A partnership that boosts continental maritime security and cooperation, sets a precedent for future collaboration and lasting ties between the countries
By First Lieutenant (RM2-T) Edgard Araujo – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
On December 30, 2023, Technical Staff Frigate Captain Anderson Alves Pereira Lopes, the Brazilian Navy’s (MB) first Liaison Officer with the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA), concluded an exchange that began on June 30 of last year. The mission was the result of a recent review of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Directorate of Ports and Coasts (DPC) and the PNA, as representatives, respectively, of the Maritime Authorities (AM – Autoridades Marítimas) of Brazil and Argentina. The agreement allows for the reciprocal appointment of Liaison Officers by both institutions, promoting the training of personnel and the exchange of information on crucial issues such as navigation safety, maritime and river safety and the prevention of environmental pollution caused by vessels and platforms and their support facilities.
During the exchange period, Commander Pereira Lopes carried out various activities related to the typical duties of the AM, including an unprecedented boarding, as an observer, on the Guardacostas Patrol Ship “Mantilla”, during a training mission, and on the Patrol Ship “Azopardo”, in order to accompany a patrol mission, in Argentine Jurisdictional Waters (AJA). On these occasions, the officer followed the waterway traffic inspection activities carried out by the PNA and the patrol and naval inspection procedures adopted by the ship’s crew; took part in various crew training sessions, involving the use of salvage materials and coastal navigation training, as well as in restricted waters; experienced the shipboard routine; and became familiar with the organization of the duties and tasks of officers and non-commissioned officers. These operational activities mark a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation between the two MAs.
In addition, he visited and interacted with various sectors of the PNA responsible for naval and professional maritime education, health, environmental protection, information technology, communications and safety of navigation, and also visited the Merchant Navy Department and the Manuel Belgrano National Nautical School of the Argentine Navy, in order to learn about the process of training and perfecting Officers and Subalterns of the Argentine Merchant Navy.
The Brazilian officer took part in three MB videoconferences with the PNA, which dealt with the implementation of offshore wind projects; the National Contingency Plan (PNC) for Oil Pollution incidents in Waters under National Jurisdiction; and the sharing of ostensible information on waterway traffic, a topic in which the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Maritime Operations and Protection Command of the Blue Amazon (COMPAAz) and the PNA is in sight, signaling the completion of a future bilateral agreement on the exchange of maritime information of interest.
In addition, on a visit to the Río de La Plata Traffic Control Center (CCTRP), Commander Pereira Lopes received a detailed presentation on its operations and functions, and had the opportunity to learn more about the ordering and regulation of vessel traffic, the prevention of shipping accidents and operational efficiency on the waterways.
Another highlight was the visit to the Buenos Aires Naval Prefecture, which allowed him to interact with local authorities and learn about the port operations carried out by this agent of AM Argentina. On this occasion, he received explanations on the management of qualifications, inspections of ship certificates, port statistics and other responsibilities of the Navigation Control and Port Records Division. In recognition of his commitment and contribution, the PNA awarded him the “Prefectura Naval Argentina” commendation on December 12, 2023.
Fulfilling the same exchange in Brazil since March 2022 is Prefect Mayor Carlos Damian Apablaza, representative of the PNA and the first Argentine officer to act as PNA Liaison Officer on national territory.
Mayor Apablaza (rank equivalent to Sea and War Captain) highlights the productivity of his exchange in Brazil, having learned about the various activities carried out by the DPC and the routine of various Naval Districts, as well as having visited and interned in various MB Military Organizations (OM) such as: Command of Maritime Operations and Protection of the Blue Amazon (COMPAAz), Admiral Graça Aranha Instruction Center (CIAGA), Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN), Maritime Court (TM) and Special Navy Prosecutor’s Office (PEM). The Argentine officer also became familiar with the activities of the Port Captaincies, taking part in various actions to monitor waterway traffic.
The PNA Liaison Officer also highlighted the process of approving licenses, both for those who sail from Brazil to Argentina and for those from Argentina who come to Brazilian ports. Another important aspect he highlighted is the interaction with COMPAAz in regulating waterway traffic. In his view, the Liaison Officers play a crucial role as a link in operationalizing areas of cooperation, joining forces and speeding up negotiations of interest to both institutions.
In the view of the Director of Ports and Coasts, the Cooperation Agreement between the PNA and the Brazilian MA is a significant milestone in strengthening the institutional and professional relationship between the MAs of the two countries. The agreement, signed on December 20, 2021, formalized this commitment.
In his words, “The fruitful work and results achieved in the last two years reflect the growth of this relationship, which has contributed to strengthening the traditional bonds of friendship and mutual trust that exist.” The Director emphasized that the joint work included inter-institutional cooperation for training personnel, exchanging technical and operational information, as well as safeguarding human life, navigational safety and preventing environmental pollution from vessels, platforms and support facilities in both countries.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***