Tackling maritime crime in the western Indian Ocean
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With the generous support from Canada, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, US INL, US CT and US EXBS, UNODC GMCP works to strengthen regional cooperation, maritime law enforcement capacity and prison systems across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Watch this video to learn more about UNODC GMCP's activities in the western Indian Ocean!
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VBSS course for regional law enforcement officers
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UNODC GMCP supports maritime law enforcement agencies from Sri Lanka and Pakistan through the delivery of VBSS training
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Funded by the Government of Australia, supported by UNODC GMCP and in collaboration with UNODC Country Office in Pakistan, boarding and law enforcement officers from Sri Lanka and Pakistan participated in this two-week regional training in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka from 13 to 24 June 2022. To further enhance joint regional capabilities to counter illicit activities at sea, the training course focused on boarding operations, search and detainment techniques, practices on safety at sea and relevant legal frameworks for VBSS practices on targeted vessels. This training forms part of the Pakistan and South Asian project on Strengthening Pakistan’s Maritime Law Enforcement Capacity against Illicit Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime.
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Improving port security in Toamasina, Madagascar
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Port Security training in Taomasina, Madagascar under the EU Programme on Port Security and Safety of Navigation
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On 13 June 2022, UNODC GMCP started a two-week training on Port Security in Toamasina, Madagascar. Officers working in law enforcement and port security at the port of Toamasina are taking part in the training. The training covers both practical and theoretical courses, implemented as part of the EU Programme on Port Security and Safety of Navigation, funded by the EU in coordination with the Indian Ocean Commission.
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Launch of dialogue workshops for KPS at Langata Women Prison
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UNODC GMCP supports the KPS through the delivery of Alternative Narratives and Motivational Dialogue Workshops
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UNODC GMCP launched its first series of Alternative Narratives and Motivational Dialogue Workshops for the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) officers at Langata Women Prison in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop aims at sensitizing the prison officers on non-religious drivers into violent extremism. It supports them to engage with violent extremist offenders more holistically regardless of their motivation, and improve disengagement and rehabilitation efforts at the prisons.
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VEO needs assessment training for KPS admission board at Shimo La Tewa Prison
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UNODC GMCP delivered a VEO needs assessment training for officers from the Kenya Prison Service (KPS) admission board at Shimo La Tewa Prison
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A UNODC GMCP Prison Mentor trained 17 officers of the Shimo La Tewa Prison admission board in Kenya on how to conduct a needs assessment for Violent Extremism Offenders (VEOs). This training supports the admission board to take a well informed decision on the disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration measures that can be adopted to individual cases of VEOs based on the assessments conducted, whilst they are in the prisons.
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Dynamic security training for prison officers at Kamiti Maximum Prison
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UNODC GMCP conducted a TOT-led Dynamic Security training for KPS officers at Kamiti Maximum Prison
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UNODC GMCP is conducting a TOT-led Dynamic Security training for Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) officers at Kamiti Maximum Prison. The training is a five day exercise that engages the officers assigned to Violent Extremism Offenders (VEOs) blocks on the various methods that can be applied to ensure that security within the prisons is conducted in a manner that is in accordance with international human rights standards.
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Strengthening security information reporting at Shimo La Tewa Women Prison
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UNODC GMCP is facilitating a Security Information Reporting training for officers at Shimo La Tewa Women Prison in Kenya
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Officers at Shimo La Tewa Women Prison are currently undergoing a Security Information Reporting training facilitated by UNODC GMCP. The officers are trained on how to properly document security reports which can contribute to deradicalization efforts and prevention of violent extremism at the prisons. Eight officers from KPS will also be further trained and certified as Information Analysts by the National Counterterrorism Centre.
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Planification of the Grand African NEMO in the Gulf of Guinea
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UNODC GMCP is supporting the planning of the Grand African NEMO exercise as part of broader capacity building initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea
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On 27 June 2022, UNODC GMCP attended the planning meeting of the Grand African NEMO, which is a yearly routine exercise organised under the auspices of the French Government as part of their multidimensional support to capacity building in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). The exercise will involve several dynamic scenarios geared towards practicing navies and other Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) agencies in the different responses required under the State Action at Sea. The exercises will also be an opportunity to test the SOP and roadmap of ECOWAS draft Supplementary Act for transfer of piracy suspects.
