The Australian Embassy in Manila hosted the Small Craft Intelligence and Targeting Workshop held at the New World Hotel, Makati City. Four (4) analysts and watch-standers of the National Coast Watch Center participated in the workshop from 30 March to 03-June-2022. Experts from the Australia Department of Home Affairs and Australia Border Force shared their best practices and expertise in monitoring and identifying the activities of small craft vessels that are being used by organized crime groups. The proliferation of illicit activities at sea through the use of small craft vessels poses a great challenge to law enforcement authorities in the region. It is attributed to the inadequacy of laws and regulations governing the use and broadcasting of Automated Identification System (AIS), as well as the reporting mechanism by small craft vessels.

One of the key takeaways in this workshop is that States should be proactive to deter the possible conduct of illicit activities within their waters and in their respective regions. Cooperation, coordination, and information-exchange with partners in the region will further strengthen the interdiction capabilities of States to prevent any illegal activities or the transport and importation of illegal goods from occurring in their respective countries.

Representatives from the National Coast Watch Council-Secretariat, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group also participated in the said workshop.