Baltic defense shield: Navy and Border Guard cooperation is the key to maritime security

Key objectives of the joint maneuvers

The joint operations of the Polish Navy and the Maritime Border Guard Unit included:

• Anti-sabotage defense of vessels in port and at anchorages,
• Monitoring of critical infrastructure,
• Situational live-fire exercises from vessel decks,
• Training for Border Guard control teams and Navy Task Force Groups.

The ASSYMEX training

One of the key elements of the exercise was the ASSYMEX training, involving the patrol vessel SG-111 (Patrol 1).

- The aim of this episode was to perfect defense against sabotage activities and conduct an onboard inspection of a vessel suspected of destabilizing actions, explained Junior Warrant Officer Katarzyna Przybysz, spokesperson for the Maritime Border Guard Unit.

The SAREX exercise

In the next phase of the maneuvers, the crew of patrol vessel SG-301 participated in the SAREX exercise, cooperating with a Navy helicopter. The scenario involved approaching the vessel, establishing communication, and executing maneuvers that allowed a rescue worker to be lowered onto the deck. The training also included live-fire exercises from onboard weapons – both during the day and at night – in a line formation targeting surface objects.

Civilian vessel control simulation

Another day of the exercises featured a simulated control operation against a civilian vessel, played by ORP Kaszub.

- Due to the lack of communication with the vessel, a disabled AIS receiver, and unusual maneuvers, the decision was made to detain the vessel and board it, reported Junior Warrant Officer Katarzyna Przybysz.

During this operation, the Border Guard crew conducted a documentation check, identification of the crew, and a search of the vessel for illegal substances, weapons, and other materials that could pose a threat.

Firefighting simulation

The final stage of the exercise was a simulation of extinguishing a fire on a Navy vessel using water cannons and fire curtains from SG-301’s deck.

- Such interagency maneuvers are invaluable in building response procedures for both military and non-military crisis threats. The synchronization of actions and cooperation enhance the effectiveness of critical infrastructure protection and improve national security and defense, concluded Junior Warrant Officer Katarzyna Przybysz.