Dyfed-Powys Police Marine Unit Supports International Security Week

Dyfed-Powys Police Marine Unit Supports International Security Week

Dyfed-Powys Police Operations Protect Marine Unit has helped play a pivotal role in supporting the Maritime Security Control Week organised by European maritime law enforcement body AQUAPOL. 

The international week of action brought together UK law enforcement agencies and partners to intensify maritime security activity across the country.

During the week-long operation, from Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24, officers boarded 11 vessels in the Milford Haven Waterway.

As part of these checks, crew documentation was examined, and intelligence was gathered for submission to the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) and the National Maritime Assessment Centre – Counter Terrorism Policing.

The primary mission of AQUAPOL’s Maritime Security Control Week is to help coordinate the screening, assessment, and control of vessel movements in UK ports and waterways and deliver high-visibility operations at international maritime borders to reassure the public and port communities.

It also aims to deter individuals attempting to exploit maritime routes for criminal activities or ideological purposes and helps to increase public awareness of critical maritime security initiatives such as Portsafe and Kraken.

Sergeant Jason Richards, of Dyfed-Powys Police’s Marine Unit, said: “The AQUAPOL week of action highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in maritime security.

“Our work in the Milford Haven Waterway ensures the protection of infrastructure and demonstrates our commitment to keeping UK waters safe.”

Across the UK, a total of 50 vessels were boarded during the operation, contributing to the overall success of AQUAPOL week, which saw 178 vessels inspected internationally.

This initiative underscores Dyfed-Powys Police’s ongoing commitment to supporting national and international efforts to combat maritime crime and protect vital coastal assets.