The first iteration of the Sea Partnership Exercise (SEAPART25) concluded successfully on Friday, 21 March 2025, following three days of intensive, scenario-based collaboration between 14 national maritime agencies from the Philippines and Thailand. Organised under the coordination of CRIMARIO, the exercise marked a significant milestone in strengthening operational trust, regional coordination, and response capabilities across Southeast Asia’s maritime domain.
Real-world challenges, practical scenarios
SEAPART25 was designed to simulate pressing maritime safety and security challenges common to the region. These included:
- Combating the illegal trafficking of drugs and people
- Responding to maritime oil pollution incidents
- Conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations following vessel collisions
Each scenario offered participants the opportunity to apply and test their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in real-time, high-pressure conditions while coordinating with multiple agencies across borders.
At the core of SEAPART25 was IORIS, which enabled seamless real-time data sharing, operational synchronisation, and decision-making support throughout the exercise.
This exercise served to highlight the importance of cross-agency collaboration in conducting humanitarian operations and optimising asset utilisation during coordinated maritime safety and security missions.
Participants used the platform to:
- Maintain situational awareness through the live operational map
- Coordinate multi-agency responses using secure communications
- Simulate complex incidents and log decisions for review
- Foster transparency and a shared understanding of maritime activities
As Preeyaphat Kongthaworn, Analyst at THAI-MECC, highlighted:
“IORIS is an invaluable tool that significantly enhances coordination at sea, not just between national authorities, but also at the regional level. By providing a unified platform for sharing real-time information, it ensures that various stakeholders—from local authorities to regional partners—can collaborate efficiently and respond effectively to maritime challenges.”
Key outcomes and strategic benefits
SEAPART25 brought together professionals from diverse sectors—navies, coast guards, law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental authorities, and maritime regulators. By working closely together in a dynamic, scenario-based environment, agencies were able to:
- Improve communication and interoperability
- Refine decision-making in crisis conditions
- Align national SOPs with regional standards
- Exchange best practices for joint operations
- Build trust and mutual understanding among operational partners
Looking ahead
This inaugural edition of the Sea Partnership exercise underscores the growing importance of technology-driven, cross-border cooperation in Southeast Asia. As maritime threats evolve and become more complex, continued collaboration and joint training will be critical to safeguarding lives, maritime commerce, and regional stability.
We extend our sincere thanks to all agencies, experts, and supporting teams who contributed to the success of SEAPART25. Your dedication and cooperation are helping to shape a more secure, responsive, and united maritime region.
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