AFM/ PATROL BOAT CREW MEMBERS TRAIN WITH MOROCCAN NAVAL VESSELS

Two Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Moroccan Navy, Rais Almounastiri and Rais Charkaoui recently visited Malta on a routine visit between the 9th and 13th July, 1998.  This visit formed part of the Moroccan Naval Academy's annual training programme for Midshipmen, and took the form of a navigational exercise to the Central Mediterranean.  The other two destinations planned after the visit to Malta include Spain and Portugal.

The Moroccan Navy operational commitments bear numerous similarities to those of the Armed Forces of Malta.  Its primary roles include the safe-guarding of non-military security issues such as maritime law enforcement against illegal fishing, smuggling, and narcotics trafficking; search and rescue, anti-pollution duties etc.  Its vessels are designed to patrol its Atlantic Exclusive Economic Zone which extends out to 200 Nautical Miles from its shore-line.

During the said visit, the AFM's Maritime Squadron took the opportunity to conduct a series of joint activities including exchange visits and a friendly football match between teams of the respective units.  Upon their departure from Malta, a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) was conducted with an offshore patrol boat of the Squadron.

During the said PASSEX, the AFM's Patrol Boat P31, captained by Lt.W.Camilleri conducted a series of seamanship and communication manoeuvres with the two vessels.  Notwithstanding the language and cultural differences that existed between the naval units, common naval procedures enabled the exercise to be conducted with success.

This visit can also be said to be a historical one because upon their departure from the Grand Harbour, the Maritime Squadron conducted its first Passing Exercise with a North African Navy.  In fact, this naval exercise gives a clear indication that such naval exercises serve as an ideal platform to promote maritime cooperation in the Mediterranean region, especially as a means of bridging the gap in cultures between North and South, in the spirit of the Euro-Med process.