The Combined Maritime Forces’ capacity building training “Operations Southern Readiness” officially ended on Friday 14th July. Amongst events planned for local and visiting senior military officials was a VBSS demonstration on a dhow at the Seychelles Coast Guard, where components assimilated during the two weeks were shown.

During the closing ceremony held at the Military Training Support Centre, Ile Perseverance, the organisations and personnel involved received certificates and mementos.

In his speech, the Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Rosette, expressed his gratitude to the CMF based in Bahrain for their unwavering support and expertise throughout this endeavour. The knowledge and experience shared have enriched the knowledge and skills of the participants and undoubtedly strengthened maritime security capabilities.

This year’s capacity-building programme conducted by the Seychelles Defence Forces and Combined Maritime Force began with an in-port training period for the first week, followed by practical training and at-sea scenarios on INS SUNAYNA and Seychelles Coast Guard FRB.

During the exercise, international countries, including the Seychelles, displayed their ability to collaborate in order to address marine security concerns. The participants were trained and put through a series of situations designed to prepare them to confront and destroy piracy, drugs trafficking, and illicit, unreported, and unregulated fishing.