Italy begins training Libyan navy and coastguard

Italy yesterday received 87 Libyan navy and coastguard personnel as part of a European training programme aimed at improving Libya’s capabilities to combat smuggling and human trafficking across the Mediterranean.

“The training of Libyan navy and coastguard officers will take place at the Italian Taranto’s Petty Officer Academy,” the Italian state television reported.

A statement by the EU-led Naval Operation “Sophia” said: “The objective of the training is to increase the security of Libyan territorial waters, implementing the capacities of the Libyan Coastguard and Navy to perform their duties, thus enhancing the capacity in basics of maritime security skills, including search and rescue activities to save lives and to disrupt smuggling and trafficking from/to Libyan shores.”

According to the statement, the training will last until November and will include “technical topics related to the navigation activities, International Maritime Law, Search and Rescue doctrine, International Human Rights Law, Asylum request procedure, First Aid and medical care at sea and Public Information.”

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The training is conducted in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 by Commander of the EU-led Naval Operation (Sophia), Rear Admiral (UH) Enrico and Commander of the Libyan Coastguard, Commodore Abdallah Toumia.