Other Activities

 

14th Nautical Forum

On 17 Jan ReCAAP ISC conducted 14th Nautical Forum at Singapore. 150 members from maritime & enforcement agencies participated to discuss situation of piracy & armed robbery in Asia & ways forward to mitigate incidents.

Focal Point Training Programme-2023

Participants from nine ReCAAP member states attended the Focal Point Training Programme 2023 from 16-18 Jan at Singapore that aims to train FP staff on roles & responsibilities of Focal Points for effective Information Sharing and Incident Reporting.

Ways forward for effective coordination to deal with maritime crimes 

On his introductory visit to Myanmar from 12-14 January 2023, Mr. Natarajan, Executive Director ReCAAP ISC, interacted with Cmde AM Htwe Commander, ANRC, Rear Admiral Ko Ko Kyaw, Director General Myanmar Coast Guard and visited MRCC Ayeyarwady to discuss ways forward effective coordination to deal with maritime crimes. he also presented a lecture on “ Regional Maritime Security Perspective of ReCAAP ISC” to officers of Mayanmar Navy, Myanmar Coast Guard, Customs, Port Authority and Marine Police.

Interaction with Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy

On 11 January 2023, Mr. Natarajan Executive Director ReCAAP ISC, interacted with Admiral Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, Commander in Chief, Royal Thai Navy and deliberated on future prospects and collaborations for training and capacity building jointly with Royal Thai Navy and Thai MECC.

Enhancing regional cooperation and capacity building towards combating piracy

On 10 January 2023, Mr. Natarajan ED ReCAAP ISC, interacted with H.E Hiroshi Ishikawa Ambassador, Embassy of Japan, Singapore and deliberated on issues pertaining to enhancing regional cooperation and capacity building towards combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asian waters.

Visit onboard MMRV 9702 BRP Melchora Aquino

Mr K Natarajan ED ReCAAP ISC and participants of Capacity Building Senior Officers’ Meeting 2022 visited MMRV 9702 BRP Melchora Aquino on 16 Dec which is a 95 meters multi role response vessel. ED ISC was welcomed onboard by CG CDR Patrick G Babag Commanding Officer MRRV 9702 and interacted with CG RADM Charlie Q Rances, Commander Coast Guard Fleet.

CBSOM-22 – Conclusion

The ReCAAP ISC Capacity Building Senior Officers’ Meeting 2022 concluded on 15 Dec. The 2 days workshop with Focal Points brought together sharing of experiences and best practices. In his closing address, Mr Natarajan, ED ReCAAP ISC expressed his appreciation to PCG for the planning and successful execution of the CBSOM 2022.

CBSOM-22 – Day 2 (15 December 2022)

Day 2 of ReCAAP ISC Capacity Building Senior Officers’ Meeting 2022 commenced with a presentation on nexus of maritime terrorism and piracy which was followed by group discussions on topics related to effective law enforcement and coordination with shipping industry for timely sharing of incidents in an effort to suppress piracy and armed robbery.

CBSOM-22 – Day 1 (14 December 2022)

Capacity Building Senior Officers Meeting 2022 session was inaugurated with ReCAAP ISC updating on the situations of piracy in Asia and the timeliness and accuracy of reports submitted by FPs/CP. This was followed by Focal Points of Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Singapore and Hong Kong Contact Point sharing their efforts to improve timely and accurate information sharing and.  Aditionally, Port Authority of Philippines and the Maritime Industry Authority shared their efforts in addressing abduction cases at Sulu Celees sea and to enhance inter-agency/international cooperation respectively.

CBSOM-22 – Inauguration 

The 2 days ReCAAP ISC Capacity Building Senior Officers Meeting (CBSOM) 2022 inaugurated on 14 Dec 2022. A total 32 participants comprising Senior Officers from 14 Focal Points and officials from Philippine Coast Guard, Port Authority of the Philippines, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Malaysia gathered at Rizal Park Hotel in Manila for this CBSOM. In his opening remarks Mr K Natarajan, ED ISC stresses the importance of the Capacity Building as one of ReCAAP ISC Pillar in the combat against piracy in Asia.

