Maritime Security Centre
The Maritime Security Centre (MSC) was commissioned in 2013, with the noble blessing of His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces - may Allah rest his soul in peace. For the first five years, the centre carried out its various functions and roles in temporary accommodation at the Headquarters of the Royal Navy of Oman. In December 2018, a brand-new building, designated as the Maritime Security Centre, was officially inaugurated at MAM Camp in the Governorate of Muscat. The new facility is one of a series of landmark achievements witnessed in the sultanate during the prosperous and auspicious era of His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces - may Allah rest his soul in peace. The building is furnished with the latest systems and equipment that enable it to perform its duties and tasks in the field of maritime security, in cooperation with other military, security and civil agencies.
The Maritime Security Centre manages and leads maritime security operations in the Omani maritime zone. Its tasks include protecting seaports, offshore installations and coasts; combating maritime security threats such as illegal immigration, organized crime, illegal trade, maritime piracy, pollution of the marine environment, obstruction of international navigation routes, maritime terrorism, infiltration and smuggling and climate change. It is also actively engaged in the protection of fisheries, the conduct of search and rescue operations and the provision of assistance to ships sailing in Omani territorial waters. In addition, MSC participates in the collection, analysis and exchange of information between different operations centres involved in maritime security.
The Maritime Security Centre works around the clock and is manned by an Omani crew from various military, security and civilian agencies concerned with maritime security. MSC receives reports through several outlets and channels so that it can provide an appropriate and rapid response to incidents that occur in the Omani maritime zone. MSC utilises cutting-edge technology to provide 24/7 monitoring of the Omani coastal region, with the aim of ensuring safety and stability. In terms of its duties and responsibilities, the centre works to consolidate efforts among maritime security stakeholders; provides the necessary capabilities such as reconnaissance planes, ships and boats required for maritime security operations; draws up procedures and plans to combat illegal activities and all forms of organized maritime crime in ports, coastal facilities and marine coastal areas, drafts the requisite procedures and measures that directly contribute to the protection of fish stocks and marine life. In addition, the centre provides an effective response to crises such as environmental and humanitarian disasters by employing all capabilities and means available; participates in planning how to manage crises and marine disasters by preparing future scenarios for marine risks; contributes to educating citizens, residents and sea-goers about the importance of maritime safety and cooperation to preserve the health and diversity of the natural environment. It also participates in mutual exchange and cooperation with brotherly and friendly countries, and regional and international organizations in all matters related to maritime security. The maritime threats that fall within the remit of MSC are maritime piracy, illegal migrations (infiltration), illegal fishing, overfishing, pollution of the marine environment, obstruction of international shipping routes, maritime terrorism, tampering and sabotage of offshore oil installations, organized crime, illegal trade and smuggling activities.
