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.

As recent episodes in the Red Sea have demonstrated, one of the most significant maritime challenges today is the transit through high-risk areas—particularly for oil tankers. Beyond the potential economic losses, the environmental consequences of an incident could be even more severe.

L’article Safeguarding maritime routes through cooperation: The Royal Thai Navy, PTT Public Company Limited and the EU CRIMARIO project strengthen coordination in high-risk areas est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

The image featured in this article was submitted by MRCC Chile as part of a photo contest launched by CRIMARIO last February. The initiative was designed to highlight the role of the IORIS platform in facilitating cooperation, coordination, and communication among maritime actors. Far from symbolic, the photo captures a live operational setting that reflects how IORIS strengthens maritime situational awareness and promotes secure, cross-border collaboration.

This interview with Sargento 1° Javier Bahamonde Ramírez, Supervisor General NCAGS, Chilean Nany, provides insight into the operational reality behind the photo—a moment where coordination, professionalism, and technology intersect in service of maritime safety.

 Can you describe the situation taking place when the photo was captured?

The photo was taken during the “REGEX LATAM SEGMAREX” regional maritime exercise. It shows the MRCC Chile situation room in full operation, managing a Search and Rescue (SAR) case while actively exchanging critical information with Latin American partner countries via the IORIS platform. The image reflects a high-functioning coordination centre executing its mandate in a simulated, but realistic, emergency context.

How does this photo demonstrate the importance of information sharing at sea?

The photo visually demonstrates how timely access to multi-source data—shared through platforms like IORIS—enhances the speed and accuracy of maritime decision-making. It underscores the operational need for interoperability, disciplined communication protocols, and structured coordination mechanisms, especially in cross-border SAR operations. It is a clear reminder that safety at sea hinges not just on assets, but on informed and connected personnel.

Why do you feel this image is a strong representation of IORIS in action?

The image captures the essence of IORIS in practice—multiple professionals with defined responsibilities collaborating through a secure, shared platform. It illustrates how the system enables the real-time integration of data, clarity of roles, and cross-institutional synergy. IORIS is not a passive tool—it is an active enabler of maritime coordination, and this photograph is a compelling representation of that capability.

In the Chilean Navy since 2002, Sargento 1° Javier Bahamonde Ramírez has been assigned since 2022 to the Directorate of Maritime Safety and Operations in Valparaíso. Currently stationed at both the Naval Maritime Traffic Control Center and MRCC Chile, he is directly involved in maritime incident coordination, vessel monitoring, and inter-agency communication. His operational and technical knowledge supports Chile’s growing role in regional maritime safety.

ABOUT MRCC Chile

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Chile (MRCC Chile) is the national authority responsible for coordinating maritime search and rescue operations within Chile’s internationally designated Search and Rescue Region (SRR). Operating under the Directorate General of the Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR), MRCC Chile meets the highest international standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Its core mission is to preserve life at sea through the activation and coordination of naval, air, and ground resources. Beyond its SAR function, MRCC Chile plays a critical role in maritime surveillance, data exchange, and incident prevention, acting as a key strategic node in the South Pacific’s maritime safety architect

L’article Operational readiness and regional Coordination: MRCC Chile demonstrates the strategic value of information sharing 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.

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.

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.

Participants from the Philippine side included the Navy National Information and Operations Fusion Centre, the Navy Maritime Research Information Centre, the Coast Guard National Command Centre, and the National Maritime Fusion Centre.
On the German side, personnel from the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the combat support ship FRANKFURT AM MAIN were involved.

The exercise aimed to improve cooperation on building up un enhanced MDA, strengthening relationships between the two countries.

Additionally, the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the combat support ship Frankfurt am Main are set to make a port call in Manila.
The visit emphasizes the importance of defence cooperation between Germany and the Philippines, underscoring the significance of the Indo-Pacific region for Germany, the world’s third-largest exporter.
This activity is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD 24), a key German defence diplomacy initiative demonstrating Germany’s commitment to free and secure shipping lanes, a rules-based international order, and greater maritime security cooperation.
For seven months, from May to December, Germany’s naval forces will navigate globally with a task group consisting of the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main.
To learn more about Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/regionaleschwerpunkte/asien/german-government-policy-guidelines-indo-pacific/2380510

L’article German and Philippine organizations and entities Train Together for Safer Indo-Pacific Seas 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.

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.

What best way to involve different agencies through an exercise which will run continually in the Info-Pacific region? Sisyphus, an ongoing exercise in the Indo-Pacific designed by CRIMARIO to fortify IORIS adoption.

Encompassing all facets relevant to participating organizations, this initiative empowers IORIS users to bolster their confidence in the system, pinpoint procedural gaps, and establish connections with counterparts in different agencies across borders and oceans.

