Bebera(ANN)-The Spanish ship ESPS Relámpago stationed off of Somalia’s coast has welcomed a contingent of Somaliland Coast Guard (SLCG) and other security officers aboard to train them in the Gulf of Aden. The training is geared at ensuring that piracy in on the extensive coast of Somalia is deterred at the same time equipping the officers with skills to aid in maritime security.

The extensive training included a presentation on maritime security and counter-piracy procedures followed by practical training with Spanish marine teams embarked on the coastguard vessels. The training will enhance the SLCG’s capability to support safety and security around Berbera Port.

The on-board training is an embodiment of the EU Integrated approach to peace and prosperity in the area: safe and secure ports are a prerequisite for a flourishing Blue economy and prosperity of Somaliland.

EU Naval Force genomför Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) med Somalilands kustbevakning. Detta i syfte att stärka de lokala myndigheternes förmåga att arbeta till sjöss. Fartyget JOHAN DE WITT bidrar med nautiska instruktörer och svenska stridsbåtar står för eskort och det yttre skyddet under övningen. På JOHAN DE WITT genomförs också samtidigt Key Leader Engagement (KLE), samverkan, mellan personal från EU CAP NESTOR samt nyckelpersoner från hjälporganisationer och lokala nyckelpersoner i området.

During the visit the Somaliland Coast Guard had the opportunity to train with the Spanish crew. This included a presentation on maritime security and counter-piracy procedures followed by practical training with Spanish marine teams embarked on the coastguard vessels.

This training, enabled by EUCAP, will enhance the Somaliland Coast Guard capability to support safety and security around Berbera Port. It will give the Somaliland Coast Guard the tools to exercise normal civilian control of the Berbera Port and vessels entering the port.

EUCAP is pleased to witness the progress the Somaliland Coast Guard is making as a maritime law enforcement agency. The recently adapted Somaliland Coast Guard Law, whose drafting EUCAP had supported since 2013, clearly lays out the duties of the Somaliland Coast Guard and the role of civilian maritime law enforcement. At the same time, this on-board training is an epitome of the EU Integrated approach to peace and prosperity in the area: safe and secure ports are a prerequisite for a flourishing Blue economy and prosperity of Somaliland.

Somaliland Coast Guard , Ministry of Interior and EUCAP had the opportunity for a tour around the ship and witnessed a helicopter landing. Discussions were held and views exchanged regarding maritime security in the area and the efforts Somaliland makes to achieve maritime stability and security.