VBSS training course for boarding teams completed in Bangladesh

Small boat Coxswain Course for Maldives Coast Guards

TTX and live simulated exercise off the Sulu Sea in the Philippines

Multiple variations of VBSS trainings for MLE agencies in Southeast Asia

Intermediate MDA course with MMEA and FRONTEX in Malaysia

TTX on effective management of volatile situations at sea in Vietnam

Anti-corruption training and workshop delivered in Lebanon

VBSS operations for TiP/SoM delivered in Ghana

Contribution substantive au projet de révision du Code Pénal Béninois

Building youth resilience to violence and crime through social developmental approaches in Nigeria

Presentation of assessment on smuggling of migrants in Ghana

Sesión para la prevención de la clonación de la documentación para combatir el narcotráfico en Costa Rica

Sesión técnica para el desarrollo de la CMSS en Santo Domingo

Fortaleciendo la comunicación entre los centros de operaciones marítimas de Jamaica y República Dominicana

Evaluación diagnostica de MDA de las Fuerzas de Defensa de Jamaica

Engineering training for BPMPU officers in Somalia

Coordination meeting with the Deputy NSA and ED of ONSA

Meeting with SLCG commanders in Somaliland

Visit to Gabiley and Berbera Prisons

KCGS international trainers comprehensive course in Denmark

With the support of the Government of Denmark and the Danish police, Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) officers had the chance to participate in international training in Denmark. The recommendation was based on the three KCGS IMS instructors' respective performance and service, starting as students in the IMS and Trainers-of-Trainers (ToT) in September 2021, and then as IMS instructors in the KCGS IMS training in November 2021 and the KCGS IMS Inter-agency training from 13 to 24 June 2022. They participated alongside three Kenyan National Police officers and newly certified instructors from the Danish National Police International Trainer Pool. Training included extensive theoretical and practical instruction and conducting of practical lessons in an adult cultural learning process. The objective for the three KCGS instructors was to improve their instructor skills for IMS, KCGS and other Kenyan agencies in the context of inter-agency cooperation, which will aid in combating maritime crimes in Kenya.

Boat maintenance training for SLCG officers in Somaliland

In Berbera, the UNODC GMCP marine engineer provided training to four Somaliland Coast Guard (SLCG) officers on the repair and maintenance of one of the patrol boats and the removal of barnacles that had covered the hull. With the guidance of the mentor, the officers replaced the zinc anode to prevent general corrosion and damage to the boat. They performed several maintenance tasks throughout the week and painted a second boat concurrently.

Readiness training for patrol boats delivered in Mocha 

As part of UNODC GMCP's efforts to promote maritime security in the Red Sea in Yemen, UNODC GMCP carried out one-week readiness training at the YCG Mocha center. A total of 12 participants from the YCG Mocha Floating Unit participated in this training. This training focused on maritime skills needed to efficiently respond to the various incidents at sea, such as chart work, docking, mooring, boat handling, and search and rescue operations. For example, during one of the sea patrols conducted during this training, the participants supported a group of divers carrying out maintenance work for an underwater pipeline. The divers who ran out of water appreciated and thanked the YCG patrol boat crew for their professional response and assistance, which saved them from imminent dehydration that could have resulted in unwanted scenarios. 

Assessment for automated systems used by the YCA

UNODC GMCP customs experts continued the wide-range assessment that UNODC established last month to enhance the capability of the Yemen Customs Authority (YCA). Throughout the past two weeks, the UNODC team conducted an in-depth assessment of the current ASYCUDA++ used in Yemen's customs centers. The system was obsolete, incompatible with modern computers, and unable to cover most of the procedures followed by customs. The experts are currently working on identifying solutions and future alternatives necessary for YCA to cope with new technologies and, most notably, to enhance the customs process at Aden seaports.

SHIP-PORT interface drills conducted at Aden seaports

On 18 and 21 September, UNODC GMCP completed the training for 63 port personnel from the Aden Container Terminal on “Conducting Effective Ship/Port Interface.” The training consisted of classroom and workgroup sessions to get familiarized with all the documents that must be handed over to the port by the ship’s security officer. On 20 September 2022, the Port Security Team conducted its first-ever ship/port interface at Aden Container Terminal (ACT) by boarding a motor vessel named Hera. The team was supported by UNODC GMCP Port Security Experts, who also guided the operations & safety department members to operate successfully. The team was joined onboard by the Master & Ship Security Officer, Ship’s Agent, Immigration Department, and a Ship Chandler. UNODC GMCP experts embedded at the port facilities will continue delivering training and drills to enhance the knowledge and confidence of the port personnel.

