UK Hydrographic Office tackle piracy in the Indian ocean

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has run security operations to tackle piracy for the Seychelles government.

The UKHO ran a programme of Security of Navigation, Stabilisation Advice and Training (SONSAT) to tackle piracy on behalf of the Seychelles government. Piracy affects trade routes in the Indian ocean, costing the global economy an estimated $7billion-$12billion per year.

UKHO representatives staged a number of seminars on maritime security and intelligence briefs with the local government. This included highlighting existing infrastructure such as the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service (WNWS) and Rescue Coordination Centres (RCOs).

SONSAT Capability Development Manager at UKHO, Paul Merchant, said: “The training that the UKHO’s SONSAT capability delivers is specifically tailored to the needs of the state or region, depending on their existing knowledge and capabilities. In addition to our work in the Seychelles, we have supported the FCO with its Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, providing advice and guidance on maritime safety and security to Cyprus, Gibraltar, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension Islands.”

“Our work in the Seychelles is a reflection of the breadth of capabilities the UKHO has under one roof, and the world-class services we can offer as a world-leading marine geospatial agency and the UK’s hydrographic authority.”

The training was funded by the government’s Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) and delivered on behalf of the Foreign Commonwealth Office. The government plans to improve security in the Indian Ocean, recently setting up the Regional Centre for Operation Coordination (RCOC) in the Seychelles.

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