the cadets’ conference	study tour of the Kure Coast Guard Office	experience of Japanese culture

July 8, 2011   Sailing with Sea Princess

On 08 July 2011, gentle sea breeze, warm July summer sun and calm Seto Inland Sea waves greeted the AJOC participants as they embarked on the Sea Princess, a JCGA owned sail boat, marking another first experience for most of the participants. Sailing in a sailboat is considered a rich man sports in most of the participants’ countries not like in Japan where pleasure sailing is part of their culture.
Sea Princess, a 12 meter vessel, was a thing of beauty and truly rightful to her name. A princess in her own right, the sailboat gently cuts through the waves as members of the JCGA Yacht Club steers her jib and main sail to the most appropriate angle so as to catch the maximum strength of the wind needed to propel her.
It was an exhilarating and educational experience for all the participants as riding and sailing on a real sailboat proved to be trickier than it looks, specially going upwind. Much to our amazement, we realized that there is a lot of physics involved in sailing, much like flying an airplane.
At the end of the 30 minute ride, the participants had a deepened appreciation on how to utilize and tap the forces of nature to work in favor of a seaman. And as the Princess let down her sail, the AJOC participants bid her not “Sayonara” hoping that a day will come when we will ride her again.

sail training on Seto Inland Sea	participants on board Sea Princess	setting the sail

July 15, 2011  Participants tried initial investigation training

As part of practical basic subjects, training in initial investigation was given by a lecturer from the Criminal Affairs Division of the JCG Headquarters in Tokyo, and by some crew of a patrol vessel of a designated ship for identification, from Hiroshima Coast Guard Office. The participants learned the significance and purpose of initial investigation and precautions in the lecture the previous day. Despite the summer heat, they tenaciously practiced preservation of the scene, basic photography, bloodstains collection and questioning. The mock crime scene was well prepared and there was heated interaction with the suspect and the witness. They could get the gist of initial investigation.

fingerprints collection training	preservation of evidence at the crime scene	collection of evidence at the crime scene

July 27 to 29, 2011   Participants went to Kagoshima on their field trip

The participants took the newly inaugurated Kyushu Shinkansen, or bullet train, to Kagoshima. They visited the 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, Kiire oil storage station and Sendai nuclear power plant.
At the 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, the Commander gave a lecture on leadership and the Deputy Director of Guard and Rescue Department explained regional characteristics of their mission such as measures for remote islands. They drew on their abundant experience and the participants asked many questions later.

Lecture by Commander	Lecture by Commander	Lecture by Deputy Director
		Participants wearing headbands, or Hachimaki, as a symbol of teamwork

At the Kiire oil storage station, they observed huge tanks, a VLCC on the berth and state-of-the-art disaster prevention equipment and they also received a detailed explanation about exhaust gas treatment as an environmental measure.
During their visit, they could see volcanic fumes coming from Mt. Sakurajima far in the distance. The staff of the station said “It welcomes you,” and they were delighted by that.

Briefing on the station	Explanation of foam fire-extinguishing system	Mt. Sakurajima welcoming them

At the Sendai nuclear power plant, they observed mock-ups of pellets and reactor cores in the exhibition pavilion that they have learnt about at the Japan Coast Guard Academy. They could look around behind the scenes of the plant and get a better understanding of nuclear energy.

Briefing on nuclear power plant	Explanation using mock-ups

The participants were invited to a reception sponsored by the 10th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters and warmly welcomed. They danced together and had a very good time

Welcome reception	welcome reception

August 21 to 25, 2011    Participants went to Okinawa on their field trip

During their stay in Okinawa, the weather was nice and the scorching sunlight reminded them of their home countries. The participants visited the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, Naha Air Station and Nakagusuku Coast Guard Office.
At the Regional Headquarters, Commander delivered a welcome address and the representative of participants extended their gratitude. Then they exchanged their business cards and the day began in a friendly atmosphere. Director for Planning and Coordination on Guard and Rescue explained regional characteristics of their mission including guard of territorial waters, illegal immigration and smugglings, and leisure accident response. The participants were quite curious about the countermeasures.

Courtesy call on Commander	Exchanging business cards	Lecture by Director

At the Naha Air Station, in the morning, the participants had a briefing on its activities and observed trainings of mobile rescue technicians and aircrafts in the hangar. In the afternoon, they boarded on Bombardier with JICA training participants to experience a patrol including the oil spill response drill. They were amused by a beautiful sea of Okinawa, too.