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ECOWAS draft Supplementary Act on transfer of piracy suspects in GoG
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A key milestone has been reached in the fight against maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) as the draft Supplementary Act on transfer of piracy suspects was sent to the Council
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ECOWAS MSC ambassadorial level decided to send the draft Supplementary Act on transfer of piracy suspects to Council. In 2021, UNODC Global Programme on Maritime Crime and ECOWAS Commission have taken an initiative in developing a transfer agreement between Zone E, F and G countries, an agreement which defines the collaboration between the parties by allowing the navy force to transfer piracy suspects apprehended at sea to other countries of the Zone E, F and G. The Agreement is being developed within the framework of the UNODC project “Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS)” funded by European Union.
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Support to the establishment of VBSS centre of excellence in Ghana
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UNODC GMCP supports MLE agencies in Ghana and Zone E states to tackle maritime crimes at sea
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With the support of Canada, Denmark, and Italy, UNODC GMCP is holding a series of Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training with the overall objective to develop the maritime interdiction and arrest capabilities of Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) agencies in their responses to maritime crimes at sea. These sessions are helping MLE agencies in Ghana and Zone F states to build well-trained VBSS teams who will be able to effectively conduct interdiction operations at sea and inland waters. This initiative is part of a broader approach to improve the criminal justice response to transnational organised crime at sea in the Gulf of Guinea.
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Specialised VBSS training for MLE officers in Nigeria
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Funded by Denmark, UNODC GMCP is delivering training on joint boarding operations to maritime law enforcement agencies from Zone E
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UNODC GMCP has completed a two-week training on joint boarding operations to civilian maritime law enforcement agencies from Zone E with the support of Denmark. The courses are being conducted at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC) in Lagos, Nigeria, in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, to develop the maritime interdiction and arrest capabilities of MLE agencies and to strengthen their individual and collective responses to maritime crimes at sea.
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Strengthening inter-agency coordination in West Africa
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UNODC GMCP is supporting the building of inter-agency cooperation and the testing of SOPs in four West African coastal states
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UNODC GMCP organised a workshop to plan a series of upcoming operational exercises at sea, table top exercises and simulated trials in Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and Sao Tome. The exercises will aim at building inter-agency cooperation and testing the SOPs within the framework of EU-funded projects, PASSMAR and SWAIMS.
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Establishment of a maritime training facility in Batam, Indonesia
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Inauguration of the maritime training facility at BAKMALA's base in Batam, Indonesia
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UNODC GMCP supported the Indonesia Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) in establishing a maritime training facility at BAKAMLA’s base in Batam of Riau Island Province, Indonesia. From June up to November 2022, the facility will be used to deliver Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training programme for boarding teams from seven countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia namely: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. On 24 June 2022, the Chief of BAKAMLA inaugurated the training facility witnessed by UNODC GMCP's Programme Coordinator for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
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MLED 12 Regional Plenary in the Philippines
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Through MLED 12, UNODC GMCP brought together MLE agencies from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam together in Manila
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After two years of virtual meetings, the Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue (MLED) 12 was convened in-person bringing MLE agencies from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam together in Manila. From 29 to 30 June 2022, representatives from agencies such as coast guard forces, customs departments, and fisheries departments from across the region gathered to reflect on the outcome of activities conducted under MLED 12. Since January 2022, UNODC GMCP has convened a series of national activities in the five participating states such as the Roundtable on Building a Common Understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Tabletop Exercises on Deescalating Tensions at Sea under the MLED umbrella. There has also been further progress in the MLED Multilingual Communication Modality through an operational testing at sea and the 2nd MLED Multilingual Modality Meeting. Further engagement was also achieved under the 3rd Meeting of the Prosecutor Network for Maritime Enforcement, which included a visit to the National Coast Watch Centre in the Philippines. The outcome of these activities were reviewed at the Plenary, which also included an independent speaker that addressed maritime safety and security in the South China Sea. Sideline activities such as an Emerging Leaders Dialogue to cultivate the next generation of maritime enforcement leaders and a High Level Dialogue to develop cooperative solutions to regional issues were also convened. With the conclusion of the MLED 12 Plenary, UNODC GMCP will now endeavour to pursue future action items under MLED 13 in the next six months.
