Mauritius – Maritime Safety: Standard Operating Procedures signed between NCG and FAZSOI

The Mauritius Police Force (MPF) and the French Armed Forces in the Southern Indian Ocean (FAZSOI) signed yesterday in Port Louis the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing joint operations between the National Coast Guard (NCG) Maritime Surveillance Aircraft and the FAZSOI Ships.

The agreement was signed by the Commissioner of the MPF, Mr Rampersad Sooroojebally and the Commander of the FAZSOI, Major General Jean de Monicault.

The SOPs mark a significant milestone in the longstanding cooperation between the NCG and FAZSOI. Over the years, the aircraft and ships of the NCG Dornier along with French naval assets, have regularly conducted joint operations in the South-West Indian Ocean, focusing on Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance, anti-narcotics missions, and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

To further bolster the existing cooperation, the SOPs make provision for a structured framework for joint maritime patrols, outlining coordinating mechanisms, mission types and taskings, safety procedures, communication channels and reporting protocols.

The SOPs are designed to streamline operations at sea, ensuring smoother conduct of coordinated operations and enhancing the overall effectiveness of patrols. By harmonising procedures and strengthening interoperability, the SOPs will enable the NCG and FAZSOI to operate with greater precision, efficiency and mutual confidence.

The initiative will further strengthen maritime safety and security in the South-West Indian Ocean while deepening bilateral ties between Mauritius and Reunion Island. It also reflects the shared commitment to safeguard regional stability, uphold international maritime law and protect the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Source : GIS Mauritius