A regional seminar on maritime surveillance monitoring and communication systems has been held in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (13-16 October). More than 70 participants from countries in the region attended the seminar and shared their experiences on maritime communications and ship tracking and monitoring systems for maritime security, safety of navigation, protection of the marine environment and search and rescue of persons in distress at sea. The event was organized by IMO in collaboration with the Colombian Maritime Authority (DIMAR). IMO’s Tracy Peverett and Javier Yasnikouski participated in the seminar.