Briefing on Naha Air Station	Descending training	Boarding on Bombardier

At the Nakagusuku Coast Guard Office, Chief himself gave a briefing. The participants experienced arresting training, observed high speed patrol craft, and boarded on a high speed rubber raft. They were eager to ask many questions to the commanding officer and crew who are active in the front lines.

Training in arresting technique	Observation of a high speed patrol craft	Boarding a high speed boat

Under the full support of the Regional Headquarters, the participants learned a lot. What impressed them most was the interaction with the Japan Coast Guard staff with their warm hospitality.
They also visited Global Oceanographic Date Center (GODAC), Churaumi aquarium, Shurijo castle park, and Okinawa world. The trip helped them extend their knowledge on the ocean and unique culture of Okinawa.

Observing water pressure experiment (GODAC)	At Shurijo castle park	At Okinawa world

August 21 to 25, 2011    Training Program in Okinawa (observation tour)

Who is in this world never heard about Okinawa? If never heard of it, you should learn a lot about it. It is one of the most attracting places in Japan (at least for myself). Okinawa has comfortable weather and it is the only prefecture in Japan located in the subtropical zone. On a world map, Okinawa is just a small dot in the Pacific Ocean, but it used to be an independent kingdom, the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Nowadays as part of Japan, Okinawa has developed its own unique history and culture. Okinawa has to maintain all “treasure” (shimanchunu takara) inside this island. To maintain safety, security and marine environment is the priorities of the Japan Coast Guard 11th Region. In the East coast, vicinity of Nakagusuku bay, Nakagusuku Coast Guard Office is ready to serve the nation. Supported by Naha Air Base Station headed by chief, the air station is ready 24 hours to serve the nation as well as guarding terrritorial seas and internal water, saving lives and marine protection. Please feel safe and secure if you have interest to come.

Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the most interesting observation and recretional activities. The large acrylic window through which this “super impressive” scene is displayed is 8x22x0.6 meters (can you imagine?). A kaleidoscopic vareity of fish swim in the large tank. There are a giant whale shark 8.5 meters in lenght and many manta rays which are the world’s record for longevity in captivity. For culture experiences we visited the Shurijo Castle Park and “The Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo” Okinawa World (near the Valley of Gangala). Eisa dance attraction is performed here and this dance is traditionally performed during Obon in Okinawa and if you are not powerful enough, you can not perform the real music (sure for it). In this place 450 tropical trees are cultivated including fruits tree such as papaya, banana, mango and many kinds of rare seasonal flowers. The attraction of snake and mongoose race show is also performed here. The most marvelous thing is Gyokusendo Cave, the amazing “natural museum” beatifully carved over 300,000 years.

Nago city is a very famous city in Okinawa and it hosted the G-8 summit in 2000. The Global Oceanographic DAta Center (GODAC) was established here to attract information-related companies to the Northern Districts of Okinawa. GODAC is managed by Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Digitalized and archived deep-sea images and academic papers are available to the public through the internet and they can be accessed by anybody.

Every participant of this observation tour enjoyed the field trip and all targets were reached. The Commander, officers, staffs of the 11th Regional Office welcomed us and taught us so well. Who knows we will meet again some day? If we assemble again, I’m sure that we will have a good time singing a song of Okinawa with lots of Awamori.

...Itsu no hika kono shima o hanareteku sono hi made, taisetsu na mono motto fukaku shite itai. Sore ga shimanchunu takara.

Boarding to the Bombardier Q 300	Boarding to a patrol ship	Experiment in GODAC

September 13 to 16, 2011   Kansai District Study Trip

From September 13th to16th the AJOC participants went to the Kansai District for a study trip for the purpose of observing the Coast Guard facilities in this area and visiting Kobe University. Osaka Bay is one of the most congested sea areas in all of Japan. In this area, we were able to learn not only about the Japan Coast Guard but also about Japanese maritime education.
With regard to the Coast Guard facilities, we knew how the Coast Guard was responsible for monitoring this large area. Kansai Airport Coast Guard Station is a unique facility in Japan. In order to conduct effective patrol and to crack down on illegal fishing in this area, it combines Coast Guard station and Air station. By knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each duty area, they have established these facilities in order to compensate for each other.

Rescue skill experience

Exchange arrangement at Kobe University	Participants with training ship "FUKAEMARU"

September 13 to 16, 2011   Participants went to Kansai area on their field trip

In the middle of September, participants visited Kansai Airport Coast Guard Station, Kobe University Graduate School of Maritime Sciences and Japan Coast Guard School.
Kansai Airport Coast Guard Station has the function of both Coast Guard Station and Air Station. The participants, who had already visited Coast Guard Station and Air Station, received an explanation of its unique duties and characteristics. They also observed the training of mobile rescue technicians and had an opportunity to try the rescue equipment. Their knowledge of rescue issues was enhanced.

