The 12 personnel of the Coast Guard Department Law Enforcement Tactical Team of the Georgian Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs participated in the NATO Maritime Security Operation “SEA GUARDIAN” (OSG).

Prior to the commencement of the operation, the Coast Guard Department personnel underwent three days of predeployment training in the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) for their participation in Operation “SEA GUARDIAN” (OSG). Upon the completion of the predeployment training, the personnel embarked on board the Hellenic Navy Ship – HS AEGEAN, where they took part in activities outlined in the overall plan of the operation for the duration of 3 weeks. Throughout the course of the embarkation, the activities of the NATO operation consisted of boarding procedures and trainings.

It is noteworthy, that in the previous year, for the first time in the history of Georgia, the Georgian unit participated in the NATO Maritime Security Operation under the status of Operational Partner. Among the non-member countries, Georgia has become the first aspirant country, which, after the successful completion of the 4-year certification program, has been recognized as an Operational Partner for the Operation “Sea Guardian” by the North Atlantic Council.

As of today, NATO Operation “Sea Guardian” (OSG) represents the only maritime operation conducted under the auspices of the Alliance, with the following primary objectives: countering terrorism, promoting freedom of navigation, maritime security capacity building, prevention of illegal economic activities and enhancing maritime situational awareness.