Maritime Security
Implementation of the Capacity Building Executive Programme on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia
September 17, 2021
1. Overview
- (1) The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre (ISC) held the 4th Capacity Building Executive Programme on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia on September 15th, in which senior officers including from maritime law enforcement agencies of all ReCAAP Contracting Parties (21 countries including Japan), Indonesia and Malaysia virtually participated.
- (2) In this Programme, following the updates on the situation of piracy and sea robbery in Asia by the ReCAAP ISC secretariat, Japan, Singapore, Germany and the US touched on their efforts to counter piracy and sea robbery. From Japan, Mr. Wajima Takehiko, Director of Space and Maritime Security Policy Division, MOFA, explained Japan’s vision on “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”and its efforts such as anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and assistance to strengthen maritime law enforcement capacity of other countries. Besides, Japan Coast Guard, introduced its efforts in the international cooperation.
2. Assessment
- (1) Germany, which became a Contracting Party of ReCAAP in August, participated in this programme for the first time. This programme helped all of the participating countries to enhance knowledge and expertise of countering piracy and sea robbery by sharing the best practices of each country.
- (2) In addition, this Programme provided a great opportunity for the participants to deepen their understanding on Japan’s efforts and views on maritime security such as a“ Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” the rule of law at sea, assistance for ReCAAP ISC and maritime law enforcement agencies in South East Asia countries, counter piracy operation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden and initiatives by Mobile Cooperation Team of Japan Coast Guard which is responsible for maritime security capacity building of other countries.
- (3) It is hoped that this Programme will help each country to enhance its maritime law enforcement capability and expertise and will further promote regional coordination and cooperation through practical cooperation in the years to come.