Definition
Maritime Security Operations (MSO) set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny illegal use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.
Implementation
'Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) conduct MSO in the region to help make the maritime environment safer and more secure, as well as to assist regional nations in their efforts to counter terrorism and terrorist-linked maritime criminal activities. These operations are intended to protect lawful mariners and deny terrorists and criminals the use of the sea as a venue for attack or to transport illegal cargo. By integrating with regional maritime forces, CMF are able to learn from each other and improve safety and security, with consequent benefits to the regional economy.
With globalisation and the nature of international terrorist organisations today, closer coordination among coalition forces and regional countries is imperative to prevent illegal acts. No country can tackle this problem alone. All CMF vessels are alert to possible illegal use of the sea. The vessels on patrol in the region are prepared to intercept on the high seas any vessel posing a threat to commercial shipping, critical infrastructure nodes, or smuggling.
Forces in the region
CMF operates throughout international waters in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea, conducting MSO.
CMF operations complement 'Gulf Cooperation Council maritime force operations
CMF operating in the Middle East and Indian Ocean is made up of multinational forces; there are also forces from the EU, NATO, Russia, China as well as other nations from time to time, all carrying out similar operations in the region.
Maritime Security Operations missions
Listed below are common MSO missions conducted by RN Ships in the Area of Responsibility.
Freedom of passage in international waters
RN forces operate under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can have freedom of passage.Approach and Assist Visits (AAVs)
These involve the interception of vessels that are suspected of links to international terrorist organisations (ITO) or maritime crime. This is intended to detect, deter and deny ITO or criminals the illegal use of the maritime environment.
Protection of Key Maritime Infrastructure
Intercept vessels that are suspected of links to terrorist activity. Intended to detect, deter, and deny illegal use of the maritime environment.
Protection of Key Infrastructure Nodes
These involve the interception of vessels that are suspected of links to terrorist activity. These key infrastructures form the foundation for much of the region's economic wealth, stability and prosperity and can significantly impact upon the global economy as well as the basic necessities of life for some regional populations.Deter/Disrupt Piracy
RN maritime forces answer calls for assistance against pirates. The repression of piracy, which has always been a traditional naval task, is still a central tenet of our operations today.
Assist Mariners in Distress
RN forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress, and with providing medical, engineering, and search and rescue assistance.
Humanitarian Aid
RN were called on to support tsunami relief efforts both within the region and outside after a catastrophic tsunami struck parts of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, India, Seychelles, and Somalia 26 Dec 2004. RN assets were flexible enough to continue the MSO mission while simultaneously equipped to help deliver relief supplies, provide medical support, and assist with clean up efforts.
Engagement
A mechanism to create a broad-based maritime coalition actively engaged in countering the insurgent threat both at sea and ashore. Almost all of our coalition partners contribute maritime forces such as ships, boarding teams, maritime patrol aircraft, intelligence analysts, and staff augmentees to support ongoing operations. Local countries have a vested interest in interoperability, intelligence sharing, and assisting with deterrence against people that pose a threat to key infrastructure.