Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Coast Guard, in collaboration with the European Union Naval Operation ATALANTA and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia, recently conducted a joint capacity building exercise on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and the use of IORIS, an EU-funded maritime coordination and information-sharing tool. The purpose of this exercise was to enhance the skills of Coast Guard personnel in safely boarding and searching vessels suspected of illegal activities within Somali waters.
The partnership with EU Operation ATALANTA highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating piracy, illegal fishing, and other maritime crimes. By practicing VBSS procedures, the Somali Coast Guard reinforces its commitment to maintaining security and sovereignty in Somali waters, deterring criminal activities and ensuring a swift response when dealing with suspicious vessels.
