My name is Stefan, and I have worked in EUCAP Somalia’s Field Office Mogadishu for three years as a Senior Maritime Adviser. From my professional background, I am a retired Navy officer with experience also from the Merchant Navy as a Deck Officer. In total, I spent about 25 years in the Navy, of which 15 of them at sea both as a master and a teacher. I have in total about ten years of experience from different international missions, this being the fourth in the Horn of Africa.

The Maritime element has always been a part of my life. I was born on the coast, and my grandfather was an old-school sea captain. I have sailed since my childhood and competed in sailing already from a young age.

Here in Somalia, the team and me are supporting the Ministry of Internal Security (MOIS) on Maritime Security topics on strategic level, such as Maritime Police policy and National Maritime Police development. For example, I mentored MOIS in creating an overall assessment of the Status Somalian Maritime Police. The assessment will be used as a foundation for further development of Maritime Police.

Our short-time objective is, that the Somali Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies reach initial operational capability with the capability to sustain their operations. As a Senior, I guide and support colleagues who work with Somali Navy and Coast Guard and the existing Maritime Police Units. This includes organizing training events for example to enhance different practical maritime skills. One of the key targets is to develop and enhance the cooperation between different Maritime Security agencies and - officials.

Somalia has the longest coastline on the mainland of Africa and managing it with the current resources is very demanding. Maritime security is a complex chain and includes much more than just the sailing. It includes the functional structures of government, maritime law and administration, as well as the blue economy. Understanding this complicity is the threshold to success in maritime security strategy work.

In the work of the Senior Maritime Adviser, I like the opportunity to deal with maritime security in an extremely broad context. In Somalia most of the structures are still under development, so we can really help in shaping them beneficial and useful for the host country and the people. Working in a multinational environment like this is rewarding, since it provides a very broad, new approach for issues and chances to find fresh solutions outside your own box.

Working in the EUCAP Maritime Security Unit is a fantastic opportunity for those, who really want to develop as a maritime security generalist. For the applicant, years on the bridge-experience is not necessary, but understanding of the functions of the maritime environment, administration and industry are crucial. This understanding can be achieved via many different professional paths, so if you are interested and feel tempted, don’t hesitate to apply in the next call!