EUCAP Training to Somaliland Coast Guard, Ready to Exercise its Powers across Territorial Waters

21 Somaliland Coast Guard officers joined a Search and Rescue (SAR) training course organised by EUCAP in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

The training took place in Berbera from 23-28 March 2019 and aimed at enhancing their abilities to conduct Coast Guard (CG) functions at sea as part of a wider program of advising, mentoring and related SAR operations.

The methodology was based on theoretical basic coastal navigation by using sea charts and lessons with audio-visual programs and lectures on navigation, communications and maritime English for SAR operations. Col Harun, CG Base Commander welcomed EUCAP advisors and opened the session with his personnel (2 Officers, 17 Sergeants and 2 enlisted) who assisted all the training activities carried out in line with the agreed program of lessons.

EUCAP Coast Guard and Coast Policing Advisors, L. Amicarelli and M. Chirila, ran indoor and outdoor activities on a variety of subjects including Maritime English (in according with IMO regulations) and Coastal Navigation in SAR operations. Other topics covered were Geographic Positions and use of nautical charts; Recognition and Identification of the coastline and report of surface tracks and Maritime communication using VHF marine equipment.

Officers were trained on how to properly set geographic positions on a nautical chart and establish latitude and longitude coordinates. They also learned how to take a bearing and a range between two points on the chart and how to manage data on course and speed.

Maritime English was used during communication drills where a transmitting station gave positions while reporting situations and the trainees had to log messages at the receiving station.

EUCAP and Somaliland VP

A visit by EUCAP officers to the Somaliland Vice President, Abdirahman Abdillah with the presence of the Somaliland Coast Guard (SLCG) Commander, Admiral Mohamed Hussein took place on Wednesday 27th March with a EUCAP team led by the Head of Field Office Hargeisa, Georg Guentelberg and Strategic Maritime Adviser, Admiral Kenneth Neijnes.

The event was initiated by the departure of Admiral Kenneth Neijnes and the successful completion of the Swedish Boat Project.

The SLCG commander opened the meeting and clarified to the VP how the donated boats from the Swedish government through EUCAP are instrumental to the SL Coast Guard operations.

“On behalf of the Somaliland Government he would like to thank the Swedish Government and EUCAP for their contribution to develop the SL coast guards. He also expressed the SL government and his personal gratitude to Admiral Kenneth Neijes for his efforts and help to coast guards,” said Abdirahman Abdillah, Somaliland VP.

Admiral Hussein also highlighted the personal efforts and constant dedication of Admiral Neijnes to this particular project and the continuous advice and professional expertise he provided the SL Coast Guards.

“It was an honour and a unique experience for him to be part of this project and the time he spent in Somaliland with the coast guards” said EUCAP Strategic Adviser Kenneth Neijnes.