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Contact Group on the Sulu and Celebes Seas held in Manila
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Since its inception in 2018, the CGSCS has had six iterations, becoming an effective platform for sharing information, strengthening regional collaboration, discussing key maritime crime trends, and addressing existing and emerging maritime security threats in the Sulu-Celebes Sea region
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UNODC GMCP conducted the biannual Contact Group on the Sulu and Celebes Seas (CGSCS) from 27 to 28 June 2022 in Manila, Philippines. Hosted virtually for the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 7th iteration of the CGSCS brings together the Indonesian Maritime Agency (BAKAMLA), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deepen cooperation and beef up responses against maritime crime in the tri-border area. The coast guard commanders are joined by at least 40 key flag-rank officers from various maritime law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other maritime stakeholders. For the 7th iteration, a substantial area for discussion was the Proposed Tripartite Agreement which aims to create formal mechanisms of cooperation on maritime law enforcement structure, operational effectiveness, and coordinating processes. Spanning at least 900,000 square kilometers, approximately 55 million tons of cargo, with an estimated value of at least US$ 40 billion annually, pass through the Sulu-Celebes Sea. The security environment surrounding the Sulu and Celebes Seas has been a gateway for terrorism, piracy, and smuggling, particularly in Mindanao. The CGCSC was established as a response to the maritime instability in the tri-border region and aims to capture a comprehensive and shared understanding of maritime crime to generate collaborative responses to address various enforcement challenges.
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Small boat coxswain course completed in Bangladesh
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UNODC GMCP supports the Bangladesh Coast Guard through the delivery of Small Boat Coxswain Courses
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From May 22 to June 29 2022, UNODC GMCP delivered a six-week Small Boat Coxswain Course to the Bangladesh Coast Guard in Chattogram. The training was provided to eight officers on a variety of topics, including rules of the road, boat orientation and terminology, boat handling, coming alongside/casting off, anchoring and beaching, surface swimming, towing and anchoring and manoeuvring, through a combination of theoretical and extensive practical instruction. Funded by INL, the course is designed to improve the navigational abilities of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to intercept illegal trafficking in the country.
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Maritime Domain Awareness assessment in Bangladesh
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With funding from US INL, UNODC GMCP works to enhance MDA capabilities in Bangladesh
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UNODC GMCP completed discussions with counterparts in Bangladesh to assess and enhance the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities of the maritime agencies. From 23 to 26 June 2022, UNODC GMCP met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Department of Fisheries, and Bangladesh Coast Guard, to understand the capacity and roles of different agencies to counter different types of maritime crimes in Bangladeshi waters. Based on the assessment, UNODC GMCP will develop a capacity-building plan for Bangladesh, enabling the officials to assess security, safety, economy, or environmental threats across the territories they manage. This activity is funded by US INL.
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Developing maritime criminal law curriculum in higher education institutions in Bangladesh
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UNODC GMCP is supporting the development of a curriculum to introduce Maritime Criminal Law into higher educational institutions in Bangladesh
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UNODC GMCP conducted a preliminary assessment in preparation for developing a curriculum to introduce Maritime Criminal Law into higher educational institutions in Bangladesh. From 26 to 28 June 2022, UNODC GMCP team met with Jagannath University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University to provide technical advice on designing university-level modules on Maritime Criminal Law aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and making use of the UNODC GMCP Manual for Criminal Justice Practitioners. The activity is funded by the United Kingdom.
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Second MDA inter-agency workshop in Maldives
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UNODC GMCP delivered a workshop on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in Maldives
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In the Maldives, UNODC GMCP hosted the Second Interagency Workshop on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). The first one was conducted in 2021 as the first multi-agency approach to maritime security in the country, and it proved effective as a neutral, impartial forum provided by UNODC GMCP to encourage conversations between several key government agencies. During the discussion, several agencies delivered updates on recent marine events, their response processes, and the obstacles discovered for successfully prosecuting or punishing offenders. The agencies that participated in this workshop were; Maldives Coast Guard, Ministry of Defence, Maldives Police Service, Prosecutor General’s Office, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. This project is funded by US INL.
