Extensive maritime security training involving countries operating under the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (20 March – 7 April). Maritime law enforcement officials from 17 DCoC signatory States* are participating in exercises dealing with transnational organized crimes at sea – including, piracy/armed robbery against ships, drug trafficking, marine terrorism, weapons smuggling and human trafficking. The training covers theory and hands-on practical training in conducting criminal investigations at sea, boarding and searching suspected vessels, collection, handling and preservation of evidence at sea.
The course is based on best practices and recognized international standards and delivered by experts from IMO, the United States Coast Guard and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), NATO Maritime Interdiction Operations Training Centre (NMIOTC), Greece and Saudi Arabia Border Guard. It is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia and IMO and was officially launched by the Director General of Saudi Arabia Border Guard, Admiral Awwad Eid Al-Balawi and IMO representative Kiruja Micheni. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, attended the graduation ceremony and witnessed the course graduates showcasing the skills learnt.
* the Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, the Sudan, the United Arab Emirates.