption of the IORIS SOP will enhance information exchange within regions in a harmonised manner, using standard reporting methodology and terminology, hence facilitating the coordinating process among members, with the ultimate goal of making the seas more safe and secure.

The EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, opened the event: “I am very pleased to be open this first important event in our IORIS endeavour. The establishment and commencement of activities of the IORIS Steering Committee Policy Board and Working Groups is another important milestone in the implementation of the Indo-Pacific governance of the IORIS platform. I note the presence at this event of representatives from Latin America, Pacific Islands, South East Asia and Indian Ocean countries. The gathering of 83 representatives from 21 countries from across Indo-Pacific is an outstanding achievement and a clear sign that the IORIS Community is consolidating and growing exponentially.”

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mathias Chisambo, on behalf of CS Hon Mvurya, affirmed: “IORIS, the Indo-Pacific Information Sharing Platform, has continued to play an important role in enabling information sharing across the region where illicit maritime activities are transnational in nature. We are all aware that no country can singly combat illicit maritime activities, and the continued cross-border corporation will indeed increase maritime domain awareness necessary for efficient law enforcement. Your presence and participation in this meeting are critical, noting that we all will rely on your contributions to develop key recommendations for the upcoming high-level meeting of the Djibouti Code of Conduct in Cape Town at the end of this month. During the meeting, participants will review the applications of Regional IORIS SOPs for the Indo-Pacific and the use of the IORIS platform, considering your feedback.”

Closing the event, Bruno I. Shioso, OGW, Director General, Kenya Coast Guard Service, said: “(During the past days) we have provided very crucial inputs to important working documents that shall define the future of IORIS, as speaker after speaker reminded us to make IORIS part of our daily way of doing business. Therefore, as the users, we team up with the CRIMARIO II Secretariat and keep making invaluable contributions and iterations that shall lead to an improved and better interface that shall serve our nations and regions in the unforeseeable future. “

Furthermore, Martin Cauchi-Inglott, CRIMARIO project director, added: “We are moving towards the end of 3 successful days of activities, where we discussed how to use IORIS at the regional level and adopting several Regional IORIS SOPs and various legal templates to establish how IORIS can best serve your needs. We all agreed that we can use IORIS as a prime platform to exchange information concerning maritime security threats and safety challenges and support sustainable fisheries, being it fully complementarity with the information provided by other maritime domain awareness platforms. The IORIS Community is well-established and sustainable. Thank you all for your support and engagements, making the past 3 days very productive indeed!”

L’article Re-enforcing regional governance through IORIS for safety and security at sea in the Indo-Pacific region. est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.