Ice breaking and Bonding

Senior officers & representatives from ReCAAP ISC, Philippine Coast Guard & ReCAAP FPs gathered on 13 Dec, the eve of ReCAAP ISC Capacity Building Senior Officers Meeting 2022, for an ice breaking and bonding event hosted by PCG.

Call on Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant of the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG)

Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Executive Director ReCAAP ISC called on Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant of the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) at its headquarters in Manila on 12 December 2022. On arrival, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome with Foyer Honors rendered by guards of the PCG. In the meeting, ADM Artemio M Abu thanked ReCAAP ISC for his continued support to the PCG, while Mr Natarajan praised the PCG for containing and bringing down the threat level at Sulu Celebes Seas. Both leaders agreed to continued co-operation by all parties for the peace and order at seas. 

Ensuring safe and secure seas for all in Asia

Korea Coast Guard Senior Superintendent General Lee Myung Joon, Director General of Maritime Security led his delegation from KCG called on Mr Natarajan, ED ReCAAP ISC on 9 Dec 2022. He was briefed on the set up of ReCAAP ISC, the mechanism of Information Sharing, as well as current undertakings by ReCAAP ISC in securing a safer seas in Asia. 

Effectiveness of Information Exchange Mechanism

Mr K. Natarajan, ED-ISC at  the 10th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) on 07 Dec 2022, presented on “Effectiveness of Information Exchange Mechanism”. ED ISC shared on the incident reporting and sharing mechanism of ReCAAP ISC and the Focal Point network, centering around the Information Network System (IFN).

Opening session of 10th EAMF

Mr K. Natarajan, ED-ISC is at the opening of the 10th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) on 07 Dec 2022, together with the Heads of the Delegates of ASEAN Countries. Established in 2012 with the Philippines as inaugural Chair, the EAMF is a forum to discuss a wide range of maritime issues.

Maritime Security and Law of the Sea Workshop

Mr Natarajan, ED-ISC at the Maritime Security and Law of the Sea Workshop on 29 Nov 2022, and presented the topic “Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea in Asia”, recounting a contemporary success story on the benefits of regional cooperation, an example could assist in inspiring responses to other common maritime security concerns. 

Ensuring safer seas in Asia

Ms. Siri Bjune, Head, Global Maritime Crime Programme, UNODC called on Mr. Natarajan, ED ReCAAP ISC on 24 Nov 2022 to discuss on collaborative efforts to ensure safer seas in Asia.

 

Securing safer seas in Asia

Ms. Maria Angela A. Ponce, Assistant Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs-MOAO, Philippines together with Ms. Maria Victoria Castro, Director, Head of Cyber Security, Department of Information Communication and Technology, Philippines and Ms. Joyleen E. Santos, First Secretary and Consul, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, (Singapore)called on Mr. Natarajan, ED ReCAAP ISC on 18 Nov 2022. She was briefed on the current undertakings by ReCAAP ISC and the way forward by ReCAAP ISC in securing safer seas in Asia. 

Introductory call on Director General – Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)

ReCAAP ISC Team, headed by Mr Natarajan, ED-ISC called on Admiral Zubil, Director General – Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at Putra Jaya, Malaysia to discuss on collaborative efforts to suppress Piracy/Armed Robbery against ships. #maritime #searobbery #shipping #piracy

Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP)

Mr K Natarajan ED-ISC, headed the ReCAAP ISC Team [comprising DD-ISC Mr Nicholas Teo & AD(Research) Ms Lee Yin Mui] for the Contact Group on the Sulu and Celebes Seas (CGSCS) Meeting, organised by the Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) on 15 Nov 22 @Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the plenary session, ReCAAP ISC presented the topic ‘Current trends and updates on information sharing initiatives relating to abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’.

