47 officers from 21 ReCAAP Member States, including its newest member, Germany, participated in an annual Capacity Building Executive Programme 2021 (CBEP-21) to share with the Focal Points of ReCAAP’s Contracting Parties.
The aim of the programme was to share with the Focal Points of ReCAAP’s Contracting Parties, the latest situation of piracy and sea robbery in Asia and the best practices in combating piracy and sea robbery.
The event was also an opportunity for the participants to share their expertise in enhancing law enforcement capacity.
The following topics were discussed/highlighted for this year’s programme:
- Efforts to address armed robbery against ships in Singapore Strait;
- Countermeasures to prevent piracy and armed robbery against ships: experiences shared by Germany and Japan;
- Law enforcement training by Mobile Cooperation Team: expertise shared by Japan Coast Guard and US Coast Guard.
While the overall piracy and sea robbery situation in Asia has improved, there are some areas that have shown an increase in the number of incidents and with increased violence by the perpetrators towards the ship crew. Focal Points of ReCAAP Member States play a primary role in the timely and accurate information sharing on piracy and sea robbery incidents
stated Mr Nicholas Teo, Deputy Director of ReCAAP ISC.
This Programme also provided an opportunity for the maritime regulatory and law enforcement authorities across Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States of America, to gain a common understanding of the current piracy and sea robbery situation, to share best practices and the relevant expertise to enhance their law enforcement capability, as well as to strengthen mutual cooperation in the fight against maritime crimes.