Lecture (Station Chief’s remarks)	Trying on an air cylinder	Experiencing being rescued

In addition to broadening the view of maritime affairs, they visited Kobe University to interact with foreign students, who attend the graduate school from the Southeast Asian region. After the self-introduction, they had presentations, opinion exchanges, a facility observation tour and luncheon. They talked about their home countries and time passed so quickly.

Presentation of gift	Presentations by the representatives

Their visit to the Coast Guard School started out with paying a courtesy call on Superintendent and Vice-superintendent. Education and training system is the biggest interest of the participants. The detailed explanation by the Superintendent was given and they asked many questions. During the facilities observation, they were impressed by how neatly students arrange their dormitory.

Courtesy visit to Superintendent	Observation of students’ dormitory	At the best view of the school

October 17 to 21, 2011   Training at Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (Yokosuka City)

From October 17 to 21, 2011, AJOC participants went to Yokosuka Training Center of Japan Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (JMDPC) to learn how to prevent disasters such as fires occurring in the environment around us, especially onboard ship, and oil spills at sea. In this training, we were able to learn about prevention of maritime disasters such as the tanker and LNG fires and oil pollution at sea. In relation to the importance of this training on maritime disaster prevention for the coast Guard, we know how the Japan Coast Guard cooperates with the Japan Maritime Disaster Prevention Center to fulfill their responsibility in this large sea area.
Yokosuka Training Center of JMDPC in Yokosuka City is a unique facility in Japan. In order to prevent fires on ships and marine oil spills, they trains and teaches staff. AJOC participants learned how to prevent disasters in the ocean, that is how to extinguish fires and clean up oil spills at sea.
Through this training, I could expand my knowledge about maritime disaster prevention. Not only the AJOC participants but also many people around the world are studying and researching various important maritime issues, and all these problems are interlinked. This means that we also play an important role in maritime disaster prevention and maritime safety.

After the Opening Ceremony at Yokoska Training Center of JMDPC	Fire Fighting Training	Oil Spill Cleanup Training

October 17 to 21, 2011   Fire fighting and oil spill control training

The AJOC participants joined the one-week training course on fire fighting and oil spill control at the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center in Yokosuka. Lectures were given and included some experiments. The lecturer pointed out the important points for the final exam, which encouraged the participants. They learned the basics of fire extinguishment and the principles of combustion.

Photo after Opening ceremony	Participants in uniforms	Experiment in the lecture

After the classroom lectures, they had exercises. There is a fire fighting practice site on an island in Tokyo bay where oil and gas fires are recreated. At this facility they could practice and refine their firefighting skills. On the day, the sea was not so calm, but they took a boat to the island. They wore fire-proof clothes, and cautions were repeatedly given. The ominous appearance of the facility made them nervous.

The sea was not calm	The time has come	The 1st step was initial fire suppression

They observed various types of combustion and learned appropriate responses to them, including small scale fires, oil tank fires, fires in the engine room and fires in the cabin. At first, they went blank on fire extinguishment procedure when faced with a furiously burning fire. Gradually they were able to proceed at the word of command and to work as a team. At the end of the hard two-day exercise, they were able to make strategies by themselves and take command of fire suppression.

Fighting against huge fires	With teeth-gritting effort	By their own fire-fighting plan

After the fire fighting exercise they studied the removal of spilled oil and performed exercises with oil booms to prevent dispersion. The oil boom was a light type one, but it was still necessary to work together as a team to set it up. They also learned the importance of teamwork through this exercise.

They worked as a team	Oil booms were set up	Certificates were presented

October 27, 2011   LNG Carrier Study Trip

AJOC participants had an opportunity to get on board a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. An LNG carrier is a tank ship designed for transporting liquefied natural gas. It has 4 spherical tanks. Her name is Umm Al Ashtan, flagship Liberia, gross tonnage 116,703, length overall 290.143 m, breadth 48 m, draught 12.3 m and she was built in 1997. She belongs to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.