Since its commencement in October, the IORIS community has been invited to utilise the simulated tracking function on the platform, tracking vessels exhibiting suspicious behavior or requiring assistance.

Embarking from Madagascar, the Merchant Vessel Sisyphus, among others, has simulated various scenarios, including acting as narcotics runners, traversing vast oceans, occasionally functioning as a mother ship, and engaging with fishing vessels.

The exercise has traversed diverse waters, passing through Comoros, Mozambique, South Africa, Somalia, Yemen, Oman, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius. Cross-sectoral injects have been provided, addressing navigation safety, search and rescue, and other maritime challenges.

Continuing into January, the exercise will run around the clock with the assistance of CRIMARIO Country Representatives. The team will craft scenarios for one- or multi-day exercises, testing users’ reactivity, effectiveness, and competence, primarily in IORIS use. This will also serve to identify potential enhancements to Standard Operating Procedures.

By facilitating the exchange of critical information, the exercise aims to guide the IORIS community on when, how, and with whom information needs to be shared.

Moreover, it seeks to transform the prevailing mindset from ‘need to know’ to ‘responsibility to share,’ fostering safer and more secure seas.

L’article SISYPHUS: a dynamic maritime exercise enhancing IORIS uptake across the Indo-Pacific Region est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

In the simulated scenario, which involved an Omani-flagged vessel attacked and hijacked by pirates. At the same time, on its way from Aqaba to Muscat, the operators navigated through multiple maritime challenges, such as Search and Rescue (SAR) and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), with precision. Using IORIS features, particularly the simulation and satellite AIS layers, proved instrumental in addressing such complex situations.

This week, from an IORIS refresher to engaging discussions and a thorough debrief, emphasised the project’s commitment to effective information sharing across the Indo-Pacific region. The collective efforts demonstrated by dedicated users underscore the invaluable role of IORIS in facilitating real-time collaboration and response.

L’article Successful IORIS Regional Exercise in the Gulf of Aden/Horn of Africa region est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.

The Command Post Exercise “PAGHAHANDA” 2023 was jointly organised by the Philippines’ National Coast Watch Center (NCW Center) and  CRIMARIO II and was held in Manila from 28 November to 01 December 2023. The Exercise facilitated  fruitful discussions among the representatives of the Philippines maritime law enforcement agencies onthe benefits, impediments and relevant solutions enabling inter-agency information sharing and coordination in addressing maritime security challenges.

More importantly, it created a suitable venue for buidling up national inter-agency Standard Operating Procedures for coordination and information exchange which will be used in facilitating coordination  in IORIS the Indo-Pacific Information Sharing Platform.The Comand-Post Exercise “PAGHAHANDA” 2023 aimed to test the IORIS coordination and communication protocols in effectively facilitating the joint detection, identification, and interdiction of maritime threats within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.

The successful conclusion of the exercise on IORIS demonstrated the willingness and commitment of the Philippines’ national agencies and governmental bodies to work and collaborate together, with the NCW Center as the main catalyst for interagency coordination. The exercise highlighted how strengthening cooperation and coordination could improve the joint response to real-world emergencies in today’s complex maritime world.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 respond to complex and evolving maritime threats.

In his opening remarks, Philippine Coast Guard Vice Admiral Roy A Echeverria, the Director of the NCW  Center, shared the importance of diverse group of participants working together towards one goal. He also emphasized the importance of the participation of maritime law enforcement agencies in operationalizing IORIS in their organization and for improved information-sharing among the Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies which will also benefit for strengthened and effective maritime security operations.

Participating in the event, Frederic Grillet, First Secretary at the EU Delegation to the Philippines added: “By participating in inter-agency exercises like PAGHAHANDA 23 and working towards the establishment of a national governance of IORIS, the Philippine sets an example for the countries in the region and transmit the message that the country is ready to cooperate regionally in addressing maritime security challenges.  This will also determine the rate of expansion of IORIS in the region, because you will be the prove of its added value in strengthening Maritime Domain Awareness and increasing your country’s contribution to the blue economy and prosperity through a safe and secure maritime trade  ”

Alexandru Chiric, the CRIMARIO representative for Southeast Asia said, “The role of the NCW Center as the national coordinator and administrator of IORIS is paramount in supporting the use of the platform as an advanced and more efficient inter-agency coordination and planning tool.”

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, allowing itself to drive the process internally, and bridge to external partners whenever it deems necessary. My hearty congratulations go to these most professional maritime agencies participating in the exercises in the past days and to the NCW Center for co-organising and playing an essential role in conducting it”.

L’article Philippine agencies work together to enhace national inter-agency coordination and information sharing on securing safe seas est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.