Officers beef up skills to tackle maritime threats |14 June 2011

Organised by the US department of defence and the SCG, the workshop -- being held at the SCG base -- was officially launched by the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) chief of staff, Colonel Clifford Roseline.

The first of its kind to be hosted by the SCG, the workshop is being led by lieutenant commander Kenneth Klima, lieutenant commander Adriana Millitello and petty officer James Berk Vam from the US Navy.

Welcoming the US Navy officers and those taking part in the training, lieutenant colonel Michael Rosette of the SCG noted that the training comes at an opportune time when our region is being targeted by pirates and where there are lots of maritime insecurities which need to be tackled.

He said the training will further improve the knowledge of our officers on the techniques as to how to collect, gather and analyse maritime intelligence, which is very  crucial for the  SCG at this particular stage of its development.

“It (the information gathered) will be very beneficial in helping the SCG better discharge its responsibilities,” said Mr Rosette.

He welcomed the instructors who have come a long way to impart their knowledge and skills to our officers.

Lieutenant colonel Roseline said maritime security has become one of Seychelles’ main challenges.

“Being an island state with its livelihood depending on the sea, Seychelles is faced with many threats – such as maritime piracy, terrorism, drug-trafficking, and illegal fishing among others. And without a proper structure to collect, analyse, disseminate and share maritime intelligence, it would be almost impossible to make the appropriate policy and strategy to counter the challenges of maritime security,” he said.

He added that last year Seychelles developed its own long-term comprehensive maritime security plan of action which defines the current and future threats that may affect our region.

“Seychelles is in the process of carrying out that plan and therefore intelligence gathering is an essential component. The training will help boost our capacity in the intelligence field,” said lieutenant colonel Roseline.

He called on those taking part to apply themselves fully and gather as much as possible from the training.