After a long period of COVID-19 imposed restrictions, ATALANTA received members of the Somali Police Unit and Maritime Police Unit of Mogadishu on board ESPS Victoria to receive training in maritime skills. Organised with the support of EU CAP Somalia, this vital training enhances local capability in maintaining maritime security.
On 27th October 2021, members of the Operation ATALANTA Force Headquarters and crew on flagship ESPS Victoria were involved in a Local Maritime Capacity Building activity (LMCB) with the Somali Police and Maritime Police Units of Mogadishu. It was the first in-person activity since the #COVID19 outbreak. The engagement intended to promote the professional growth of the Police forces, focusing on the improvement of boarding and investigation skills and on enhancing maintenance capabilities for Overboard-Motors (OBM). The activity also included the manoeuvring of rigid-hulled inflatable boats and preparatory boarding procedures.
Building and developing regional maritime capability is one of #OpAtalanta ‘s main objectives. By sharing our expertise, the Operation promotes lasting regional maritime solutions, which will help to build a Maritime Security Architecture throughout the region. Maritime Capacity Building (MCB) activities are proved to enhance the mutual trust and understanding between the European Union and regional maritime forces.
Maritime training with regional partners is an extremely important aspect of the European Union’s efforts to help develop the capabilities of local maritime forces and to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia. Working together and under the framework of the EU Comprehensive Approach in close coordination with EU sister missions, EU CAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia, the development of the maritime police in Mogadishu is a critical element in supporting Somalia in securing its principal sea port and its approaches.
