Seychelles advances national maritime security coordination with IMO support
Seychelles is charting a clear course toward stronger maritime security this week, as government officials gathered at the Coast Guard Base in Victoria for a national workshop and tabletop exercise (7-9 July) aimed at launching a fully operational National Maritime Security Committee (NMSC).
The event marks a decisive step in transforming how the country coordinates and responds to threats at sea.
Organized by the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) and the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC), in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the workshop aimed to enhance national maritime security coordination by developing a robust NMSC structure.
Thirty-four representatives from key government agencies took part in scenario-based exercises and technical sessions aimed at strengthening Seychelles’ maritime security architecture. Over the three-day workshop, participants reviewed current coordination structures, identifying operational gaps, and drafting a roadmap for the establishment of a National Maritime Security Committee.
Discussions focused on improving interagency collaboration, enhancing interoperability between maritime and law enforcement bodies, and addressing critical threats such as illicit trafficking, environmental risks and emerging cyber challenges.
The event was opened by the Minister for Transport Hon. Anthony Derjacques, who emphasized the critical importance of whole-of-government cooperation in securing Seychelles’ maritime domain.
“Seychelles is a maritime nation. Our Blue Economy cannot thrive without strong maritime governance. And strong governance cannot exist without whole-of-government coordination,” he said.
Hon. Derjacques was joined by Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Charles Fonseka, as well as senior officials from the Seychelles Defence Forces, Police, Immigration, Port and Maritime authorities, Fisheries, Environment, Customs and other national agencies.
The training is part of the European Union-funded Port Security and Safety of Navigation project, which supports nine countries in Eastern and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Through this initiative, IMO provides targeted technical assistance to strengthen national and regional maritime security in line with the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Government agencies that joined the training included: the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Attorney General’s Office, Seychelles Police, Department of Immigration, Seychelles Airports Authority, Ministry of Environment, Seychelles Ports Authority, Seychelles Defence Forces, Seychelles Fisheries Authority, Seychelles Revenue Commission, Disaster Risk Management Division, Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre, and Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy.
Source : IMO