Visit to IMB PRC

Mr K Natarajan (Right) ED-ReCAAP ISC, on 14 Nov 22, visited the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), Piracy Reporting Centre, Asia Regional Officer, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Introductory call on Secretary General of IMO

On 2 Nov, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr K. Natarajan (right) made an introductory call on the Secretary General of IMO, Mr Kitack Lim at the IMO HQ on the sidelines of the Maritime Safety Committee 106th session held in London, UK.

90th INTERPOL General Assembly

ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr K. Natarajan (right) and Ms Lee Yin Mui, AD-Research (left) attending the 90th General Assembly of INTERPOL that is being held from 18-21 Oct at New Delhi, India.

Presenting at HACGAM

ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr K. Natarajan delivering a presentation at the 18th HACGAM that is being held in New Delhi, India.

Inauguration of 18th HACGAM

ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr K. Natarajan (2nd row, fifth from the right) and fellow participants at the Opening Session and Inauguration of the 18th HACGAM that is being held in New Delhi, India from 14-18 Oct.

Senior Commander’s Dialogue, 10th RMPP

On 9 Sep, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan presented on the topic of “Ever-Evolving Maritime Threats” at the Senior Commander’s Dialogue of the 10th Regional MARSEC Practitioner Programme (RMPP) conducted at the Information Fusion Centre.

Mr. K Natarajan (middle) presiding as one of the panellists at the Senior Commander’s Dialogue.

Dealing with piracy and armed robbery in Asia

On 8 Sep, RADM Matthew Sibley, Deputy Commander, Pacific Area, USCG and ReCAAP Governor for US visited the Centre and interacted with ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan. The Governor was briefed about ReCAAP activities and measures to deal with piracy and armed robbery in Asia.

Ensuring Safe Traverse of Seafarers in Asian waters

On 30 Aug, Mr Cheong Tae-seong, Director General, Ministry of Oceans & Fisheries, South Korea, visited ReCAAP ISC and interacted with ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan to discuss ways to ensure the safe traverse of seafarers in Asian waters.

Ensuring Safe Passage of Mariners in Asian Waters

On 16 Aug, VADM Pairote Fuangchan, DG, Naval Intelligence Dept of Royal Thai Navy visited ReCAAP ISC and interacted with ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan to discuss the safe passage of mariners in Asian waters.

 

Ensuring Safe Traverse of Ships

On 12 Aug, the Ambassador of Germany to Singapore, H.E. Dr. Nobert Riedel visited ReCAAP ISC and interacted with ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan to discuss ways to ensure the safe traverse of ships in Asian waters.

HACGAM 2022

ReCAAP ISC delegates with fellow participants at the HACGAM 2022 happening in India from 1-4 Aug.

 

Ensuring Safety of Ship Crew in Asian Waters

On 29 Jul, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met with the Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore, H.E. Chutintorn Gongsakdi to discuss ways to ensure the safety of ship crew in Asian waters.

 

Minimising Piracy and Armed Robbery in Asian Waters 

On 28 Jul, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met with the Ambassador of Cambodia to Singapore, H.E. Sok Khoeun to discuss ways to minimise piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asian waters.

 

Making Asian Waters safe for Mariners

On 26 Jul, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met with the Managing Director of OCIMF, Ms. Karen Davis to discuss ways to make the Asian waters safer for mariners.


Visit to POCC

On 14 July, ED-ReCAAP ISC (left in foreground) visited the MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre that oversees vessel movements and keeps the Port of Singapore safe and efficient.

Collaboration and capacity building programmes for safe voyage of shippers

On 6 Jul, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met with the Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, H.E. Jun Yamazaki to discuss about the importance of collaboration and capacity building programmes to ensure the safe voyage of shippers in Asian waters.

Collaboration and training to counter piracy threats

On 4 Jul, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr K. Natarajan discussed with Captain Kuniaki Takahashi, Commanding Officer, JCG Training Vessel “KOJIMA” on the importance of collaboration and training in relation to countering piracy and armed robbery threats in Asian waters.

Collaborating to combat piracy and armed robbery incidents

On 1 Jul, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met with Superintendent General Park Jae Hwa, Director General for International Affairs and Intelligence, Korea Coast Guard to discuss ways to collaborate to combat piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asian waters.

