The first edition of a regional capacity enhancement activity co-organized by Operation ATALANTA, Djibouti Code of Conduct and Djibouti Regional Training Centre.
This regional exercise aimed at improving regional cooperation, maritime security and capacity enhancement among nations and institutions related to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
From 10 to 14 November, "DORALEH" regional exercise took place in Djibouti. This was the first edition of a regional capacity enhancement activity co-organized by Operation ATALANTA, Djibouti Code of Conduct and Djibouti Regional Training Centre. The aim was to improve regional cooperation, maritime security and capacity enhancement among nations and institutions related to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
In March 2024, EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and the Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. It aimed at structuring the exchange of information between the two parties on training activities and enhancing the capacity building activities between the two parties. This exercise has been a follow up of this signature, “the DORALEH Regional Exercise is an excellent example of how collaborative efforts, particularly with the Djiboutian Navy and Coast Guard, can significantly improve maritime security in the region” said Force Commander Commodore Armando Valente Tinoco during the Opening Ceremony.
As part of the "DORALEH" regional exercise, several activities were carried out to improve the knowledge and capacities in maritime security of the trainees. The Search and Rescue Seminar covered Introduction and Planning, Survival at Sea and current and future Search and Rescue means concerning Operation ATALANTA. The Legal Seminar covered relevant areas of Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Counter Piracy Operations (CPO), Counter Narcotics Operation (CNO) and Illegal Fishing (IUUF) and was supported by speakers from the (IMO) International Maritime Organization, RCOC and CMF.
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Maritime Training Operation (MTO) were also covered during the activity. During the first one, different platforms were addressed, with the aim of familiarizing participants with the key technological tools in maritime safety management that were follow up by discussions of practical cases. The second consisted of theoretical sessions workshops on board the frigate and practical exercises at sea with an integration exercise.
Representatives from the Somali Police Force, Department of the Coast Guard, Puntland Maritime Police Force, Djibouti Navy, Djibouti Coast Guard, EUCAP Somalia, CRIMARIO, Djibouti Code of Conduct, Djibouti Regional Training Centre and Djibouti Port Authority attended the exercise. The exercise also saw for the first time that maritime security forces of Djibouti and Somalia worked together with the Coordination and Fusion Centres of Seychelles and Madagascar.
