Providing lasting solutions against piracy for nations around the Horn Of Africa is one of EU NAVFOR’s main aims as a military force. In doing so we can provide nations with bespoke training to improve and enhance their skills and knowledge.

On the 20th September 2018, Italian Frigate ITS Federico Martinengo carried out maritime training with Seychelles Air Force, Coastguard and Maritime Police. The instructional sessions were tailored to each organisation, this included air operations onboard the ship, and handling safety and survival equipment.

Crew from the ship also attended the Regional Coordination Operation Centre to instruct on how to conduct boarding operations, explosive ordinance disposal, and detaining criminals in a “non compliant” situation. After the instructional session the team them put their newly learned skills into practice on a “dummy” Dhow. This showed them first hand how to best use their equipment to secure a vessel and preserve any potential evidence of criminal activity.

By conducting this training we promote enduring regional solutions to acts of piracy. This ensures that the nations around the Horn of Africa can expect an increase in maritime security and protection of vital food aid transiting the region to those most in need.