Ensuring law enforcement at sea and a peaceful exploitation of maritime resources, requires among other things, a continuous analysis of maritime data collected from various open sources, and sharing the data at regional level in coordination with the national agencies. Under EU CRIMARIO project, twenty participants from Kenya and neighbouring countries (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia) had the opportunity to develop their skills in maritime data visualisation and analysis.
For any government, it is important to ensure the maritime security and safety in its waters and contribute to those on the high seas. The exchange of information between the agencies involved in the maritime domain (Transport, Navy, Police, Environment, Customs, Fishery, etc.) is one of the key elements for improving this security, with the regional cooperation between neighbouring countries representing another key element.
This assessment is shared by the Coastal States of both the Indian Ocean and international partners, including the European Union who launched various projects including CRIMARIO (part of the Critical Maritime Routes programme) to promote the culture of maritime situational awareness with a focus on information sharing and capacity building in data analysis. CRIMARIO is also supporting the regional initiatives, such as the Mombasa Protocol.
The training session, held from 22 to 26 February 2016 in Mombasa, is the first contribution of CRIMARIO to strengthen the regional know-how in maritime data analysis and sharing.
The twenty participants, coming from different maritime agencies, had an intensive introduction, both theoretical and practical, to data visualisation and analysis, using only their common IT tools (standard PC, office software, Internet access). They also had the opportunity to enhance their skills in publishing and sharing the results via freeware Internet protocols and tools.
They are now able to better utilise the data collected on a daily basis with common IT tools.
Kenyan attendees belong to the RMRCC (Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) and KMA (Kenya Maritime Authority). With this first practical training under CRIMARIO project, they are deepening their knowledge in data visualisation of vessel trajectories and their capacity of analysis and prevision of sea events (collision, pollution, etc.).
Mombasa protocol
Four countries, hosting regional maritime centres (Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, Yemen), initiated the Mombasa Protocol that defines the rules of governance between the first four founders and invites other signatory countries to renew their engagement in the Djibouti Code of Conduct by joining the process.
For more information
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-crimario
https://criticalmaritimeroutes.eu
http://www.kma.go.ke/index.php/safety-security-a-environment/search-a-rescue
CRIMARIO contact: Michele Stallone, project coordinator: Michele.stallone@crimario.eu
