Cooperation with Maritime Authority contributed to strategy of developing the country's maritime dimension, stresses José Manuel Bolieiro - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

This week, the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, received the Director-General of the Maritime Authority (DGAM), Vice Admiral Carlos Ventura Soares, at an audience to exchange greetings.

José Manuel Bolieiro welcomed the presence of the DGAM in the Azores and highlighted the history of cooperation between the Navy and the Autonomous Region, which greatly enhances the strategic policy pursued by the Regional Government, pointing out that the country's maritime dimension is largely due to the Azores. 

"It is with great satisfaction that we acknowledge the history of cooperation between the Maritime Authority and the Autonomous Region of the Azores, which has significantly contributed to the strategy of developing the country's maritime dimension," stressed José Manuel Bolieiro.

The President of the Government also stated that this cooperation with the National Maritime Authority is essential and "must be complementary to the joint management between the central and regional administrations in areas such as environmental defence and the economic impacts on the development of the Azores."

This audience was also an opportunity to highlight the commitment of the National Maritime Authority in the Region, particularly in lifesaving, the fight against pollution, maritime signage and State authority at sea.

This year, the Azores will take part in the ASAREX 24 international exercise, scheduled to take place between July 8 and 12, which will include national, Canadian and Spanish resources, as well as regional organisations, in the context of protecting human life at sea.

The Atlantic Polex exercise aimed at supporting local authorities in the fight against pollution is scheduled to take place in Horta in 2025.

With regard to maritime signage, and in addition to the existing protocols in the Region, Vice-Admiral Ventura Soares highlighted the opening of eight vacancies in the Auxiliary Lighthousekeeper category, which are expected to improve this service in the Azores.

As for maritime policing, the DGAM announced the opening of 50 vacancies for Maritime Police officers nationwide in 2024, with another 50 vacancies planned for 2025. This reinforcement will increase the staff of the Regional Maritime Police Command, responding to the need for greater surveillance arising from the current revision of the network of marine protected areas of the Azores.