ALT Naval port call by Indian Navy ships to the Seychelles ⚓ During the port call in Seychelles of Indian Navy training ships dedicated to the training of officer cadets, the International Liaison Officers (ILOs) of the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) were invited by the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles the October 13th 2026 to attend an official reception held on board the Indian naval vessels. 🎓 The following day, around 100 Indian Navy cadets visited the RCOC to learn about the Centre’s missions, responsibilities and operational capabilities, as well as its role in coordinating maritime operations of regional interest and strengthening maritime security within the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA). 🤝 Beyond gaining insight into regional cooperation mechanisms, the visit provided a valuable opportunity to share best practices, promote international maritime cooperation and professional exchanges, and raise future naval officers’ awareness of region

ALT The CRCO is strengthening its operational capabilities in maritime search and rescue At the invitation of the CRCO, with the support of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) / INSSPIOR as part of the SSA Programme, a specialised regional course on the coordination of maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations took place in Mahajanga, Madagascar, from 21 to 25 September 2026. Focusing on the role of the On-Scene Coordinator (OSC), this training course helped to strengthen the skills required to coordinate resources deployed in the field, facilitate the flow of operational information, manage communications and produce SITREPs, in coordination with SAR Mission Coordinators (SMCs) and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs). It was attended by 22 participants from the Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, the Seychelles, Tanzania and La Réunion.

ALT The discussions and recommendations arising from this meeting will help to strengthen collaboration between the ARSM member states and the RCOC, as well as improve the effectiveness of regional coordination during future maritime operations.

ALT The visit provided an opportunity to outline the RCOC’s remit, operational capabilities and role within the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (ARSM), particularly with regard to coordinating and supporting operations of regional interest. The discussions also highlighted the importance of close cooperation between IOC Member States and the various regional stakeholders, in order to better combat maritime threats such as piracy and marine pollution, and to respond effectively to the maritime challenges facing the western Indian Ocean.