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The aim of the NATO Shipping Centre (NSC) Counter Piracy webpage is to inform all interested parties and stakeholders – shipping companies, shipping organisations and international organisations, national shipping authorities and indeed ships’ masters, about the steps the NSC has taken to broadcast information about the piracy situation in the Horn of Africa. Also, this webpage will keep you informed of the NATO Counter Piracy Operation Ocean Shield, which commenced on 17 August 2009, as the follow on operation from Operation Allied Protector which ended the day before. This operation, which spells an extension by NATO of counter piracy operations, will entail the following military tasks:
(1) Deter, disrupt and protect against pirate attacks, rendering assistance to ships in extremis as required.
(2) Actively seek suspected pirates and prevent their continued activity through detention, seizure of vessels and property, and the delivery of suspects and evidence to designated law enforcement authorities, in
accordance with NATO agreements.
(3) Facilitate and support the development of regional states’ capacity to conduct effective counter-piracy operations, in coordination with other related international efforts.
(4) Coordinate NATO operations and initiatives with coalition maritime forces, EU naval forces, and other non-NATO forces conducting counter piracy operations off the Horn of Africa.
Of course, all counter piracy efforts are closely coordinated with the EU Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSC HOA). MSC HOA also has the lead role in the coordination of the group transits through the Gulf of Aden.
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