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 training brought together officers from various agencies to explore the practical use of IORIS in daily operations. Through live simulations and hands-on exercises, participants were shown how the platform improves maritime domain awareness, monitors vessel activity, and enhances interagency coordination. These capabilities are critical in combating illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime threats.

A Clear Picture of Collaboration

Captured during one of these sessions, a compelling image illustrates the platform in action: officers actively engaged with the IORIS interface, analysing data and sharing updates in real time. The photo reflects not just a technical demonstration but a vivid example of cross-agency cooperation powered by digital innovation.

We interviewed Thilini Nawagamuwa, Assistant Director DFAR, who took the picture during the event.

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

The photo was taken during a training session for fisheries officers, aimed at demonstrating the operational use of the IORIS platform. The session focused on enhancing maritime domain awareness, monitoring fishing vessel activity, and coordinating with other agencies.

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

The photo highlights the crucial role of real-time information sharing at sea. By using platforms like IORIS, authorities can coordinate more effectively, reduce response times, and make informed decisions. This is essential for improving maritime domain awareness, preventing illegal activities, and ensuring navigational safety. The image captures the essence of interagency collaboration enabled by shared digital tools.

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

This image powerfully illustrates IORIS in action by showing its practical application in a multi-agency training context. It reflects the platform’s role in fostering cooperation, facilitating dynamic information exchange, and integrating technology to meet shared maritime security objectives. The active participation of officers and use of real-time scenarios reinforce the platform’s value in operational environments.

About DFAR

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) is Sri Lanka’s national authority responsible for managing fisheries and overseeing maritime surveillance. DFAR plays a central role in ensuring sustainable fishing practices, enforcing maritime laws, and enhancing maritime security. In partnership with local and international actors, the department uses tools like IORIS to support efficient and secure information sharing.

L’article IORIS in pictures: capturing coordination in action 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.

Today, we honour the incredible women working in maritime security, where they are making waves in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Here is a brief interview with Capitán de Corbeta LILIANA AMADOR REYES, Commanding Officer of ARC Roncador, Armada de la Republica de Colombia.

Can you share some of the challenges you have faced as a woman working in maritime security projects, and what strategies have helped you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is that the career of women in maritime security in Colombia is still a relatively young field. For this reason, I have built my career alongside my colleagues, superiors, and subordinates, implementing the strategy of studying extensively on topics related to my professional knowledge, ensuring the ability to make sound and effective decisions in each situation I have faced.

What are some of the unique opportunities and advantages you have found working in a male-dominated sector like maritime security, and how has this shaped your career? One of the advantages has been having the support of my superiors, colleagues, and subordinates, who have helped me strengthen my knowledge to face the different situations and challenges in the naval environment. Additionally, it has been a professional growth opportunity in a sector where the role of women is gaining increasing recognition and importance, with each of these opportunities and advantages contributing to my growth in the naval career.

Working in maritime security involve collaboration with various stakeholders. How do you handle the challenges that arise when working in a male-dominated environment, particularly when it comes to overcoming the power dynamics? I believe that when a person is well-prepared, with solid and clear knowledge, and continues to study regularly, they don’t need to focus on overcoming power dynamics. The key is to work well as a team, complementing each other’s knowledge and thus implementing viable and efficient maritime security strategies that contribute to institutional and national strengthening.

For women considering a career in maritime security, what advice would you give based on your own experiences? My advice is that if you are passionate about maritime security, go for it. Study and follow this path. There is nothing more comfortable and rewarding than turning your passion into your profession, because when you do things with passion, work becomes enjoyable.

What role does your organization play in shaping the future of maritime security, and your organisation will influence its direction? I am part of the Colombian Navy, and the role my institution plays in shaping maritime security is the most important one, as stated in Article 217 of the National Political Constitution: “The Armed Forces shall have as their primary purpose the defence of sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and constitutional order.” To this end, we implement various strategies from the different units that make up our Naval Institution, ensuring that Colombians feel safe in their maritime territory.

L’article Celebrating Women in Maritime Security this International Women’s Day 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.

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.

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.

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.

