From 29 September to 13 October 2024, SEACOP took part in the SIREN mission, an initiative of the Yaoundé Architecture, in collaboration with the CECLANT (Atlantic Maritime Zone Command), taking place on board the PHA [FRA] Dixmude.
The programme, a veritable on-board academy, brought together 32 trainees from 17 countries, representing the key players in maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
Objective: Strengthen the capabilities of maritime security forces! As part of the AIMS 2050 strategy, this mission aimed to develop the skills of navies, coastguards and authorities in maritime security, and to promote regional cooperation to combat illegal activities at sea.
Main areas of training:
- State action at sea
- Combating drug trafficking by sea
- Rescue and assistance of ships in difficulty (SAR)
- Combating piracy and maritime crime
- Maritime pollution management
- Fisheries policing (IUU)
- Use of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) tools
- Information sharing and crisis management
SEACOP in action: Our experts have provided several training sessions, including the geostrategy of maritime traffic, targeting vessels of interest, searching vessels, and preparing for the judicialisation of operations. This inter-agency collaboration has strengthened synergies and regional coordination in the face of maritime threats.
Alongside our SEACOP representative, the trainers came from international organisations such as INTERPOL, Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) – MAOC (N), Interregional Maritime Security Institute – ISMI, EFCA and others. They shared their knowledge and coordinated lessons learned to maximise the impact of the mission.
What are the expected results?
- Development of trainees’ skills in managing maritime policing operations.
- Strengthening of cooperation between the countries of the Yaoundé architecture, as well as Mauritania and Morocco.
- Putting lessons into practice in a demanding operational environment at sea.
