UKHO Works With Seychelles Government To Help Tackle Piracy In The Indian Ocean
The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has presented Security of Navigation, Stabilisation Advice and Training (SONSAT) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles on behalf of the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
Funded by the UK Government’s Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), the bespoke training is designed to strengthen maritime security and safety of navigation in the Indian Ocean by helping Seychelles to share vital maritime safety information with ships and partners in the region.
Piracy at sea can threaten the security of trade routes, costing the international economy the estimated US $7 to $12 billion annually. And with some of the world’s busiest trade routes passing through their waters, the threat of piracy is of huge concern to both Seychelles and its neighbours. In tackling these issues, it is vital that authorities understand their responsibilities when broadcasting maritime safety information, so they can notify ships in the area of issues that could threaten their safety.
To help achieve this aim, UKHO experts delivered a series of maritime security capability development seminars and intelligence briefs to government officials in Seychelles from 18 – 22 February 2019. One area of focus included raising awareness of existing infrastructure and services, such as the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) and Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), that could help them to circulate vital security information in the region. UKHO delegates provided advice and guidance on how to coordinate operations between these services effectively and within the realms of the required legal framework.
This training forms part of the UK Government’s effort to improve maritime capability and security in the Indian Ocean region and support the newly-established Regional Centre for Operation Coordination (RCOC) in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles.
Paul Merchant, SONSAT Capability Development Manager at UKHO, commented:
“As an island state that is hugely reliant on the buoyant tourism industry, the threat of piracy and illegal and unregulated fishing in the Indian Ocean is of huge concern to Seychelles and its neighbours. From a UK perspective, we also have a huge amount of trade that passes through these waters.
“By working together with Seychelles to improve Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in the region, and by building awareness of the legalities and obligations placed upon nations when broadcasting maritime safety information, we can help tackle the issues that threaten the safety of our merchant mariners.
He added: “The training that the UKHO’s SONSAT capability delivers is specifically tailored to the needs of the state or region, depending on their existing knowledge and capabilities. In addition to our work in Seychelles, we have supported the FCO with its Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, providing advice and guidance on maritime safety and security to Cyprus, Gibraltar, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension Islands.
“Our work in Seychelles is a reflection of the breadth of capabilities the UKHO has under one roof, and the world-class services we can offer as a world-leading marine geospatial agency and the UK’s hydrographic authority.”
Press Release
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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
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