What do you enjoy most about working in the maritime domain as a woman?

“What I enjoy most about working in the maritime domain is that it connects deeply with my passion from a young age. The sea was always a part of my life, and joining the Somaliland Coast Guard turned a childhood interest into my career.

I first joined after responding to a government recruitment call in 2019, sitting for the required exams and training, and officially becoming a Coast Guard member in 2020. Today, I work in Search and Rescue operations and serve as a Communication Officer, coordinating between Somaliland Coast Guard Headquarters and regional stations from Hargeisa.

Working at sea in a male-dominated field is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I am proud to be one of the few women serving as a Coast Guard officer, and I believe my work can inspire and encourage other women to join the Somaliland security forces. This role allows me not only to save lives, but also to help open doors for future generations of women.”

What progress have you seen for women in this maritime sector?

“I have seen encouraging progress for women across different areas of the maritime sector. Women are increasingly involved in roles that require strong communication, coordination, and leadership. For example, during international events, women often play a key role in welcoming and engaging with visiting delegations. Recently, I had the opportunity to welcome and support a delegation from Taiwan, which highlighted the importance of women’s participation in diplomatic and operational settings.

In operational work, there is growing recognition of the value women bring to maritime projects. In one recent mission, a female colleague was specifically requested to be part of the team so that there would be women who understood and supported one another in challenging working conditions. I was responsible for coordinating that project, which involved long-distance travel and close cooperation with international partners.

More broadly, women are making progress within the Coast Guard and other security forces by taking on operational responsibilities, contributing to decision-making, and supporting Search and Rescue and maritime operations. Women are often effective in community mobilisation, especially along coastal areas, where engaging with other women in the community is essential for sharing information related to safety and security.

When women gain new skills, they are able to transfer that knowledge to their communities, strengthening trust and cooperation. Seeing more women in leadership roles — including as commanders or operational leaders — would further demonstrate that women are capable decision-makers and effective leaders in the maritime domain. Most importantly, the presence of women in these roles serves as a powerful role model for other girls and women to join the maritime and security sectors. “

What do you think still needs to be done better to support women in the maritime sector?

“More needs to be done to intentionally recruit and support women in the maritime and Coast Guard sectors. At headquarters, only a small number of women work across different offices, and in my department, I am the only female officer. This clearly shows that there is still a significant gap in women’s participation.

I would strongly recommend that commanders and leadership prioritise the recruitment of more women when hiring new staff. Increasing the number of women would create a more supportive working environment and give women the space and confidence to contribute fully to the maritime sector.

Women also have strong skills in management and administration. They can play an important role in offices such as finance and operations management, and oversight can strengthen transparency, accountability, and trust within institutions. Greater representation of women in management positions has the potential to reduce risks of corruption and support more effective governance, both within the Coast Guard and across government institutions.

In addition, women should be given opportunities to work alongside other women in offices and leadership roles. This encourages collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.

I also believe the Coast Guard should develop awareness and outreach programmes to encourage more women to consider careers in the maritime sector. Many women are interested and willing to be trained, but they need encouragement, visibility, and institutional support. Having female role models within the Coast Guard can help change perceptions and inspire more women to join.

While I have shared these ideas with previous leadership, I hope that future commanders will continue this conversation and take concrete steps to increase women’s participation in the maritime sector.”

Rahma experience reflects the important contribution women make to the maritime and security sectors. As she continues her professional development and prepares for future leadership training, her work highlights the value of inclusive participation in strengthening maritime operations. Her role within the Somaliland Coast Guard contributes to ongoing efforts to build capacity and effectiveness across the sector.

L’article Voices of women in maritime: Captain Rahma Muuse Ali, Somaliland Coast Guard HQ Hargeisa Command Centre est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

This image, selected as one of the winning entries in the IORIS Photo Competition held in February, highlights the everyday efforts of maritime personnel working across agencies and borders.
Sumbmitted by the Somaliland Coast Guard, the photo captures the commitment of those behind the scenes who help drive collaboration and real-time coordination at sea. The following responses were provided by the photographer who submitted the image.

