A delegation from the Gambia Navy, led by Communications and Maritime Operations Center Officer Sub-Lieutenant Modou Lamin Sanyang, completed a specialized immersion course at the High Authority for Coordination of Maritime Safety, Maritime Security and Protection of the Marine Environment (HASSMAR) in Dakar, Senegal.
The training strengthened the operational readiness of the Gambian Navy as it continues to build its capacity to protect the country’s maritime interests and support security along the shared maritime border between The Gambia and Senegal.
Senior maritime officials from across the region attended the closing ceremony, including HASSMAR Secretary General Momodou Njie, Gibril Mbengue of the Multinational Maritime Coordination Center (MMCC) Zone G in Cape Verde, and Fatou Sakho of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Dakar.
Over the five-day programme, participants gained advanced skills in using web-based vessel monitoring and tracking platforms such as Global Search and Rescue Hub, VesselFinder, and SeaVision. The course also improved maritime domain awareness by expanding access to international databases under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) framework, helping agencies share information more effectively and coordinate operations across regional maritime boundaries.
The training highlighted the value of regional cooperation in tackling maritime security challenges such as illegal fishing, transnational crime, search and rescue operations, and environmental protection. It also improved interoperability and information sharing among maritime agencies, helping to support a safer and more secure maritime environment across West Africa.
For the Gambia Navy, completing the immersion course marked another step in its modernization efforts. By adopting standardized digital technologies, advanced surveillance systems, and internationally recognized communication protocols, the Navy continues to improve its ability to conduct maritime surveillance, coordinate search and rescue missions, and respond effectively to emerging threats within its maritime domain.
source: maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council