It was a sunny and fresh Thursday morning. Before we got on board the LNG carrier, we had to board tug boats. We were divided into two teams. The first team got boarded the tug boat Sagami Maru, and the second team Hayama Maru. We were dispatched from Tokyo Bay Pilot Office Pier at 0910 hrs. After a 40-minute boat ride we finally met her. LNG tank ships are designed with safety and security in mind. They must meet tough international standards. They are high-tech ships, using special materials and design to safely handle the very cold LNG. Everyone involved in LNG transportation takes safety very seriously. There are many lives and a great deal of money at stake. Government and industry work together to make sure these ships are designed, maintained, and manned with safety in mind; industry maintains them with oversight by periodic government inspection, and government sets the standards for crew training. This has resulted in an outstanding safety record. Over the last 30 years, there have been about 33,000 LNG voyages worldwide, and none of them has there been a significant LNG spill. Currently, there are approximately 180 LNG ships with about 110 more being built. They were so well designed that, even when a submarine surfaced directly under an LNG ship, there was no damage to the LNG tanks, though there was damage to the tank ship's bottom.

We had to climb the gangway from the tug boat to board Umm Al Ashtan. It was very high. If you are afraid of heights, don’t worry, safety measures are taken. On board the deck, we met the chief officer, Mr. Davis. He was very friendly. After that we were brought to the conference room. We were briefed by him regarding his job, the LNG carrier specifications and its operation. After a short briefing, we went to the bridge. Finally we met the captain of the LNG carrier. He was a tall man with a big smile. We talked with some officers on the bridge. They were very keen to talk and answer our questions even though they were busy.
Thanks to them we learned a lot. The LNG carrier has emergency shutdown systems that can identify potential safety problems and shut down operations. This significantly limits the amount of LNG that could be released. Fire and gas detection and fire fighting systems help address the risk of fire. Special operating procedures, training, and maintenance further contribute to safety. LNG vessels also have equipment to make ship handling safer. This equipment includes sophisticated radar and positioning systems that enable the crew to monitor the ship's position, traffic, and identify external hazards. A global maritime distress system automatically transmits signals if an onboard emergency occurs that requires external assistance. In addition, some LNG ships use velocity meters to ensure safe speeds when berthing. When moored, automatic line monitoring helps keep ships secure. When connected to the onshore system, the instrument systems and the shore-ship LNG transfer system act as one, allowing emergency shutdowns of the entire system both from ship and from shore.

As she was en route to the Uraga Suido (Uraga channel) and Naka-No-Se, we could see the MARTIS (Maritime Traffic Information Service), or Traffic Advisory Information Service Center, building, whose mission is to maintain and improve safety and efficiency of vessel traffic in the Tokyo Bay. It was established and is operated by Japan Coast Guard. Tokyo MARTIS is operated in accordance with acts, cabinet orders, ministerial ordinance, public notices and administrative guidance. Tokyo MARTIS maintains and improves vessel traffic safety of the Tokyo Bay by collecting, verifying and monitoring vessel traffic information by sensors such as Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR*), Intelligent Transport System (ITS), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and VHF radiotelephone. It also provides information necessary for the safety of vessels, navigational advice to vessels when considered necessary to avoid imminent danger or the possibility of the violation of traffic rules, and instructs vessels to stand by outside the traffic routes if visibility is restricted. It gives permissions or arranges the time of entry into the traffic route. In addition to VHF radiotelephone communication, Tokyo MARTIS provides navigational assistance information by radio broadcast, telephone, fax and Internet homepage.

Finally at 1220 hrs she berthed at LNG terminal Futtsu Thermal Power Plant. After that Mr. Davis invited us to have lunch on the LNG carrier. The food was marvelous. We finished our study tour at 1300hrs. We were very grateful for the hospitality of the captain and his crew. I found this study trip to be very exciting and educational for us.
*An object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects

Boarding LNG carrier	Four spherical tanks	Panoramic view

October 17 to November 7, 2011   Tokyo district study trip

The Tokyo district study trip lasted more than three weeks and included firefighting and oil spill response training at the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (MDPC) in Yokosuka. After the tough training at the MDPC, AJOC participants received various additional training in Yokohama and Tokyo.

Looking at the control board	Various oil adsorbent	Listening to the explanation about the spy ship

In Yokohama, they visited the Tokyo Traffic Advisory Service Center (Tokyo MARTIS) and Yokohama National Strike Team Station to learn about maritime safety and security operations. They also visited the JCG Museum Yokohama to find out about the North Korean spy ship case. They had opportunities to board a patrol ship of the JCG and a large-scale LNG tanker in the Uraga Suido (Uraga channel) route so that they could experience the actual situation and safety measures of maritime transport in the congested Tokyo Bay. When they transferred from a small tug boat to the large tanker, the weather was a concern. Fortunately it was fine and the sea was calm. The experience of boarding the ships for different purposes helped broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding about maritime traffic service provided by the JCG.