The workshop aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of the staff responsible for crisis management within ministerial departments and national agencies that contribute to State Action at Sea. Additionally, it seeks to develop a maritime crisis management strategy tailored to Malagasy means and particularities. By the end of the workshop, a maritime crisis management group will be established, which will be operationalized within the Inter-ministerial Center for the Coordination of Maritime Operations (CICOM) at the CFIM premises.

Various agencies and ministerial departments dedicated to State Action at Sea will participate in the workshop. These include the Ministry of Armed Forces (Ministère des Forces Armées, MFA), the Delegate Ministry in charge of the Gendarmerie (Ministère délégué en charge de la Gendarmerie, MDG), the Ministry of Public Security (Ministère de la Sécurité Publique, MSP), the Ministry of Transport and Meteorology (Ministère du Transport et de la Météorologie, MTTM), the Ministry of Fishery and Blue Economy (Ministère de la Pêche et de l’Economie Bleue, MPEB), the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable, MEDD), the Ministry of Public Health (Ministère de la Santé Publique, MSP), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (Ministère de l’Economie et des Finances, MEF), the Ministry of Interior (Ministère de l’Intérieur, MI), the Ministry of External Affairs (Ministère des Affaires Etrangères, MAE), the National Navy (l’Etat-major de la Marine Nationale, EMMN), and the Civil Protection (Corps de Protection Civile, CPC).

L’article Enhancing Maritime Crisis Management: CRIMARIO Partners with Madagascar to Strengthen National Coordination 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.

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.

Over the three days, participants considered how to move towards a common management of the system, to facilitate coherent and efficient use of IORIS amongst all users, whilst ensuring for the long-term vision of the platform’s adoption and employment.

Central to the discussion the enhancement of the of IORIS’ role in enabling Command, Control and Communication (C3), data storage policy, and the accountability of users, with the ultimate goal of strengthening cooperation for more safe and secure seas.

The meeting, co-chaired by CRIMARIO and the Sri Lanka Navy, is another important milestone for the Indo-Pacific governance of the IORIS platform, which endorsed, amongst others, legal documents consolidating the governance structure and establishing rules for the information exchange and for the general use of IORIS to best serve the needs of all users in the Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, the implementation of the Regional IORIS Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Indo-Pacific will continue to contribute to the enhancement of information exchange within the region in a harmonised manner, using standard reporting methodology and terminology, hence facilitating the coordinating process among members.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Lars Bredal, Chargé d’Affaires at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and Maldives, affirmed: “The European Union and Indo-Pacific countries have a stake in each other’s prosperity and security. Our regions share the same interest in upholding the rules-based international order – with the UN Charter at its core. In the area of maritime safety and security the EU funded CRIMARIO enables Indo-Pacific partners to better govern their maritime spaces with the use of the IORIS neutral and secure information-exchange platform. “

In his opening speech the Sri Lanka Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, highlighted a shift in maritime security strategies, emphasizing the growing importance of sharing information among maritime nations over traditional individual or country-specific measures: “This collective approach to information sharing is crucial for combating maritime crimes and ensuring safe seas, and maritime nations should join a maritime information network and relax individual information sharing protocols to achieve this goal. Furthermore, he emphasised the commendable contribution of IORIS instructors in expanding the perspectives of Sri Lanka Navy personnel and emphasized how the IORIS platform has been instrumental in effectively resolving and addressing maritime issues on a regular basis.

Furthermore, Martin Cauchi-Inglott, CRIMARIO project director, added: “We have learnt that to progress, we need to be innovative, plan ahead, and most important of all, ensure that all IORIS users feel that they are part of the decision-making process, and hence this Steering Committee. This pathway will continue leading towards greater achievements, in terms of both expansion of the Community and efficiency of the platform, and perhaps we should be now looking at more out-of-the box solutions to continue propelling us forwards.”

The conference follows the first IORIS Steering Committee (ISC) meeting held in Bali, Indonesia, in May 2023, which lead to the  implementation of the regional governance and the creation of its supporting working groups (Policy, Legal, Operational, and Technical) and the subsequent IORIS Steering Committee Policy Board and Working Group meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya, in October 2023, during which specific actions were discussed to operationalise the governance of IORIS.

L’article 2nd IORIS Steering Committee meeting, Colombo, 5-7 March 2024 est apparu en premier sur Crimario II.