A delegation from the Maritime Security Centre (MSC), headed by Commodore Mohammed Hamoud Al Zedjali, Head of the MSC, visited the EU Maritime Safety and Rescue Society (SASEMAR), based in Madrid, Spain, earlier this week.

The delegation was greeted upon their arrival by SASEMAR officials. The delegation was briefed on the tasks and roles of SASEMAR in managing maritime security operations, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

The two sides reviewed means of promoting cooperation between them in exchanging information and joint coordination. They also discussed conducting joint exercises in the field of maritime security.

The Maritime Security Centre (MSC) was commissioned in 2013 in accordance with the Royal Directives of His Majesty the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Centre conducted its operations since then till 2018 at its temporary location in the Head Quarters Royal Navy of Oman.

In December 2018, the grand opening of the newly constructed MSC building in MAM Camp was celebrated. It is considered to be one of the highly important military monuments added to the series of achievements in the Sultanate during the glorious covenant of His Majesty the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The new building contains various fittings, systems and equipment needed to carry out roles and responsibilities assigned upon the MSC. There are several military, security and civilian agencies involved at operation level in the Centre  that are related to maritime security.

MSC is responsible for command and control of maritime security operations in the Omani maritime zone, provision of necessary protection of the ports / marine installations and coast line, fighting organized crimes and illegal trading, fighting piracy, sea environment pollution, hindrance of International navigation routes, maritime terrorism, global changing, sea conflicts, infiltration and smuggling, protection of fisheries, SAR and provision of assistance to sailing vessels in the Omani maritime zone.

The MSC coordinates with the Omani concerned agencies of the maritime security. In addition, the Centre collects and analyzes received data. It also shares such data with a number of international maritime security agencies that are monitoring threats to maritime security.