Carefully transferring to LNG tanker	The steering room was so wide	The view was so broad

In Tokyo, they had lectures about maritime safety and security operations including international organized crime at the JCG Headquarters. They visited the Coast Guard Research Center in Tachikawa and Haneda Air Station. They made good use of the time there.
At the Research Center various training topics were prepared. One was the process of identifying a ship by analyzing the layers of paint from a scratch mark. Identification of drugs, counterfeit bills and passports was explained using the operation of equipment. Some participants looked into the sample under the microscope. Through this visit, they came to appreciate the importance of scientific investigation.

The Center was originally a lens factory	Looking at fragments of paint	Real or fake?

When they visited the Haneda Air Station and Special Rescue Station, there were many questions about the coordination of rescue operations. They found that indispensable equipment for the possible cases was always well prepared and the team was at full readiness.

At the airplane hangar	Explanation of descending apparatus	Demonstration by paramedics

They visited a maritime consulting company and a container terminal in order to gain extensive knowledge about maritime safety operation. They received explanations about consulting services related to both domestic and overseas maritime traffic safety and were able to obtain information and knowledge with container transportation in situ.

Observation of simulator	At the container terminal	Briefing by the captain

One of the purposes of the study trip was to interact with the JCG staff so as to enhance mutual understanding. On November 2nd they had an informal get-together with the attendance of Mr.Uchinami, Director of the Administration Department and other 50 JCG staff. Two participants had birthday in November, so cakes were kindly prepared for them. They had a great time.

Memorial group photo	Happy Birthday

December 17 to 20, 2011  Shipboard Training Onboard “PL 21 KOJIMA”

The AJOC participants joined the three (3) days shipboard training with Japan Coast Guard Academy (JCGA) 4th Grade Navigation and Engineering cadets’ onboard Japan Coast Guard (JCG) training ship “PL 21 KOJIMA” from December 17 to 20, 2011. The 3-day navigation route started from JCGA wharf in Kure to Beppu Point on the island of Kyushu.
The onboard training experience was designed in able for the participants to observe and learn how the JCGA cadets are trained onboard, to understand the daily task of the patrol vessel and the contents of training cruise, to observe the training and navigational exercise by the KOJIMA’s crew and cadets, and to learn the command capability for emergency at sea such as ship distress and the operational ability for patrol vessel.
During the shipboard training, participants received lectures from the officers of KOJIMA, observation in engine and communication rooms; observe the cadets’ training/ exercises during departure and arrival at the port, towing and navigation watch (day and night). The participants were also able to experience cadets’ life by joining cadet’s calisthenics, preparing and joining in the mess, and observing KOJIMA’s training schedule which includes the cleaning time, shower time and the 2030H shipboard inspection. Furthermore, the participants enjoyed the first class varieties of meal served in KOJIMA.

In front of KOJIMA	Observing the exercise

As the shipboard training concluded, the participants are expected to acquire depth understanding on JCGA’s onboard education and training system and to determine areas which can be of help for the improvement of their organization’s shipboard education system. Moreover, the said training is also a good avenue for the participants, cadets and KOJIMA’s officers and crew to build good relationship, as well as strengthening professional partnership and cooperation between the four (4) participating countries.

At the ceremony	“All on deck”

December 17 to 20, 2011  KOJIMA THE INTERNATIONAL CLASS TRAINING SHIP

Applying knowledge on board the ship is one of the most important programs for each maritime-related institution. Kojima is one of the training ships owned by Japan Coast Guard (JCG) which was commissioned on 11 March 1993. Kojima’s gross tonnage is 3,136 and she is the 4th generation ship with dimensions: 115m x 14m x 7.3m and capacity of 58 crews and 60 cadets.

The AJOC members boarded from 17-21 December 2011 and we observed some duties and team work conducted by the commanding officer, officers, crews and cadets in Kojima. The AJOC members boarded Kojima with the 4th year cadets for inshore cruise around Honshu and Shikoku.

For AJOC members the objectives of this observation were to observe the cadet’s abilities to operate, coordinate and their team work abilities as JCG’s shipboard officers, observe comprehensive team duties between cadets and Kojima’s crew. In addition, having direct experience on board the ship was one of them if they were not familiar enough with onboard situation. Sailing in the Seto Inland Sea, Hayasui Seto and the Bungo Channel by Kojima was a “flash back” memory for me. A few years ago I used to pass this channel many times. I got my first experience for navigation in narrow strait through this area in 2000.

