Coastguard training key to defeating piracy
Training and mentoring of coastguards in Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia is essential if coastal nations are to have effective control over their Territorial Waters and Economic Zones, says leading maritime security company Maritime Asset Security & Training Ltd (MAST).
Furthermore, if Western Governments continue to cut back on defence spending, these nations will be increasingly reliant on their own organic resources to provide security in international waters adjacent to their territorial limits.
Richard Battrick, Director of Training, Compliance and Ordnance Management at MAST, said: “There remains a paucity of multinational naval assets which will be further affected by defence budget cuts in 2015 as states continue to identify savings in the wake of the global recession.”
“Non-military solutions such as national coastguard agencies require improved capabilities and capacities if they are to become a sustainable solution. An integrated approach, including international public-private cooperation to maintain border security and safeguard the maritime flank is the way forward.”
By Jake Frith