1. Can you describe the situation taking place when the photo was captured? “This photo was taken during a visit by the Commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard to the Operations Room at Coast Guard Headquarters. During the visit, the Operations Room team was explaining how the IORIS platform has enhanced information sharing and coordination—both within Somaliland and with international partners. It was an important opportunity to showcase how IORIS is being used in practice to support operational readiness.”

2. How does this photo demonstrate the importance of information sharing at sea? “The image reflects the Somaliland Coast Guard’s readiness to engage in real-time information exchange. It shows how we are actively using IORIS to share critical maritime data with partners, supporting joint efforts to monitor and secure the maritime domain. The ability to connect with other agencies and countries is essential for effective maritime security.”

3. Why do you feel this image is a strong representation of IORIS in action? “I believe it represents the hard work and commitment of Coast Guard staff who have undergone IORIS training and now work around the clock to support maritime coordination. It’s a simple but honest portrayal of the people behind the platform—those who keep it running and ensure it delivers value every day.”

About the Somaliland Coast Guard

The Somaliland Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting the country’s maritime interests, enforcing laws at sea, and supporting regional and international cooperation. Operating 24/7 along Somaliland’s coastline, the Coast Guard helps secure sea lanes, safeguard marine resources, and protect critical national infrastructure.

Mission

To maintain a secure, lawful, and sustainable maritime environment by enforcing Somaliland’s sovereignty, deterring maritime crime, and contributing to regional security and economic wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Maritime Domain Awareness (24/7): Ongoing monitoring of maritime activity across territorial waters.
• Maritime Law Enforcement: Implementing national and international maritime regulations.
• Surveillance and Patrols: Conducting regular patrols to detect and deter unlawful activity.
• Anti-Smuggling Operations: Preventing the transport of contraband, arms, and illegal goods.
• Maritime Customs and Border Control: Managing lawful vessel entry and cargo monitoring.
• Fisheries Control (IUU): Protecting marine resources from illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.
• Port and Infrastructure Security: Securing ports and maritime infrastructure.
• Search and Rescue (SAR): Responding to emergencies at sea and saving lives.
• Environmental Protection: Responding to pollution incidents and conserving marine ecosystems.
• Maritime Security Operations: Addressing piracy, terrorism, and transnational maritime threats.

This image and the story behind it offer a real-world glimpse into how IORIS is used every day—not just as a tool, but as a bridge between people, agencies, and nations working together for maritime safety and security.

L’article IORIS in pictures: faces of maritime collaboration est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

As maritime challenges grow more complex, real-time information sharing and coordinated action are more vital than ever. This featured interview with SN1 Victor Vicente T. Viceral of the Philippine Coast Guard Command Center highlights how the IORIS platform supports collaboration, training, and operational readiness—captured through a powerful image taken during a simulated maritime incident.

L’article IORIS in pictures: strengthening maritime coordination in the Philippines est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

 What’s New in IORIS V4?

This latest version of IORIS introduces a wide range of improvements designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of maritime operations, coordination centres, and partner agencies across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

1. Platform Robustness

V4 offers significantly enhanced performance and high availability, ensuring seamless support for mission-critical operations. Whether it’s routine coordination or crisis response, the new architecture delivers stability when it matters most.

2. Advanced Integration Framework

IORIS V4 comes equipped with a powerful, built-in framework for integrating with external systems. New integrations include:

• Coastal Applications
• OceanWise mapping overlays
• Satellite AIS, including historical tracking data
• Multilingual translation tools
• Skylight for maritime surveillance

These integrations empower users with a rich, real-time operating picture while simplifying cross-platform workflows.

3. API Connectivity

Through its newly available API infrastructure, IORIS can now connect with a broader range of third-party services and platforms, allowing agencies and partners to fully embed IORIS into their own digital ecosystems.