Infrastructure assessment for YCG Red Sea

The Yemen Coast Guard Red Sea (YCG RS) site visit was carried out by the UNODC GMCP team from 20-26 September as part of the comprehensive assessment of the YCG RS facilities, TEPID-OIL. The primary purpose of this visit was to assess the existing infrastructure, meet with the YCG RS Commander, and propose a plan for the development of the facilities in the district as part of the YCG Regeneration Strategy Implementation Plan. The team visited four sites; the Al-Fanar center, which is the main center in Mokha, two primitive locations roughly 28 km to the North known as Al-Fajrah sites #1 & #2, and the strategically located new base at Bab al-Mandab strait. The YCG RS leadership shared their development ideas with their practical centers. UNODC GMCP strives to develop the YCG RS infrastructure and its locations that represent a suitable place for growth and enhanced regional law enforcement.

Diving equipment handed over to Yemen Coast Guard

UNODC GMCP handed over diving gear and equipment to the YCG, with the financial support from the UK FCDO. The importance of the diving equipment is to carry out underwater operations and search for sea mines that were intentionally planted on the coasts of the Red Sea in Yemen. UNODC GMCP works to develop the YCG’s ability to conduct needed operations to clear out the areas of responsibility from harmful substances, i.e., sea mines. This will enable the YCG to perform more advanced underwater missions and safe patrol operations. The mine clearing operations in the Red Sea are vital in creating a safer environment for the international ships and local fishing boats operating in the area.

Aden Ship dry-dock update

Under the support of the US Department of State EXBS Program and the UK FCDO, UNODC GMCP continues its repair work for the Aden Ship. The activities of the intensive repair for YCG’s pride patrol vessel are ongoing in the dockyard at the port of Djibouti. Overboard valves are being dismantled and overhauled, ensuring the proper operation of the under the sea level shut-off valves are in order when the ship is back into the waters. Sea water pipelines are also being overhauled and cleared from the sea scale accumulation that reduced the efficiency of the seawater cooling system onboard. In addition, a replacement was conducted for the sacrificial zinc anodes, which are the main component in the cathodic protection of the vessel’s hull that works by inhibiting the rate at which the metal corrodes. UNODC GMCP continues to direct efforts in figuring out the best options for the complete repair of the vessel, including its main engines.

Specialised riverine training for Mozambique's SERNIC conducted in Colombia

In partnership with the Colombian Navy, UNODC GMCP completed a Specialised Riverine Training in Turbo, Colombia, from 29 August to 23 September 2022. The course objectives included improving the relevant Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) agencies’ riverine law enforcement capabilities, therefore improving the management of and response to riverine crimes. The training included participants from Mozambique’s National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) and was funded by US INL.

Boat crew member training delivered across East Africa

UNODC GMCP completed Boat Crew Member Qualification trainings in Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Seychelles and Tanzania. In Madagascar, UNODC GMCP completed its first Boat Crew Member MLE training in Diego Suarez. Participants from the Madagascar Navy graduated last week, having completed both theoretical, classroom based learning and practical trainings out on the water. Assessment scores ranged from 85% to 97.5% pass rates. This activity is funded by US INL.

Two-week maritime rule of law training and TTX concluded in Mombasa

UNODC GMCP conducted a two-week Maritime Rule of Law training and Tabletop Exercise (TTX) in Mombasa for 24 personnel from the Kenyan Coast Guard Service (KCGS) and the Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The course provided a framework for implementing and maintaining an effective National Information Sharing and Coordination Center (NISCC) in the Western Indian Ocean. It also aimed at making sure that vessels are consistently kept in good condition through an affective maintenance plan, enhancing operational readiness. The courses included Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Outboard Engine Maintenance/Maintenance Planning and Judicial Considerations for Boarding Operations. This activity is funded by US INL.

