At the closing session of the meeting of the European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF) the Federal Minister with responsibility for the North Sea Vincent Van Quickenborne (Flemish liberal) indicated that Belgium is looking into the possibilities of using drones to ensure the security of its ports and off-shore infrastructure. The two-day meeting that concluded on Thursday evening was held at the West Flemish coastal resort of Knokke.
The annual meeting of coast guards from various European countries coincided with the end of the Belgian presidency of the ECGFF. The presidency is now in the hands of Portugal. During the two-day conference delegates discussed safety and respect for maritime law during workshops led by the Belgian Coast Guard Service.
In his closing speech, Mr Van Quickenborne highlighted the importance of a strong coastguard service. "The North Sea is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. It is clear that a strong coastguard service that works closely with its European partners, is crucial to this.
The Federal Minister with responsibility for the North Sea added in addition to the fixed cameras that are in place to ensure safety and security at sea the Belgian authorities are also examining the possibility of using drones”.