4. Scalability & Performance

Designed to scale, V4 ensures fast performance and low latency across even the most diverse and geographically dispersed user groups. It’s optimized for both regional coordination centres and field units alike.

5. Data Sovereignty & Security

Security remains a cornerstone of the platform. Users retain full control over their data, with flexible hosting options and secure archiving features to comply with institutional and national data policies.

Introducing: IORIS LITE

Alongside the full-featured platform, we are excited to introduce IORIS LITE — a streamlined version designed for users who need quick and intuitive access without extensive training. Ideal for:

• Policymakers
• Operations centre managers
• Mariners, both navy and merchant
• New users with limited or no IORIS training

IORIS LITE simplifies the user experience while preserving essential coordination tools, helping to broaden access and foster wider adoption.

It was inspiring to see such strong participation from our partners during the recent online presentations. Your feedback, insights, and engagement were instrumental in shaping this release.

The launch of IORIS V4 is a testament to what we can achieve together — through shared vision, technical innovation, and international cooperation.

L’article  IORIS Version 4 launched ! est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Over three days of intensive dialogue, live demonstrations, and collaborative planning, participants worked to strengthen themultinational governance of the IORIS platform and explore new policy directions to further interagency and international coordination.

Real-world impact of IORIS on display

Delegates from various organisations shared success stories that highlighted IORIS’ real-world effectiveness — from narcotics interdictions, life-saving SAR operations, and counter-piracy actions, to its role in combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. These examples reaffirmed IORIS as a cornerstone tool for building regional maritime resilience and operational unity.

The event also officially marked the launch of IORIS Version 4 — a major platform upgrade featuring a completely redesigned interface, cloud-based architecture, and enhanced user experience that make interagency communication and crisis coordination even more intuitive and efficient.

 Key voices from the Indo-Pacific and the European Union

In his opening remarks, EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro highlighted the strategic importance of regional cooperation:

“This collaboration underscores the European Union’s enduring commitment to a peaceful, secure, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific, built on a foundation of the rule of law and respect for the UN Charter. We are proud to support regional partners in building capabilities that ensure freedom of navigation and maritime resilience.”

Martin Cauchi Inglott, Director of the CRIMARIO II project, emphasized the increasing operational scope of IORIS, especially in high-risk maritime regions:

“A key area of discussion was enhancing connectivity between merchant shipping, naval forces, and coastal states. This was clearly demonstrated by the platform’s success in the Red Sea, where IORIS enabled coordinated communication for over 130 vessels during a critical period. For the first time, the maritime industry participated as observers — a vital step in bridging government and industry in a unified maritime security architecture.”

 ALALAYAN III: a showcase of coordination in action

On the final day, attendees witnessed ALALAYAN III, a major maritime interoperability exercise led by the Philippine National Maritime Centre and involving over 20 national agencies. Using IORIS as the central coordination tool, the exercise simulated a range of maritime threats, testing national agencies’ ability to collaborate across jurisdictions in real-time.

VAdm Roy A. Echeverria, Director of the National Maritime Centre, reflected on the significance of the exercise:

“Over the next days, we saw what happens when agencies come together — not just to comply with protocols, but to truly collaborate, listen, adapt, and work side by side. This year’s exercise reinforces a shared truth: no single agency or country can address maritime challenges alone. Our strength lies in our unity — in our commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, and in our partnerships, both local and international.”

Looking ahead

As the event concluded, participants celebrated not only the successful launch of IORIS Version 4 but also the growing trust, collaboration, and capability across the Indo-Pacific maritime community.

Ondrej Vosatka, Programme Manager at the Foreign Policy Instrument of the European Commission, summed up the broader significance:

“We celebrate not just the success of this event, but the lasting partnerships and trust we’ve built across the Indo-Pacific over the years. The tools, knowledge, and networks developed here will continue to support regional maritime security and safety well into the future.”

