Last week in Rome, EUCAP Somalia (European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia )and its Somali partners took part in the Mediterranean Coast Guard Functions Forum (MCGFF) — a high-level event bringing together maritime security leaders from across Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
The mission not only helped facilitate Somali participation but also supported a bilateral meeting with the Italian Coast Guard (Guardia Costiera), a crucial step in building stronger international ties for Somalia’s maritime future.
Italian Expertise Embedded in Somalia’s Maritime Mission
Two seasoned Italian Coast Guard officers — Commander Paolo Margadonna (Senior Maritime Adviser) and Commander Carmine Berlando (Maritime Adviser) — are currently deployed within EUCAP Somalia as maritime advisers.
Their on-the-ground presence underscores the mission’s commitment to combining European expertise with Somali ambition to build a modern, self-sufficient maritime capability.
EUCAP Somalia Latest Achievements:
Over the past year and a half, EUCAP Somalia has achieved significant milestones in cooperation with Somali authorities.
Among the most notable:
- Establishing the first Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Mogadishu, which now serves as the nerve center for coordinating search and rescue (SAR) operations off the Somali coast.
- Training a dedicated Maritime Training Team, drawn from the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport and the Somali Police Force – Department of the Coast Guard.
- Delivering comprehensive courses on MRCC operations management, emergency procedures at sea, and drafting an operational manual to standardize maritime practices.
- Providing basic and advanced training in dead reckoning navigation, radar navigation, and meteorology — critical skills for Coast Guard officers and SAR teams operating in challenging conditions.
These initiatives represent more than just technical progress.
They embody Somalia’s determination to take ownership of its maritime security, fight illegal activities at sea, and protect its vast coastline — one of the longest in Africa.
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Advanced Training and Live Exercises
Beyond classroom learning, EUCAP Somalia has delivered hands-on training tailored to international standards:
- Familiarisation with Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information Systems to improve surveillance and control.
- International Maritime Organization (IMO)-compliant training for Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission Coordinators, including operational room exercises.
- Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training with live exercises conducted alongside EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets, boosting real-world readiness.
This combination of theory and practice is helping Somali maritime professionals develop the confidence and competence needed to manage emergencies, secure shipping lanes, and safeguard lives at sea.
Building Regional Partnerships and Full Operational Capability
Somalia’s participation in the MCGFF and its bilateral discussions with the Italian Coast Guard were not just symbolic.
They were aimed at:
- Consolidating achievements already made in maritime capability-building.
- Expanding regional cooperation with partners from East Africa and the Mediterranean.
- Fostering synergies to accelerate Somalia’s path toward a fully operational, self-reliant Search and Rescue (SAR) system.
By forging these partnerships, Somalia is positioning itself as a proactive maritime player in the region. One capable of protecting its waters, supporting international shipping, and contributing to wider security in the Indian Ocean.
A Human Story Behind the Mission
At its heart, this mission is about people.
Somali Coast Guard trainees learning to navigate rough seas. European experts transferring decades of experience to their Somali counterparts.
Communities along the Somali coast hoping for safer fishing grounds and fewer tragedies at sea.
The cooperation between EUCAP Somalia, the Somali government, and the Italian Coast Guard is more than a technical programme.
It is a human partnership, grounded in shared goals of saving lives, fighting maritime crime, and building economic opportunity.
EUCAP Somalia and Local Partners
As Somalia strengthens its maritime infrastructure and capabilities, the progress achieved so far sends a powerful message:
“International cooperation works best when it empowers local partners to stand on their own.”
With continued training, regional collaboration, and strong political will, Somalia’s Coast Guard and SAR system can become a model for the region.
Ensuring safety, security, and prosperity along one of Africa’s most strategic coastlines.
