EU Naval Force Warship FGS Berlin conducts three Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) activities during a recent port visit to the Seychelles in support of EUCAP Nestor.
LMCB are conducted by the European Union to build the capacity of security forces of regional partners in the fight against piracy.
Firstly on 25 August Firefighting training was conducted for the Seychelles Coast Guard. This included instructions on the right use of various fire extinguishers, techniques how to open (hot) doors, and the different use of members of the firefighting team. The training culminated in an exercise for the members of the Seychelles Coastguard.
Secondly on 26 August Seychelles Coast Guard personnel attended a one day workshop focusing on handling medical emergencies onboard maritime vessels.
Also on 26 August a workshop was organised for personnel from the Seychelles Coast Guard and Air Force aboard the FGS Berlin. This specific workshop covered the background and use of the MERCURY system. The Mercury system is an internet-based secure communication network used as an alert and coordination tool by all anti-piracy stakeholders, and is used by Seychelles maritime authorities.
This exercise was an excellent opportunity to enhance skills, coordination and communication amongst the different elements of the Seychelles Defence Forces, and with international partners, like the European Union.
EUCAP Nestor is a civilian mission, under the Common Security and Defense Policy of the European Union, mandated to assist countries of the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean develop their capacities and capabilities to ensure maritime security, in particular counter-piracy and maritime governance.
[mappress]