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Groundbreaking ceremony of MRCC building in Maldives
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Groundbreaking ceremony in Villingili, Maldives to initiate the construction of the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) premises
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A ground-breaking ceremony was held on 20 June 2022 to initiate the construction of the new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) premises on the island of Villingili, west of Male. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Maldives, the Minister of Defence, UNODC GMCP’s Programme Coordinator, and senior officials from the Maldives National Defence Force. Once finished, the building will have the new MRCC operations room, accommodation spaces, and classrooms that can be used to host national and international training programmes to increase the skills of members of government agencies involved in search and rescue (SAR), and maritime law enforcement operations. This project is funded by Japan.
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Strengthening knowledge of international maritime law among higher education institutions in Maldives
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UNODC GMCP is supporting the development of a curriculum to channel Maritime Criminal Law into higher educational institutions in Bangladesh
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A preliminary assessment towards the development of a curriculum focused on introducin Maritime Criminal Law into academic institutions scoped on areas of law of the sea has been conducted in the Maldives. The assessment included visits to and discussions with representatives from different academic institutions including, National College of Policing and Law Enforcement, Legal faculty and Centre for Maritime Studies of Maldives National University. This project is funded by the United Kingdom.
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Basic seamanship course completed in Maldives
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UNODC GMCP supports the Marine Police of the Maldives Police Service through the delivery of Basic Seamanship Courses
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From 19 to 29 June 2022, the second Basic Seamanship Course by UNODC GMCP was delivered in Maldives. UNODC GMCP targeted participants from the Marine Police (Maldives Police Service) and trained eight members on topics related to maritime navigation, boat handling, survival and rescue, among other topics. This is the first seamanship course conducted by UNODC GMCP in Maldives, where female officers attended as participants. A closing ceremony was held on 29 June 2022, and it was attended by the Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan to Maldives, the Head of Marine Police, and Maldives-based UNODC staff. This course is funded by the Government of Japan.
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Simulated trials held in Sri Lanka
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Funded by US INL, UNODC GMCP supports prosecutors in Sri Lanka through the delivery of simulated trials
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UNODC GMCP delivered two simulated trials this year in Sri Lanka with the Attorney General Department, the Sri Lankan Navy, and Sri Lankan Coastguard. The first trial was from 16 to 17 June, and the second trial was from 23 to 24 June. The prosecutors selected for both simulated trials have attended an earlier UNODC GMCP training on prosecutors and advocacy. These events took place at the Law College in Colombo. In total, 30 prosecutors, eight Navy officers, and two Sri Lankan Coastguard officers were trained. The simulation trial showed issues of fundamental concern to prosecutors, such as charging decisions, concurrent jurisdiction, international cooperation, the disclosure/service of documents on the defence and court, human rights considerations, and the drafting of opening notes and skeleton arguments. The training also helped the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard officers to handle evidence better for court cases. The activities are funded by US INL.
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Vocational training equipment handover to Mahara Prison in Sri Lanka
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UNODC GMCP handed over vocational training equipment to Mahara Prison in Sri Lanka
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As part of the ongoing support to the Sri Lanka Prison Service, UNODC GMCP handed over vocational training equipment to the Mahara Prison. The equipment procured was utilized to upgrade the sewing, carpentry and welding sections of the Prison's vocational training programme. The handover event was organised by the Prison headquarters on June 16, 2022 at the Mahara Prison. The Commissioner General of Prisons and the Commissioner of Prisons for Rehabilitation and Skills Development and the Superintendent of the Mahara Prison took part in the event along with rehabilitation staff and training participants. UNODC GMCP Programme Coordinator for South Asia addressed the gathering and highlighted overall UNODC GMCP's support towards the prison system in Sri Lanka and the importance of skills and knowledge enhancement of inmates to ensure employability and reintegration upon their release back into the society.
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Latin America and the Caribbean
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Communication exercise between Dominican and Jamaican forces
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UNODC GMCP supported a communications exercise between the Dominican Republic Navy (ARD) and the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF)
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On June 9 2022, the Dominican Republic Navy (ARD) and the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) held a communication exercise through their Maritime Operations Centre. This exercise along with other technical assistance provided by UNODC GMCP aims to continue improving communication between the two countries for joint maritime operations between the ARD and JDF in the fight against transnational maritime crime.
