Building a Community for Practictioners at the 10th Regional MARSEC Practitioner Programme

The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) co-organised the 10th Regional MARSEC Practitioner Programme (RMPP) from 5 to 9 Sep 2022.

Over 90 participants from 28 countries came together at the Changi Command and Control Centre to exchange knowledge in a evolving security environment and share skills in maritime security (MARSEC) operations. These practitioners included personnel from navies, coast guards, maritime agencies and shipping industry.

More on the lessons shared can be found here. 

Photos courtesy of Information Fusion Centre.

“ Platforms like the RMPP provide opportunities for all stakeholders to exchange views, experiences, and best practices so that we can work together to keep our seas safe. ”

– RADM Yong Wei Hsiung, Commander Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) / Maritime Security (MARSEC) Command during his opening address at the event

Ensuring maritime security requires the combined efforts of navies and coast guards. RMPP participants had a chance to visit our Singapore Police Coast Guard Headquarters where they got a glimpse of how they train at the Tactical Boat Handling and Firing Simulator.

Professor Robert Beckman, Director of Centre for International Law (CIL) at the National University of Singapore shared on the users' navigation rights and activities in exclusive economic zone.

The participants visited the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) where they were briefed by MAJ Surendran Vijay Kumar, Head Exercise & Engagement, on how the IFC and its International Liaison Officers work together to facilitate maritime security in the region and beyond.

“ We've had three days of RMPP and I'm really enjoying the opportunity to discuss the challenges of maritime security with practitioners from a range of backgrounds and across the globe. We have common challenges with no single solution, but sharing knowledge and information is a great step forward. I also enjoyed the opportunity to present the IFC's understanding of the Maritime Security in this region. ”

- LCDR Mark Douglas, New Zealand International Liaison Officer attached to IFC

RMPP participants were updated on a wide range of maritime issues. Dr. Asyura Salleh, Programme Support Officer at the Global Maritime Crime Programme from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), shared ways to counter maritime drug trafficking and irregular human migration.

“ It is very interesting meeting the navy and coast guard representatives, ILOs and the IFC personnel. The subject matter discussed so far has been beneficial in getting an overview of the South East Asian perspectives on maritime security. The invitation to participate is highly appreciated. ”

– Capt. Geoffrey Pearson, General Manager, Global Head of Fleet Security, BW Group (2nd from far right)

Senior leaders were also invited to share operational experiences and key takeaways. (Seated on stage from far right, RADM Matthew Sibley, Deputy Commander Pacific Area U.S Coast Guard and Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Executive Director, ReCAAP. Joining virtually was Commander Claire Rees, Deputy Commander Maritime Border Command in Australia).