Maritime Affairs Authority concludes international maritime law course in Aden

The General Authority for Maritime Affairs has concluded a specialized training course in Aden focused on international maritime law and jurisdiction. The program was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union.

Participants, including legal and maritime specialists, studied the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The curriculum covered the determination of maritime zones, the jurisdictions of coastal, flag, and port states, and legal procedures regarding foreign vessels, such as boarding, inspection, seizure, and hot pursuit.

The course also addressed transnational maritime crimes and international cooperation mechanisms through practical exercises and simulations. Fahim Saif Ali, CEO of the General Authority for Maritime Affairs, emphasized that building national capacity is vital due to Yemen’s strategic location along the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. He noted that proper application of maritime legal rules is essential for ensuring navigation safety and protecting national interests.