Kojima sailed on 18 December from JCGA berth at 09.00 Hrs, with her bridge crews and cadets standby in their own post. Bridge resource management started. The command system during ship’s operation was almost same between on the bridge and on the scene (un-berthing process). The command was controlled on the bridge supported by ECR (Engine Control Room) and on the scene commander (fore and aft).

Towing preparation with rocket line throwing apparatus	Long and strong ropes used

Preparation for towing	Participants (with life jacket) watching the towing

During the towing operation on-the-scene officer and crews had to move a lot and shall receive command from the bridge. The on-scene commander received information and delegated crews and cadets to monitor the scene. The on-scene commander had to watch the crew’s action.
During the engine room observation the author found the engine room was arranged safely, tidy and everything was put in their place and arranged very well. The author have so much experience to observe the engine rooms of foreign merchant ships and cruise ships in any kind of flag state as own duty as a Marine Inspector and Port State Control Officer in Indonesia, Kojima’s engine room was very clean compared with those vessels that ever observed. This was the tidiest and cleanest ship’s engine room in the world. This means the engine room management system, harmonization duty and coordination have been conducted well. As additional information related to engineer’s duties: Kojima’s air conditioner was very clean. The ship’s air conditioner is very important on board. Kojima has weather tight doors and windows and all the crew are attentive to close the doors tight due to safety and security, therefore air circulation on board especially in the cabin is produced by the air conditioner. The air conditioner was very clean and regularly cleaned, the chief engineer has explained with details and confidence. In the engine room during watch the engineers delegated some duties to cadets to check the machinery operation. In some occasions the engineers conduct emergency scenario in machinery space.
The AJOC members also observed Kojima’s radio room and received nice explanation by “The warm-hearted female officer.” Aside from daily training and observation, the participants also had a very good meals service on board the ship. Thanks to the staff who prepared meals, the meal service was unforgettable.

Engine control room observation	AJOC members and training organizer

December 27, 2011  Special lectures by staff of the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre

AJOC participants had special lectures by the invited staff of the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre from Singapore on December 27, 2011.
ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia) is an agreement to promote regional cooperation in order to deal effectively with piracy and armed robbery in Asia. It was adopted in November 2004 and came into effect in September 2006. There are 17 contracting parties including Japan.
Based on this agreement ReCAAP ISC was established in November 2006 in Singapore. The roles of ReCAAP ISC include exchanging information among contracting parties on incidents of piracy and armed robbery, supporting capacity building efforts of contracting parties, and fostering cooperative arrangements. Two lecturers were invited. One was an assistant director of programme division who was originally from the Japan Coast Guard. The other was a senior specialist (research) who is Singaporean.
The assistant director explained the overview and history of ReCAAP and the roles of ReCAAP ISC in detail. He described the information transfer process in the piracy and armed robbery cases. He also mentioned the importance of information sharing. The senior specialist picked up some actual cases and explained patterns and trends of piracy and armed robbery. He emphasized the significance of information sharing among stakeholders to address the problems through the analysis of each and every case rather than quoting simple statistical figures.
There were opinions from the participants such as that for accurate and prompt information sharing, common recognition and cooperation among stakeholders are necessary. Therefore building a good relationship among them is first and foremost important. Challenges against piracy and armed robbery in the Asian region differ by country and by organization. Some countries have anti-piracy laws and some do not. It was a good opportunity for all of them to reconsider both the importance and difficulty of cooperation that leads to the region’s safety and security while respecting each country’s sovereignty.

Lecture explaining the overview	Lecture introducing the analysis	Participants in the class

Memorial photo after the lecture

February 20 to 22, 2012   Trip to Monbetsu (Hokkaido)

On February 20th we departed from HIP for Mombetsu city in Hokaido by air. We had heard that there is a “Frozen City.” That information was correct, from the sky we could see frozen sea. When we arrived at Mombetsu airport, it was -6oC. It was like being in a refrigerator. For most of us this was the first experience to visit such a “White City.” It was very quiet and there were few people on the street. The streets were covered with snow and we could see white and thick snow on road side.

First in Monbetsu, we visited Mombetsu Coast Guard Office. We got a lecture of Mr. Arazeki, Chief of Monbetsu Coast Gurad Office, regarding the function and jurisdiction of Mombetsu Coast Guard Office. They work together with police and the customs to cope with illegal activities in their jurisdiction. They have unique jurisdiction where hot current and cold current meet making it rich in living creatures and that attracts poaching and illegal fishing in Mombetsu area.