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Latin America and the Caribbean
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Regional maritime strategy: Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago
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UNODC GMCP supports Caribbean states in the fight against maritime crime through the development of a Regional Maritime Strategy
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From 10 to 13 June, UNODC GMCP with CARICOM IMPACS met with different agencies from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago to continue discussions on the development of a Regional Maritime Security Strategy. On 10 June, the meeting was held with Suriname’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of National Security, Customs, Maritime Police Unit, Maritime Authority, Port Facility Security, Officer of Paramaribo Port, Navy and Coast Guard. On 13 June, UNODC GMCP met with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Coastal and Riverine Police Unit. The sessions were aimed at enabling a space for all maritime agencies involved to discuss their perspectives on the maritime strategy and narrow the needs and benefits that this document will bring for their country and its impact on the Caribbean region.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Fishery protection training for Somali prosecutors
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UNODC GMCP works closely with Somali prosecutors to strengthen capabilities in the fight against crimes in the fisheries sector
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The UNODC GMCP legal consultant is working with four male and one female prosecutor on preparing the simulated trial that will be conducted during the last two days of the training, involving VBSS officers and Fisheries Inspectors. The aim is for the team to be fully equipped with the knowledge needed to deter the IUU fishing in Somalia’s EEZ. The consultant also provided training on evidence gathering and analysis, extradition and mutual legal assistance, confiscations and an introduction to UNTOC.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Handover of training certificates in Somalia
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UNODC GMCP completed a two-week VBSS training for officers from the Bossaso Port Maritime Police Unit (BPMPU)
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The commander of the Bossaso Port Maritime Police Unit (BPMPU) presented certificates to recently trained officers in Seychelles for the two-week Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training. The commander and officers expressed gratitude to UNODC GMCP and the U.S. Federal Government for making the training possible.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Training for Somali fishery inspectors
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UNODC GMCP conducted a Fishery Inspectors training in Seychelles for nine Somali officers
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The Fishery Inspectors training, funded by the Government of Denmark, was held in Seychelles from 20 June to 1 July, with seven male and two female fisheries inspectors in attendance. Topics included information, intelligence gathering and resources, creation of a problem profile, types of fishing vessels and identification methods for the theory component of the training. The practical portion of the training was led by a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) expert. Both groups participated in simulated vessel activities in which they learnt how to execute a compliant and non-compliant boarding and their respective roles.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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VBSS specialised fisheries training in Seychelles
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UNODC GMCP supports the Mogadishu Maritime Police Unit through the delivery of theoretical and practical MLE training
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UNODC GMCP Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) mentor trained 13MLE officers from the Mogadishu Maritime Police Unit in Seychelles. The first two days of the training concentrated on boarding protocols, tactical manoeuvring in hazardous situations, hidden compartments, and smuggling trends. The following three days were theoretical training involving a fisheries expert and the demonstration of a boarding operation by the boarding team to the fisheries inspectors.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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MDA training delivered in Bosasso
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UNODC GMCP delivered a training on MDA for BPMPU officers, fisheries inspectors and port authority personnel
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UNODC GMCP communication and engineering mentors in Bosasso led a joint training with Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) experts with a variety of trainees - five BPMPU officers, two fisheries inspectors and three port authority personnel. The theory-based training concentrated on the principles of MDA, maritime information collecting, and the use of communications equipment. In addition, the trainees were taught in operational aspects of a Maritime Operations Centre (MOC), which provides support for maritime operations and acts as the initial point of contact for emergency communications.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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In-country communications training in Somalia
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Ongoing communications training for officers of the BPMPU in Somalia
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UNODC GMCP communications mentor demonstrated to seven BPMPU officers how to safely identify electrical faults with the equipment available in the communication room. The mentor also emphasised the importance of understanding and adhering to basic safety standards, which is necessary before carrying out any electrical work.`
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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In-country engineering training in Somalia
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Ongoing engineering mentoring and training for officers of the BPMPU in Somalia
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UNODC GMCP engineering mentor and BPMPU officers executedpreventative and corrective maintenance on the electrical systems aboard BPMPU boats to guarantee that they are in excellent operational conditions and safe for patrols against maritime crimes.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Donation of a vehicle to the Ministry of Justice in Somaliland
