Italian Sailors and Marines currently deployed on board EU NAVFOR’s flagship ITS Margottini have helped train members of the Somali Police Force Maritime Unit off the coast of Mogadishu.

The two days of training took place on the 7th and 8th May with members of the Somali Police Force taking part. This interaction further developed skills that were first attained last November with Margottini’s Italian sister ship ITS Fasan.

By enhancing the Somali Police Forces seafaring knowledge and skills, the local law enforcement agencies are more able to protect the Somali fishermen working the local waters providing food for their families and villages.

The training was a great success contributing to the growing mutual understanding between EU NAVFOR and Somali maritime forces, a key regional partner in counter-piracy efforts.

EU NAVFOR’s mission is to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy whilst at the same time build maritime capacity of local security forces like the Somali Police Force Maritime Unit so keeping the international trade routes open.