Day second, we got a chance to experience sailing on the ice breaker (Garinko-go II) and sailed in the frozen sea. It was very cold and windy but very excited. We could take pictures and enjoy icing sea. In this season usually they can see drifting ice, but unfortunately we couldn’t see them because that they were drifted away from the coast. Every winter that ice come to Mombetsu and become the famous attraction.

We attended the International Symposium regarding Okhotsk Sea and sea ice. This Symposium discussed the optimizing North Pole sea area in the business and the sailing method to minimize the cost of oil and the distance between Asia and Europe. These were new knowledge especially for me. Japan and European countries may develop Northern Sea Route after Russia opens their sea to use for commercial purpose as sea routes. They can predict the route which is observed by modern equipment and by image of satellite.

The last day we visited Okhotsk Sea Museum / GIZA. We got experience the true-to-life visuals of Astrovision, the audio-visual hemisphere, magnificent views of drift ice filmed from the sky, the coast line with a riot of flowers. Each season of the Okhotsk is spread over the entire dome, giving us 360 o visibilities.

The Museum gave us an opportunity to experience the severe coldness of -20oC. There was a botanical garden where the flowers of Okhotsk had been preserved in ice. There, visitors can experience and touch the real drift ice even in midsummer. Various sizes of fish and shellfish from the Sea of Okhotsk are preserved in ice from 1,6meter long sturgeon to tiny plankton.

in front of the CG office	Lecture by Chief of CGO	Visiting the museum

Icebreaker "Garinko"	on board	at the Symposium

March 7, 2012   The 1st Asia Coast Guard Junior Officer Course of Japan has been completed

The closing ceremony of the 1st Coast Guard Capacity Improvement Program to secure safety and environmental conservation in Asian oceans (Asia Coast Guard Junior Officer Course of Japan) was held at the Japan Coast Guard Academy in the presence of Dr. Hara, former provost of Kobe University of Mercantile Marine (Steering Committee Chairperson of the program.) Rear Admiral Uryu, Superintendent of the Academy, presented the certificate and gifts to the participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Japan. Since the opening ceremony on May 9 in 2011, the training course has been done and dusted.

Rear Admiral Uryu Superintendent of the academy	Dr. Hara, former provost of Kobe University of Mercantile Marine	Participants of AJOC

present the certificate and gift

end of the ceremony	in front of the main building
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After the closing ceremony, a farewell party was held. Prof. Michimoto, Vice Superintendent, delivered a speech and each participant also made a speech about the result and memories of their long training period.

Prof. Michimoto, vice superintendent

	This picture can be enlarged by clicking on it.

The participants went to Tokyo. They visited the Japan Coast Guard headquarters and the Nippon Foundation to report the completion of the training. Then on March 10 the overseas participants departed from Narita airport for their respective countries.

March 9, 2012   Participants visited the Nippon Foundation to report the completion of the training

After the completion of the training, the nine participants of the Asia Coast Guard Junior Officer Course of Japan visited the Nippon Foundation to report their result to Mr.Unno, Executive Director of the Foundation. Each of them expressed his/her gratitude to the foundation for the support.
Mr. Unno mentioned that the participants showed their brilliant faces with confidence fulfilling the training. He also encouraged them to continue the relationship and to contribute to the happiness of people and the safety of society as leaders after returning to their respective countries.

Participants reporting their result	Presenting a gift

Presenting a gift	Participants with brilliant faces
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Participants Life in 2011/2012

Date	activity
May	Athletic Meet
June	Miyajima Tour
July	Japanese Class
August	Bon Dance Festival
August	Japanese Traditional Mold Dyeing Activity
October	Saijo Sake Festival
November	Dorayaki
December	Japanese Tea Ceremony
January	Flowr Arrangement (Ikebana)
January	Tondo and Mochitsuki
January	Japanese Paper Doll Making
February	Calligraphy and Paintings
March	Japanese Language class was closed

May 22, 2011   The participants joined the athletic meet at the nearby elementary school

There is an elementary school near HIP where the participants stay. At this school athletic meets are held to promote interaction with local residents. All nine participants joined the athletic meet to deepen exchange with the residents. They took part in the bun-snatching race, gate ball, relay races and other games. They enjoyed themselves very much.

