Maritime authorities and Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) in the strategically vital southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden are significantly bolstering their regional collaboration and search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, driven by a concerted effort supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
A pivotal Regional SAR workshop, held in Mombasa, Kenya, from February 24–28, 2025, served as a catalyst for this enhancement, focusing on elevating maritime safety and security across the region. The event provided a crucial platform for participants to share invaluable experiences, collaboratively address persistent challenges, and exchange best practices in SAR operations.
Key discussions centered on the latest advancements in SAR procedures, techniques, and equipment, ensuring that frontline responders are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge. Notably, the workshop delved into recent amendments to the SOLAS Chapter IV regulations, which are designed to modernize the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and seamlessly integrate new mobile satellite services, enhancing communication and response times in emergencies.
The workshop convened seventeen experts representing a diverse range of maritime disciplines, including seasoned officers, radiocommunication specialists, marine engineers, and Port State Control officers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The participation of representatives from the EU Mission in Somalia (EUCAP) further underscored the IMO’s commitment to fostering robust coordination in maritime rescue operations.
This vital activity is a core component of the EU-funded Regional Programme for Maritime Security in the Red Sea Area, commonly known as the Red Sea Project. Through this comprehensive initiative, the IMO collaborates closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to provide targeted support to the five participating nations—Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
The project’s overarching objective is to significantly strengthen the capacity of both port and land-based law enforcement authorities in these countries to effectively implement international maritime security and safety standards. Furthermore, it fosters crucial regional dialogue at the operational level, underpinned by enhanced maritime domain awareness (MDA). These concerted efforts are strategically aligned with the broader goals of Africa’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), which aims to create a safer and more secure maritime environment across the entire continent.