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UNODC GMCP delivered a vehicle to facilitate the work of the Ministry of Justice in Somaliland
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On 16 June 2022, UNODC GMCP donated a soft skin vehicle to the Ministry of Justice in Somaliland. The main objective is to support the Ministry in visiting all 14 prisons in Somaliland in general and specifically Gabiley prison in order to monitor the implementation of the parole scheme as well as the vocational training for female prisoners.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Delivery of the drone pilot project in Mombasa
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UNODC GMCP delivered training under a drone pilot project in Mombasa, Kenya, for customs officers from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
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UNODC GMCP delivered training under a drone pilot project in Mombasa, Kenya, from 15 to 24 June 2022, in collaboration with instructors from UNGSC. Ten customs officers (eight male and two female) from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) were trained and examined on the operation of drones to monitor illicit trade and smuggling along the Kenya-Somalia border. This activity was undertaken within the broader context of UNODC GMCP’s support to inter-agency cooperation among various Kenyan agencies to combat illicit trade and its effects in Kenya.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Roadmap for enhanced inter-agency cooperation to combat illicit trade in Kenya
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UNODC GMCP convened a meeting to discuss the implementation of the draft Roadmap for Enhanced Inter-Agency Cooperation to Combat Illicit Trade and its Effects Along the Kenya-Somalia Border
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On 21 June, UNODC GMCP brought together representatives of 18 Kenya Government agencies to discuss the implementation of the draft Roadmap for Enhanced Inter-Agency Cooperation to Combat Illicit Trade and its Effects Along the Kenya-Somalia Border. Looking ahead, the committee will reconvene in July to further define each agencies’ role for implementation and the mobilisation of resources to translate the roadmap into action. This initiative is made possible thanks to the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Floating and operation room training in Yemen
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UNODC GMCP continues supporting the Yemen Coast Guard through training activities for YCG officers and operators
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Over the past two weeks and with UKFCDO funds, UNODC GMCP continued with the delivery of Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) training activities in accordance with the 2022 annual work plan for the Yemen Coast Guard (YCG) in Aden. The training focused on the floating unit and operations room units, both crucial for operations. 20 YCG officers from the floating unit were mentored on navigation using charts and marine GPS. They were also trained on marine communication and first aid, with many practical sessions in the classroom and many at sea. The YCG officers showed a noticeable improvement as regards their skills and knowledge and they were able to safely and professionally respond to a call about a suspicious drowning case in Aden Bay. In addition, five operators in the operations room were mentored on the chart and VHF marine radio devices. They received practical sessions on topics such as fixing positions on charts and monitoring ships using the Marine Traffic MDA tool. The UNODC GMCP-trained operators were also very supportive of a rescue operation successfully conducted by their colleagues in the floating unit.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Criminal investigation training in Somalia
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UNODC GMCP supports the capacity of Somali MLE agencies to conduct successful marine crime scene investigations and to improve investigative skills in maritime crime cases
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Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) officers from Mogadishu participated in a maritime criminal investigation course conducted jointly by a UNODC GMCP VBSS mentor and Interpol. The purpose of the training was to develop local law enforcement's capacity to conduct successful marine crime scene investigations and to improve investigative skills in maritime crime cases.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Yemen Maritime Domain Awareness workshop
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Interagency MDA workshop in Aden under the EU-funded programme, “Enhancing Port Security and Regional Dialogue in the Red Sea Region”
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Under the EU-funded programme, “Enhancing Port Security and Regional Dialogue in the Red Sea Region”, UNODC GMCP Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and communication experts led an interagency MDA workshop in Aden, Yemen, from 13–16 June 2022. The workshop included 16 mid-grade and senior officials representing four important maritime agencies of the Yemen Government: the Yemen Coast Guard, Customs Agency, Yemen Maritime Authority and Yemen Port Authority. Topics covered, among others, the interagency network for sharing MDA-related information, the Law of the Sea, an overview of maritime communications methods and a demonstration of the AIS visual display system SeaVision. This training has led to an enhanced MDA network in Yemen.
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Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea
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Construction of the training centre and operation area at YCG HQ
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Ongoing construction works of the new training centre and operation area at the Headquarters of the Yemen Coast Guard
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As part of the effort to fully rehabilitate the Yemen Coast Guard (YCG) Headquarters in Aden, and with the support of UK FCDO, UNODC GMCP tendered required construction works. At present, the contracted company for building a Training Centre and an Operation Area at YCG, is performing building works at good pace, as per design and under supervision of UNODC GMCP engineers. Moreover, a team of evaluators appointed by donors carried out an assessment visiting the building site and discussing progress and methodology of the interventions with YCG and UNDOC GMCP.
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