In a concerted effort to improve maritime safety and security in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, maritime authorities and rescue coordination centers are ramping up regional collaboration with the support of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A recent Regional Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop held in Mombasa, Kenya, from February 24-28, 2025, focused on enhancing the search and rescue capabilities of countries in the region, including Ethiopia, as they work together to tackle maritime challenges.

The workshop brought together 17 officers, radiocommunication experts, marine engineers, and Port State Control officers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen to discuss best practices, challenges, and the latest developments in SAR operations. Among the key topics were advancements in SAR procedures, modern equipment, and updates to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, specifically the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which incorporates new mobile satellite services.

Ethiopian representatives at the workshop actively participated in discussions aimed at strengthening coordination in maritime rescue operations across the region, reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving its maritime safety standards. This workshop is part of the EU-funded Red Sea Project, which partners IMO with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, and IGAD to support the capacity-building efforts of participating countries.

The initiative is aligned with Africa’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS), which aims to enhance regional cooperation, ensure maritime domain awareness (MDA), and promote safer, more secure maritime activities in the Red Sea and surrounding areas. By strengthening the capacities of port and land-based law enforcement authorities, the Red Sea Project ensures Ethiopia and its neighbors are better prepared to implement global maritime safety and security standards, ultimately fostering a more unified and secure maritime environment.