A nine weeks ‘Confined Space Workshop’ developed by EUCAP Somalia for the Somali Police Force Department of Coast Guard (SPF-DCG) commenced off on the 7th December. The SPF-DCG is a core Somali Police Force unit focused on maritime law enforcement and the detection of illegal activities at sea.
The workshop is part of continuous tailor-made capacity building efforts, specifically made to support the SPF-DCG officers to keep their skills and knowledge updated to carry out their tasks. Confined spaces aboard vessels is one of the most challenging and hazardous aspect of vessel search operations. Familiarity with procedures and equipment to undertake these types of operations is essential and can be developed and fine-tuned by frequent drills and realistic simulation.
“Getting the Department of Coast Guard equipped with skills they need to undertake complex maritime operations safely and professionally is a vital priority for us. We’re very pleased to attend this workshop” said SPF-DCG Commander, Lt.Col. Mohamed Abdulwahab.
11 police officers from the SPF-DCG are taking part in the nine-week course which covers various topics such as hazard recognition, mitigation, planning, rescue and risk analysis. The workshop will be delivered by EUCAP Somalia Field Office Mogadishu Coast Guard & Port Security Unit.
“Following a request for support from the SPF-DCG, EUCAP Somalia is providing direct support in setting up this workshop for the SPF-DCG, even in the times of the global pandemic,” said Jacek Ochman, the Head of the EUCAP Somalia Coast Guard and Port Security Unit, at the opening of the workshop in the EUCAP Mogadishu field office. “EUCAP Somalia is well equipped with expertise and experience to deliver this type of intervention covering complex operations.”
“The SPF-DCG is an important actor of Somalia’s maritime security architecture, we see this as another step in ensuring that maritime law enforcement agencies are fully equipped to deliver capable and professional service to their communities,” said Mr Ochman.
EUCAP Somalia I constantly assisting the police with capacity building initiatives, such as workshops and seminars covering maritime policing and legal aspects of marine law enforcement. Future plans include further and ongoing assistance relating to the SPF-DCG institutional set up and other forms of essential support such as equipment.
EUCAP Somalia is a civilian EU mission under the Common Security and Defence Policy. The mission is supporting the ongoing development of the SPF-DCG as part of its mandate to strengthen maritime security in the Somalia, including Somaliland.
