
During the morning session, the Coast Guard Secretaries presented the organisation’s structure and operations. The Maritime Information Crossroads (MIK) and the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) also introduced their respective roles and activities. Particular attention was given to cooperation and coordination between the different partners when dealing with incidents and media enquiries. In the afternoon, participants were given a guided tour of the Naval Base of Zeebrugge and enjoyed a unique behind-the-scenes look at its operations.
With this first Coast Guard Day, the Coast Guard Secretaries aim to strengthen ties between the communication officers of the partner organisations. A strong network and good professional relationships make cooperation much easier. Particularly during incidents at sea, rapid and effective coordination between partners is essential to ensure clear, accurate and consistent communication with the public.