GAMBIA NAVY STRENGTHENS ITS MARITIME SECURITY CAPACITY
A delegation from the Gambia Navy, led by the Communications and Maritime Operations Center Officer, Sub-Lieutenant Modou Lamin Sanyang, has successfully completed a specialized immersion course at the High Authority for Coordination of Maritime Safety, Maritime Security and Protection of the Marine Environment (HASSMAR) in Dakar, Senegal, from 15-19 June 2026.
The training marks a significant step in strengthening the operational readiness of the Gambia Navy as it continues to enhance its capacity to safeguard the country’s maritime interests and contribute to the security of the shared maritime border between The Gambia and Senegal.
The closing ceremony brought together senior maritime officials from across the region, including Momodou Njie, Secretary General of HASSMAR; Gibril Mbengue of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) Zone G in Cape Verde; and Fatou Sakho of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Dakar.
During the intensive five-day programme, participants received advanced training in web-based vessel monitoring and tracking platforms, including Global Search and Rescue Hub, VesselFinder, and SeaVision. The course also focused on strengthening maritime domain awareness through improved access to international databases under the framework of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), enabling more effective information sharing and operational coordination across regional maritime boundaries.
The training reflects the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing contemporary maritime security challenges, including illegal fishing, transnational crime, search-and-rescue operations, and environmental protection. By enhancing interoperability and information exchange among maritime agencies, the programme contributes to a safer and more secure maritime environment in West Africa.
For the Gambia Navy, the successful completion of the immersion course represents another milestone in its ongoing modernization efforts. Through the adoption of standardized digital technologies, advanced surveillance systems, and internationally recognized communication protocols, the Navy is steadily strengthening its ability to conduct maritime surveillance, coordinate search-and-rescue operations, and respond effectively to emerging threats within the country’s maritime domain.
Source : Gambia Armed Forces