IORIS V4 is now operational — and with it, the region is better connected, better coordinated, and better prepared to meet the maritime challenges of today and tomorrow.

L’article Strengthening maritime unity: over 100 officials convened in Cebu for the 3rd IORIS Steering Committee Meeting 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.

During the dialogue, the EU and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and international law, and emphasized their resolve to uphold the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas must be carried out. They underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal States, and their maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, particularly the UNCLOS and its dispute settlement mechanisms, and calling for full and faithful compliance with the final and binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award rendered by the arbitral tribunal constituted in accordance with UNCLOS. They further emphasized their unwavering commitment to respect the rights and freedoms under UNCLOS, including freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

The EU and the Philippines reiterated their strong opposition against illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous actions in the South China Sea, and welcomed frank and sincere diplomatic engagements in this regard. The Philippines underscored its appreciation for the EU’s timely, consistent, and decisive statements in line with international law and in support of the rules-based international order. They expressed serious concern over unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability and the rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Such activities also include those which damage the seabed and marine environment, interfere with the livelihoods of fishing communities and undermine the Philippines’ food security. They urged parties to refrain from the threat or use of force and from adding uncertainty to the region through unilateral acts. Maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with the dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.

They also took the opportunity to echo the call of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Security Council, among others, for respect for the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms, and for the immediate release of the Galaxy Leader and its crew. They agreed to look into international cooperation on timely and practical initiatives, such as enhanced awareness for seafarers navigating high-risk areas and sharing real-time threat intelligence, which would be crucial in bolstering the safety and security of seafarers. At the same time, they also highlighted the recent United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution (A/HRC/56/L.4) titled, “Promoting and Protecting the Enjoyment of Human Rights by Seafarers”, which reaffirms that safe and decent living and working conditions at sea is a human rights imperative. They also expressed their appreciation to the global maritime sector for prioritizing the safety of seafarers, and giving due regard to the right of seafarers to refuse to sail in designated high-risk areas.

The EU and the Philippines highlighted specific areas for further engagements and cooperation on a range of maritime issues, including on maritime security, maritime domain awareness, regional security, addressing non-traditional security threats, and coast guard cooperation, taking cognizance of the EU Maritime Security Strategy, as well as maritime education, training, and certification and safety at sea, and maritime environmental protection, particularly in line with the obligation of States to protect and preserve the marine environment under UNCLOS. They highlighted progress on ongoing projects such as ESIWA, CRIMARIO with its IORIS platform, and the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) Seafarers Technical Assistance Project, aimed at supporting maritime safety and the continued enhancement of maritime education, training, and certification system for Filipino seafarers, as well as in the ASEAN region. They agreed to further explore training, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices. They also expressed their eagerness to identify specific areas where their combined efforts can provide the most value, and at the same time complement existing collaborations with other like-minded partners.

To read more https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/philippines-second-subcommittee-maritime-cooperation-european-union-takes-place-manila_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20and%20the%20Philippines%20highlighted%20specific%20areas%20for%20further,cognizance%20of%20the%20EU%20Maritime

L’article Philippines: second Subcommittee on Maritime Cooperation with the European Union takes place in Manila est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in plenary sessions and working groups, addressing key issues such as the future governance of the IORIS platform, regional cooperation in information sharing, and strategies for engaging external stakeholders.

Co-hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy, the meeting brought together maritime security experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the region. The event emphasised strengthening the governance of the IORIS platform and consolidating its use for addressing maritime security challenges. Notable developments included:

– Launch of IORIS Version 4, along with a new “lite” version designed for merchant ships. This initiative aims to foster enhanced cooperation between state and industry stakeholders, promoting a unified approach to maritime safety and information sharing.