Ensuring safety of vessels for smooth economic trade

On 29 Jun, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan discussed with the Ambassador from Lao PDR to Singapore, H.E. Sengkeo Pouangpadith on the importance of ensuring the safety of vessels so as to bring about smooth and secure economic trade for the region.

Collaboration in eradicating piracy and armed robbery

On 21 Jun, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met virtually with Commandant OKUSHIMA Takahiro of the Japan Coast Guard to reaffirm the commitment and collaboration of both organisations in eradicating piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asian waters.

 

Enhancing the safety of SOMs

On 17 Jun, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan discussed with Senior Assistant Commissioner Cheang Keng Keong on ways to enhance the safety of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore for both seafarers and maritime trade.

 

Bringing about smooth traverse of maritime trade

On 15 Jun, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan met with CE of MPA, Ms Quah Ley Hoon to discuss ways to ensure safety of seafarers and to bring about the smooth traverse of maritime trade in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

 

Ensuring smooth and secure economic trade

On 14 Jun, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K Natarajan discussed with the Ambassador from Republic of Korea to Singapore, H.E. Dr Choi Hoon on ways to strengthen maritime security for vessels traversing in the region, to bring about smooth and secure economic trade.

 

Ensuring safety of seafarers and maritime trade

On 10 June, Ms Claire Rees, Commander of Australian Border Force met with Mr K. Natarajan, ED-ReCAAP ISC, to discuss ways to ensure the safety of seafarers and maritime trade in the region. Australia is one of 21 ReCAAP Contracting Nations.

 

Secure and free flowing maritime commerce in the region

On 8 Jun, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr. K. Natarajan interacted with the Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, H.E. Joseph Del Mar Yap at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, to further strengthen mutual ties between ReCAAP ISC and the Philippines, in pursuit of a secure and free flowing maritime commerce in the region.

 

Safe and secure seas for all

On 30 May, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan made an introductory call on Chief of Navy, RADM Aaron Beng, to discuss ways to collaborate and combat piracy and armed robbery incidents so as to achieve safe and secure seas for all.

 

Ensuring safety in Straits of Malacca and Singapore

On 24 May, Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan (ED) with personnel from the ReCAAP ISC met the Thai Governor, RADM Wichnu Thupa-ang and his staff virtually, to discuss ways to cooperate and collaborate to ensure the safety for mariners and trade in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

 

Synergy in combating piracy and armed robbery

On 12 May, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan made an introductory call on RADM Yong Wei Hsiung, Commander Maritime Security Task Force to discuss ways to strengthen synergy for the effective neutralising of transnational maritime crimes, with the focus on combating piracy and armed robbery incidents.

Ensuring safety in Sulu-Celebes seas and Straits of Malacca and Singapore

On 28 April, personnel from the ReCAAP ISC met with representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard to discuss ways to cooperate and collaborate to ensure the safety in the Sulu-Celebes seas and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

Partnering with the Shipping Associations

On 27 April 2022, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan made an introductory call on Mr Yuichi Sonada, Secretary-General, Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA) and Mr Michael Phoon, Secretary-General, Federation of ASEAN Shipowners’ Associations (FASA)/Executive Director of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) at the office of the SSA.

The discussion focused on the ways that ReCAAP ISC might work more with the Shipping Associations to address the concerns of the shipping community and to ensure the safety of navigation for seafarers when traversing in Asian waters.

Visit to RSIS

On 21 April 2022, ED-ReCAAP ISC, Mr Krishnaswamy Natarajan made an introductory call on Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at the campus of the Nanyang Technological University. During the visit, both sides reaffirmed the continued close working ties between the organisations.

Since the formation of ReCAAP ISC in 2006, both RSIS and ReCAAP ISC have been collaborating at various fronts in the mission of combating piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. These have included the organisation of events that featured speakers from RSIS at the Centre’s Piracy and Sea Robbery Conferences as well as the Maritime Roundtable 2018 as well as the collaboration in projects like the recent updated Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.