The coast guard keeps an eye on the sea

Coast guard

News

  • 20.05.26
    Smart Eye Above the North Sea: European Coast Guard Drone Deployed from Lombardsijde
    Schiebel drone and operator only visible from the back

    For the first time, a drone carrying out surveillance operations above the North Sea is operating from Belgium. The drone is being made available to the Belgian Coast Guard for the third consecutive year in the framework of the Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO).

  • 18.05.26
    EU Exchange with a focus on security
    Participants in the EU Exchange Program- Rummage team

    Customs provided further insight into their inspection techniques and demonstrated a so-called “light rummage” on board a vessel. The crew cooperated smoothly, and a detection dog trained to identify cash and drugs carried out an additional inspection. Although nothing suspicious was found, the exercise provided a clear picture of everyday practice.

  • 17.04.26
    Drones supporting Maritime Security

    The debate on drones is not merely technological; it mainly revolves around safety, interoperability and readiness. Unmanned systems are regarded as a complement to existing assets rather than a replacement for human action. Cost‑effectiveness assessments must be carried out each time; in this respect, the use of drones is not always the best option.

  • 13.03.26
    EFCA workshop on Multipurpose Maritime Operations and innovative control technologies
    EFCA Belgian delegation Eefje Deweer, Evelyn Neefs en Senne Vanlauwe
  • 17.02.26
    From geopolitical challenges to building capacity for coast guard operations
    Belgian delegates during the EMSA Workshop

    Modern and effective coast guard surveillance requires a multifunctional approach, using a complementary mix of tools – such as satellites, drones (underwater and airborne), aircraft, vessels and ground systems. No single instrument is sufficient on its own to address today’s complex maritime challenges.

  • 06.02.26
    Strategic Consultation with the Netherlands Coastguard
    Sleepboot Nederlandse kustwacht

    We can learn a lot from our northern neighbours. Flanders and the Netherlands benefit from close cooperation and the exchange of knowledge. That is why a delegation from the Belgian Coast Guard paid a working visit to the Netherlands Coastguard in Den Helder.

  • 06.01.26
    EU Exchange Program @ Belgian Coast Guard
    Voorzitters beleidsorgaan kustwacht Nathalie Balcaen en Piet Pieters verwelkomen de Poolse en Itliaanse deelnemers in het Europees uitwisselingprogramma

    From 24 to 27 November, we had the pleasure of welcoming Martyna Jagodzinska (Polish Border Guard) and Stefano Liberti (Italian Guardia di Finanza) for an inspiring week focused on Safety & Environment. A big thank you to all partners for making this an unforgettable experience. 

  • 29.11.25
    Belgium elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation
    representatives of DG Maritime Affairs during the IMO elections in London

    On November 29 in 2025, Belgium was elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation in London. This will enable our country to influence international shipping policy over the next two years.

  • 21.11.25
    The North Sea, a Sea of Opportunities
    Gouverneur Carl Decaluwe while speeching

    On November 21, 2025, many coast guard partners attended the Governor’s address, themed “The North Sea, a Sea of Opportunities

  • 17.10.25
    North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum 2025: Systems, Can We Trust Them?
    SAILDRONE

    The NACGF Summit took place this year in Copenhagen, from October 13 till 16, 2025.