Friendly Approaches help to build mutual trust and understanding between counter-piracy naval forces and the local Somali community.

During the first half of November 2018, EU Naval Force warship, ITS Federico Martinengo has carried out friendly approaches with Somali fishermen during her ongoing counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden.

A friendly approach is a voluntary interaction with local seafarers who are not suspected of being engaged in acts of piracy. Once permission to go on board has been granted by the boat’s master, ITS Martinengo’s marines then approach the vessel.

During these approaches, fishermen welcome them on board and they discuss issues surrounding piracy, how it affects their livelihoods and also how the presence of warships helps with maritime security. They also provide water, soft drinks and food to the Somali fishermen. Led in an atmosphere of mutual trust, the friendly approaches also provide the opportunity, where appropriate, to offer medical attention to a few fishermen.

Both EU NAVFOR warships are continuing with their counter-piracy patrols along the Somali coast as part of the European Union’s effort to help make the waters in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden safe from the risk of piracy-related crime. EU NAVFOR is committed to deterring acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea to allow the free flow of international commerce.