A simulation exercise on maritime security was carried out by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 1 to 2 December in Santo Domingo. The main objective was to support the country in the effective implementation of maritime security measures through active debate and to demonstrate the need for cooperation between government departments and agencies.
A number of scenarios related to maritime security and issues relating to maritime law enforcement were presented. They addressed issues such as: threats to cruise ships; border security aspects affecting ports, airports and land border crossings; possible incidents involving weapons of mass destruction; maritime safety inspections and handling of illicit drug shipments, as well as illicit trafficking in firearms.
The exercise was organized within the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), which is within the mandate of UNLIREC and within the scope of IMO maritime security measures. The resolution addresses the threat of proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, including illicit trafficking, among non-state actors, as well as their means of delivery and related materials.
This activity was made possible thanks to the contribution of the USA. and is preceded by a series of similar events held in other countries in the region led by UNLIREC and IMO, such as Grenada (2014), Trinidad and Tobago and Belize (2015) and Jamaica (June 2016).