An important part of EU NAVFOR’s counter-piracy mission around the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean is to support the development of maritime capabilities of the Somali and regional states.

On the morning of 26th May 2018 in the port of Antisiranana, Madagascar, eight Malagasy Navy sailors and their Lieutenant took part a training activity on board EU NAVFOR Warship ESPS Meteoro.

The training was focussed on the conduct of boarding operations, which are a key part of counter-piracy patrolling and deterrence. Key skills were passed on for boardings that range from friendly to opposed. A scenario was set that led the sailors through the stages: Securing the ship, crew identification, checking of documents on the bridge, movements inside the ship and checking of compartments.

This Maritime Capacity Building activity was the latest in a number of engagments with regional maritime security forces conducted by personnel of EU NAVFOR so far this year. On 1st May in Dar es Salaam, the crew of ESPS Meteoro provided training to members of the Tanzanian Navy in damage control to improve the skills of the Tanzanians in dealing with fires and floods on board a ship at sea.

Ongoing support of this kind from EU NAVFOR will help to strengthen maritime capabilities and the ability of countries affected by piracy to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy or armed robbery at sea.