The Djibouti Code of Conduct

https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Security/Pages/Content-and-Evolution-of-the-
Djibouti-Code-of-Conduct.aspxhttps://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Security/Pages/
Content-and-Evolution-of-the-Djibouti-Code-of-Conduct.aspx

 The Djibouti Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships
in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, also referred to as the Djibouti Code of
Conduct, was adopted on 29 January 2009 by the representatives of: Djibouti, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, the United Republic of Tanzania and
Yemen. Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Jordan, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South
Africa, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates have since signed bringing the total to 20
countries from the 21 eligible to sign.

Under the Code, which became effective from the date it was signed, signatories declare
their intention to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy and
armed robbery against ships. The Code also took into account and promote the
implementation of relevant aspects of UN Security Council resolutions 1814 (2008), 1816
(2008),1838 (2008), 1844 (2008), 1846 (2008), 1851 (2008) and of UN General Assembly
resolution 63/111, which fall within the competence of IMO. These UN resolutions were
subsequently complemented by UN Security Council resolutions 1897 (2009), 1918 (2010),
1950 (2010), 1976 (2011), 2015 (2011), 2020 (2011), 2077 (2012), 2125 (2013), 2184 (2014)
and 2246 (2015). For various UN Security Council documents on Piracy click here or here.

In particular the signatories to the Code have agreed to co-operate, in a manner consistent
with international law, in:

(a)The investigation, arrest and prosecution of persons, who are reasonably suspected of
having committed acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships, including those inciting or
intentionally facilitating such acts

(b)The interdiction and seizure of suspect ships and property on board such ships;

(c)The rescue of ships, persons and property subject to piracy and armed robbery and the
facilitation of proper care, treatment and repatriation of seafarers, fishermen, other
shipboard personnel and passengers subject to such acts, particularly those who have been
subjected to violence; and

(d)The conduct of shared operations – both among signatory States and with navies from
countries outside the region – such as nominating law enforcement or other authorized
officials to embark on patrol ships or aircraft of another signatory.

In addition, the Code provides a framework for communication, coordination and

A. Delivering national and regional training

IMO has been supporting regional training endeavours, conducted under the auspices of the
Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC) since 2010. To date, the Organization, in
partnership with other international and regional organizations including NATO, EU
NAVFOR, East African Standby Force (EASF), Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Bin Nayef Academy
of Marine Science and Security Studies, EU MARSIC programme, US AFRICOM and Turkey's
International Maritime Security Centre of Excellence, has facilitated 60 training courses,
benefiting more than 1000 trainees from the region.

On 12 November 2015, the DRTC building was officially opened in Doraleh, Djibouti. The
establishment of a regional training centre was originally recommended by the 2009 Djibouti
Meeting, and the centre is intended to play a key role in regional capacity-building initiatives
under the Code. IMO will continue to help the Djibouti Regional Training Centre to deliver on
its objectives while investing in capacity to implement more programmes in the region.

B. Enhancing national legislation

The signatory States to the Code undertook to review their national legislation with a view
to ensuring that there are laws in place to criminalize piracy and armed robbery against
ships and to make adequate provision for the exercise of jurisdiction, conduct of
investigations and prosecution of alleged offenders.

IMO is working closely with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as well
as other international organizations and development partners to assess and assist with
upgrading national legislation, focusing on empowering States' law-enforcement forces to
conduct arrests and criminal investigations.

C.Information sharing and Maritime Domain Awareness

The Code provides for sharing of piracy-related information, through its information sharing
network established in 2011. The network is centred on the three Information Sharing
Centres: the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) in Mombasa, Kenya,
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
and the Regional Maritime Information Sharing Centre (ReMISC) in Sana'a, Yemen. It is used
to exchange information on piracy incidents across the region and other relevant
information to help shipping and signatory States to take action to mitigate piracy threats.

Since its establishment, the information sharing network has played a significant role in
countering piracy. IMO will continue to support the capacity of the regional network to
counter piracy as well as other illicit activities at sea.

IMO is also working to develop signatory States' maritime domain awareness. Projects to
increase the use of terrestrial automatic identification systems (AIS), long-range
identification and tracking of ships (LRIT), coastal radar and other sensors and systems have
been undertaken and continue to be implemented.

D. Building counter piracy capacity

IMO has been working with partners to boost the capacity of states in the Western Indian
Ocean and Gulf of Aden region to suppress piracy by supporting development of maritime
infrastructure, law enforcement and implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct. In its
endeavour to strengthen capacity in the region IMO has signed five strategic partnerships
with UN agencies and the EU. These joint agreements to combat piracy, reaffirm the mutual
commitments to improving coordination at all levels and across all relevant programmes and
activities, with a view to strengthening the capacity of States in the region to deal with
piracy, as well as to help develop viable and sustainable alternatives to piracy.

The evolution of the Djibouti Code of Conduct

Since it was signed in 2009, the Code has evolved to be the major focus for facilitating
transnational communication, coordination and cooperation within the region, creating a
basis for technical cooperation between the signatory States, IMO and international partners
that is trusted, effective and popular.
IMO continues to support Member States to implement the Djibouti Code of Conduct
through its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and activities funded by the
Djibouti Code Trust Fund. It also maintains a presence in the region, focussed on the Code,
with four staff members based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Djibouti Code of Conduct Trust Fund

The Djibouti Code of Conduct Trust Fund is a multi-donor voluntary fund. Financial
contributions may be made by Member States of the United Nations or IMO, organizations,
institutions or private individuals to support counter piracy capacity building. Member States
and intergovernmental organizations with which the IMO has relations and non-
governmental organizations with consultative status are also able to support the efforts of
IMO by providing in-kind support.

The Fund remains open for donations to assist the IMO to counter piracy within the Djibouti
Code of Conduct framework.