MARSEC COE is both a center for academic research as well as a (multinational) hub for practical training in the field of maritime security, along with relevant domains (Maritime Trade, Energy Security, Maritime Environment, Maritime Resources, Public Health, Maritime Transport-Logistic). MARSEC COE strives to achieve the necessary collaboration amongst stakeholders from government, industry, academia and private sector.

Maritime Security has different dimensions, including but not limited to Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), Law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environment, maritime science & technology, maritime trade & economy, maritime law and public health. Therefore, in national terms, Maritime Security can only be achieved by a “whole of government” approach. If we succeed in applying this approach together with like-minded countries in a multi-national environment, we can attain our common Maritime Security objectives.

On the other hand, if the Maritime Security is downgraded only to a Maritime Interdiction Operation (MIO) with a defense-minded mentality, we will fall short in our goals, covering only %10 of Maritime Security.

One of the most important lessons Turkey has learned through the recently conducted Maritime Security Operation- MSO is the significant role Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) plays in countering maritime risks and threats.

Another equally important lesson is the fact that, MSA can only be achieved effectively through working together with other regional maritime security organizations and civilian agencies, employing all the other instruments of national power and thus enabling a whole of government approach.

The idea of “Maritime Security Center of Excellence” stemmed from the need for coordination and deconfliction among governmental and interagency organizations as well as defense and law enforcement entities towards a more secure maritime environment.

Allied Maritime Strategy (AMS) sets out, in full consistency with the Strategic Concept, the ways that maritime power could help resolve critical challenges facing the Alliance now and in the future, and the roles-enduring and new-that NATO forces may have to carry out in the maritime environment in order to contribute to the Alliance’s defence and security and to promote its values. These roles capitalise upon the ability of maritime forces to provide a spectrum of strategic options to the Alliance, and include appropriate contributions to:

NATO launched the Smart Defence Initiative in 2011 that aims at providing cost-effective solutions for capability development. This was very appropriate and timely taking into account the recent worldwide financial and the shrinking defence budgets.

This initiative, mainly aims at collective prioritisation of the nations’ defence requirements, role specialisation among nations and the multinational projects developments to this end, has been welcomed and fully supported by the nations. Turkey fully supports this initiative and encourages all Allies to foster it in NATO. Maritime security is suitable area for cooperation with partners.

Piracy directly affects the crew of merchant fleets and company owners in a negative way. Today, NATO, CTF-151, EU (ATALANTA) and several countries (such as Japan, India, China, RF, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia) are actively taking part in activities conducted against piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia. However, a common platform in which solutions could be found and acted upon, is needed in implementing a maritime cross–functional inter-agency approach, healing the wounds of the maritime sector, as well as easing the workload of defense and security forces.

MARSEC COE could be ideal platform for cross-functional inter-agency approach besides Counter Piracy Training in Mediterranean before deployment of maritime forces.

In sum, MARSEC COE approach to Maritime Security is based on Multi-national cross-functional inter-agency co-operation.