– Formalisation of Regional SOP Regional Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

– Collaborative Solutions for Platform Challenges

Working groups delved into a range of technical, legal, and operational challenges associated with platform usage. Special focus was placed on developing solutions for sensitive information sharing and addressing jurisdictional issues related to transnational maritime incidents.

This event built upon the momentum set by previous IORIS gatherings, including: the Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting in Bali (May 2023) – the Policy Board and Working Group Meeting** in Kenya (October 2023), the IORIS Steering Committee Meeting in Colombo (March 2024).

Each of these meetings contributed significantly to shaping IORIS into a robust, secure, and collaborative platform, used by countries across the Indo-Pacific to tackle maritime safety challenges and facilitate sustainable governance of regional waters. The CRIMARIO II Project Director, **Martin Cauchi Inglott, highlighted the rapid growth of the platform and reaffirmed CRIMARIO’s commitment to developing new features that add value. “IORIS has continued to evolve, and our collaborative approach with regional partners has ensured that the platform remains at the forefront of maritime safety and cooperation initiatives,” he said.

Special thanks were extended to Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Rajapriya Serasinghe, and Admiral (Retd.) P.H. Piyal De Silva, CRIMARIO Special Advisor to South Asia, for their leadership and invaluable support in co-chairing the event.

Looking Ahead.  As the IORIS platform continues to expand, the next IORIS Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled for 21-23 May 2025 in the Philippines. This upcoming event will focus on further strengthening the platform’s capabilities and promoting international cooperation for safer, more secure maritime governance.

L’article Advancing Maritime Security and Cooperation Across the Indo-Pacific: 2nd IORIS Policy Board and Working Groups Meeting est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

In response, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) swiftly deployed floating barriers and initiated oil spill clean-up efforts to prevent the spill from reaching Manila’s coastline.

To coordinate with various PCG units and other agencies, the PCG utilised, among other means, IORIS, the communication, cooperation, and collaboration platform developed by CRIMARIO, which is now used by over 100 navies, authorities, and agencies across more than 50 countries in the Indo-Pacific.

By September 12, the emergency was declared over, following the PCG’s final inspection at the site of the sunken vessel in Limay, Bataan. The activity was led by Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) Commander, Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria. Harbor Star, the contracted salvage company, reported that they recovered 1,415,954 litres of oil along with 17,725 kilograms of solid oily waste, achieving a recovery rate of 97.43%.

Since signing the IORIS Partnership Agreement (IPA) in Sep 2023, the PCG has progressively transitioned to a more integrated approach in coordinating joint operations, using IORIS between its districts and stations and across multiple agencies. This  collaborative approach has been key in tackling maritime challenges.

The use of real-time, encrypted communication through IORIS has enhanced the PCG’s response time and operational efficiency, particularly in managing MARPOL situations  like this one, significantly improving their ability to jointly protect both the environment and the fishing resources.

L’article Rapid Response at Sea: How the Philippine Coast Guard Tackled the MT Terra Nova Crisis with the contribution of IORIS est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

On the 13 of June, the New Zealand Ministry of Transport, representing the 11 agencies of the New Zealand Maritime Security Oversight Committee signed a partnership agreement with CRIMARIO.

This agreement aims to facilitate communication, coordination, and collaboration at sea at both national and regional levels.

L’article New Zealand and CRIMARIO cooperate to boost maritime safety and security 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.

Organized in Palawan, the exercise saw the participation of 22 agencies from the Philippines; it aimed to test and enhance the interoperability among national and local agencies and demonstrate their capability to coordinate and render support in identifying and fighting maritime threats.

During the two days, agencies’ personnel operated together in a simulated and real environment to address and solve a complex situation involving ships suspected of illegal drug trafficking, illegal transport of endangered species, IUU fishing, and Search and Rescue around Puerto Princesa.

To facilitate communication, coordination, and cooperation among operational centers and assets at sea, participating agencies used IORIS, the Indo-Pacific Information Sharing Platform, a neutral, secured, and reliable tool, designed to enable inter-agency communication and coordination between domestic and international stakeholders to address the evolving and complex challenges within the maritime domain.

