On 25-26 October 2023, EMSA held a special workshop dedicated to the duty officers working in the CISE stakeholders’ Maritime Operations Centres (MOCs). The event was first of its kind, during which the operational staff could get acquainted with the functionalities of CISE and learn how to make use of it in their operational activities.

Around 30 participants representing 20 maritime authorities from 9 EU Member States and 4 European bodies attended the CISE information session for operational staff. The workshop was organised to provide operators with a thorough understanding of operational CISE. It aimed to show how CISE can be used to exchange maritime surveillance information in a smooth and automated way, thus facilitating the work of the operators.

To have a better overview of the application of CISE, EMSA explained which type of information can be shared through CISE, what the main building blocks of the CISE network are and which are the different roles and responsibilities involved. The utility of CISE in addressing different maritime threats was also presented, such as for example the added value of CISE in conducting anti-drug trafficking operations and gathering information about a suspected vessel.

The workshop provided an opportunity for the MOC staff to inform each other about their functions, responsibilities and to exchange best practices. They also discussed the areas of activities in which the additional information shared through CISE could enhance the situational awareness and increase the effectiveness of maritime operations. The participants had the opportunity to visit the EMSA Maritime Support Services (MSS) centre and to learn about the services it provides to the Member States.

The workshop was organised in the context of the approaching operational phase of CISE which will start in 2024. Similar initiatives will continue to be organised to support the stakeholders in starting to use CISE in their operational activities.