DCoC-AJ Regional Workshop in Jeddah

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently hosted a significant event in the field of maritime security, a Regional Workshop was organized in Jeddah from the 30th of July until the 10th of August, under the facilitation of Interportpolice and led by the IMO Security. The primary objective of the workshop was to develop common standards (Standard Operating Procedures - SOPs) for the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA) Information Sharing Network INS.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are a set of guidelines and procedures that standardize operations and ensure consistency in decision-making processes. The development of common SOPs is crucial in the field of maritime security to enhance cooperation and streamline communication among nations.

The Regional Workshop's focus on the DCoC/JA is paramount. The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) is an important agreement established in 2009 to promote maritime safety and security in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. The Code recognizes the importance of international cooperation and regional partnerships in combating piracy and armed robbery against ships. The Jeddah Amendment to the DCoC, adopted in 2017, further strengthened its effectiveness by including measures against maritime terrorism and other illicit activities.

Furthermore, as part of the Regional Workshop, participants had the opportunity to visit the Jeddah Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). MRCCs are responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations at sea, ensuring the safety and security of maritime traffic.

This Regional Workshop showcased Saudi Arabia's commitment to maritime safety and cooperation. By hosting this event and leading in the development of SOPs for the DCoC/JA INS, Saudi Arabia demonstrated its dedication to enhancing regional maritime security. This commitment highlights the country's role as a key player in promoting stability and safeguarding the waters of the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.