Two-week maritime rule of law training and TTX conducted in Mauritius

UNODC GMCP carried out a two-week Maritime Rule of Law training and Tabletop Exercise (MROL TTX) in Mauritius. The training involved 35 personnel from the Coast Guard and two prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The course provides a framework for implementing and maintaining an effective National Information Sharing and Coordination Center (NISCC) in the Western Indian Ocean. It was also aimed to making sure that vessels are consistently kept in good condition through an affective maintenance plan, thus enhancing operational readiness. The courses include Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Outboard Engine Maintenance/Maintenance Planning and Judicial Considerations for Boarding Operations. This activity is funded by EU MASE.

Regional advanced VBSS training for boarding officers in Seychelles

In Seychelles, with the support of US INL, UNODC GMCP concluded a two-week regional Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) course, running from 7 to 20 September 2022. A total of 14 boarding officers from Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa improved their skills in search and survival practices, boarding procedures and swimming techniques at sea. A national instructor from Seychelles Polices Force supported the facilitation of the theoretical and practical sessions. The closing ceremony was led by a representative from the US INL, who funded the event.

Bulk carrier search course series continues in Cape Town

Funded by US INL, the second instructor course of the Bulk Carrier Search Course (BCSC) series facilitated by UNODC GMCP for Pakistan Customs, Coast Guard & Anti-Narcotics Force officers, concluded on 16 September 2022. Four senior officers received one week of training to prepare for and co-facilitate the following week’s course. This mentorship programme aims to equip law enforcement officers, who had graduated from previous substantive courses on searching bulk carriers, with the skills and knowledge to train their national units and build on national maritime law enforcement competencies. Following such instructor courses, and from 19 to 23 September, UNODC GMCP implemented the third Bulk Carrier Search Course for Pakistani law enforcement. 12 Pakistan Customs, Coast Guard, and Anti-Narcotics Force officers completed the BCSC which was co-facilitated by the graduate Pakistani instructors as part of their practical application.

Improving Port Security in Mozambique

On 27 September 2022, UNODC-GMCP held its end of training debrief and inter-agency workshop training on Port Security in Maputo, Mozambique. Twenty-seven senior officers representing the ports at the national level were present at the event, which was a follow up of the two-week training from April 2022. This event is implemented as part of the European Union (EU) funded Programme on Port Security and Safety of Navigation and coordinated by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

Improving Port Security in Seychelles

On 20 September 2022, UNODC GMCP held its end of training debrief and Inter-agency Workshop Training on Port Security in Victoria, Seychelles. Twelve senior officers from the Civil Aviation, Port and Marine Department, Port Authority, Coast Guard, National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre, Attorney General, Police Force, Disaster Risk Management, Agriculture Department, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in Port Security in Seychelles, participated in the training. This event is implemented as part of the EU-funded Programme on Port Security and Safety of Navigation and coordinated by the IOC.

TTX on Port Security delivered in Zanzibar

From 20 to 21 September 2022, as part of the US INL-funded project on Countering Illicit Trafficking along the Swahili Coast, UNODC GMCP implemented a two-day Tabletop Exercise (TTX) on Port Security in the Joint Port Control Unit at the Port of Zanzibar. Eight officers representing the Drug Control Enforcement Authority, Tanzania Intelligence Services, Customs, Police and the Marine Police and Zanzibar Port Authority took part in the exercise.

Regional tabletop exercise on Port Security in Dar es Salaam

As part of the US INL-funded project on Countering Illicit Trafficking along the Swahili Coast, UNODC GMCP implemented a two-day Regional Tabletop Exercise on Port Security in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Thirteen officers from the Joint Port Control Units of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam participated in these exercises. This activity is a follow up of the local Tabletop exercises (TTX) that were held in both units earlier this year.

Security information reporting at Kamiti Maximum Prison in Kenya

From 19-23 September, UNODC GMCP facilitated a Security Information Reporting (SIR) training at Kamiti Maximum Prison in Nairobi. During the five-day intensive training, the officers undertook the first level of SIR training designed to introduce them to the critical role that SIR plays in prison security and management of violent extremism. The training was conducted under the Prevention of Violent Extremism project for Kenya Prisons, funded by the UK.

Risk assessment at Kamiti Maximum Prison and Langata Women Prison in Kenya

rom 19 September to 30 September, UNODC GMCP facilitated a Risk Assessment Level 2 training at Kamiti Maximum Prison and Langata Women prison in Nairobi. The training reinforces the capacity of the officers to assess the risk level of violent extremist offenders. In addition, it ensures that proper detention and disengagement strategies are applied. The training is conducted under the Prevention of Violent Extremism project for Kenya Prisons, funded by the UK.