The successful conclusion of the exercise highlighted lessons learned and techniques that will improve the already good level of joint response to real-world complex maritime emergencies. At the same time, IORIS proved to be a reliable communications platform for interagency planning and coordination at the national level, facilitating the gathering, analysis, and exchange of information to timely and efficiently support decision-making and actions at sea.

Participating in the event, Luc Veron, EU Ambassador to the Philippines stated: “The Philippines’ embrace of IORIS underscores the country’s deep understanding of the importance of the maritime domain. As the first Southeast Asian nation to adopt IORIS nationally, the Philippines, through the leadership of the NCWC, Coast Guard, Navy, and other authorities, demonstrates its commitment to collaboratively addressing the complex challenges of today’s maritime environment.

This exercise is a testament to the Philippines’ dedication to enhancing maritime safety and security at the national level. By leveraging IORIS, it fosters inter-agency cooperation between maritime and relevant agencies.”

The Guest of Honor, the first Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns, Secretary Andres C. Centino on his message emphasized: “With expanded functions, the National Maritime Center will now work with more support agencies, continue to coordinate and collaborate with partners, including our foreign allies, ensuring that we are fully capable of being aware of the maritime situation within our archipelago.”

In his closing message, CG VADM Roy A. Echeverria, Director of NM Center underlined: ““I commend each and every participant of this Interagency Exercise ALALAYAN 2024. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone for we had a resounding success of our Table-Top Exercise, Command Post Exercise, and Field Training Exercise. Your support and participation in this Interagency Exercise is a declaration of your commitment and unwavering efforts to promote a whole-of-government approach to enhancing maritime governance in the country. This activity has indeed demonstrated everyone’s expertise and collective contributions in achieving our objectives and furthering our shared goal of enhancing maritime security.”

Martin Cauchi-Inglott, CRIMARIO project director concluded: “The Philippines has been at the forefront of welcoming IORIS to the region and is now set to lead the way in taking ownership of IORIS, using it internally, and bridge to external partners whenever necessary. My hearty congratulations go to these most professional maritime agencies participating in the exercises in the past days and to the NMC for organizing and playing an essential role in conducting it”.

L’article Philippine agencies exercise together to consolidate coordination in ensuring safer and more secure seas 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.

The Tabletop / Command Post Exercise involved Colombia (Navy, Pacific and Caribbean Commands), Ecuador (Coastguard, Navy), France (Navy, Pacific command), and Peru (Coastguard) and focused on detecting and sharing information on ships involved in the transportation of narcotics and ensuing actions (i.e., interdiction, interception, handover, etc).

The counter-narcotics oriented scenario was organised over several time zones between the Latin-American countries (UTC-5) and the French territories in the Pacific (UTC-10). It also had to trigger several “Article 17 procedures” ^[1] from the four playing countries.

Exemplary cooperation between countries, separated by more than 3,000 Nautical Miles, led to all ships being intercepted and boarded during the exercise, with the exception of one vessel (SIEMPRE MI ARCA), which was expected to return to the pier.

IORIS was once again valued as an efficient tool to facilitate communication and coordination, its integrated translation functions were particularly useful in this case as well.

Thanks to the exercise, all participants practiced interagency coordinated responses at national and regional levels and the Law of the Sea, including Article 17 of the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

The participants expressed their appreciation for the exercise, which allowed them to implement practice intelligence and operational coordination at a tactical level.

^[1] United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988: This convention aims to establish effective control measures to prevent and penalize drug trafficking while ensuring the availability of such substances for scientific and medical purposes. Article 17 of this convention specifically deals with the Illicit Traffic by Sea, establishing measures to cooperate closely to suppress illicit traffic by sea, in conformity with the international law of the sea.

L’article Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and France together for a Tabletop / Command Post Exercise est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.