A victory pose in front of pupils	Participant carrying the baton	A good time was had by all

June 25, 2011   Participants joined Miyajima Tour

The Asia Coast Guard Junior Officer Course of Japan (AJOC) participants joined the Miyajima tour together with other seven (7) countries’ JICA participants last June 25, 2011.
The tour is part of one of the primary objective of the course that is to provide the participants with general information concerning key points regarding Japan as well as discovering Japanese culture and history. The 1,400 years old Itsukushima (Strict Island) Shrine, the Miyajima’s greatest attraction and has been declared a national treasure by the government of Japan designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the three (3) most scenic views the Japan has to offer.
The participants enjoyed taking photographs to the O-torii (shrine gate) which was built in 1874, the Gojunoto- which is five storied pagoda built in 1407, and the resident deer that are always ready to take pictures. The participants were also able to experience hiking to the top of 535 meters elevated Mount Misen, the main peak of Miyajima covered with picturesque old-growth forest by taking the Miyajima Ropeway, the aerial rope systems, circulating and funicular in series, which is rare and unique in Japan. The view from the Mount Misen Summit was truly exceptional where we can see the magnificent landscapes and the great viewpoint of the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) dotted islands from the Shishiiwa Observatory.
Indeed, it was a great enjoyable experienced for the participants to stroll through the nature and history of the island of the gods.

group picture at Shishiiwa Observatory	O-torii(shrine gate)	with deer

July 7, 2011  Japanese Class

We are very grateful for and enjoy the Japanese language class. The first lesson was an introduction: how to introduce ourselves in Japanese such as name, occupation, country, home town, hobby etc. We tried to practice on the Japan Coast Guard Academy cadets. We also had outdoor activities to train our skills at “surviving” in Japan, for instance, how to send a letter, how to ask in a store, how to ask the price, and how to ask directions etc. In the class we not only study the language but also are introduced to Japanese culture.
We learned many interesting stories and sentences so that we can make a joke using some phrases, like “Oh…soro-soro shitsurei shimasu” that means Oh…time is up or it is the time to say good bye, or “Ja, byoin ikimasyo.” Any time we hear somebody just say“Ja,” we start thinking that he or she may say“Ja byoin ikimasyo”that means Ok, let’s go to hospital.
We have Japanese class every Friday for 2 hours from 19:00. Although we return to the Hiroshima International Plaza (HIP) from the Japan Coast Guard Academy at around 18:00 and are sometimes a little bit tired, we are always eager to learn Japanese language, character, and culture.

Japanese Class in HIP	Japanese traditional cloths

tea ceremony	outdoor activity	outdoor activity

August 13, 2011   Participants joined the Bon Dance Festival

They all enjoyed the dances	Participants enjoying the Bon Dance

Contestant shouting Japanese words	The winner received a prize of watermelons

Fireworks at the end of the festival

August 19, 2011  Japanese Traditional Mold Dyeing Activity

Participants listening instruction	Instructor explaining the processes

Participants concentrating on their work	Participants carefully dyeing	A masterpiece is almost complete

Masterpieces are complete	Participants smiling with their works of art

October 8, 2011   We took part in 'Saijo Sake Matsuri'

Participants in traditional clothes	Participants learning about Sake making	Visiting some Sake breweries

Photo with Sake barrels	Tasting real Sake of Saijo	Calligraphy after tasting

Parading along the streets	Short break during the parade

November 18, 2011   We made Dorayaki

On November 18, 2011, we were given an opportunity to learn how to cook “dorayaki” by instructors specially invited by the staff of Hiroshima International Plaza. We all were very excited to learn how to cook this famous and delicious cake. Dorayaki is very well known in our countries. If someone mentions dorayaki, everyone will remember Doraemon. Doraemon, the Japanese manga and anime character, loves dorayaki. It has been a plot device several times throughout the series. This is a kind of pun, though his name comes not from "dorayaki" but from the word "doraneko" (stray cat).
Doraemon is a famous Japanese comic series created by Fujiko F. Fujio which later became an anime series and an Asian franchise. The series is about an earless robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a schoolboy, Nobita.

Dorayaki is a type of Japanese confection, a red bean pancake which consists of two small pancake-like patties made from castella wrapped around a filling of sweet red bean paste. It originally only had one layer, and the current shape was invented in 1914 by the Ueno Usagiya. In Japanese, dora means "gong", and because of the similarity of the shapes, this is probably the origin of the name of the sweet. Legend has it that the first dorayaki were made when a samurai named Benkei forgot his gong (dora) upon leaving a farmer’s home where he was hiding and the farmer subsequently used the gong to fry the pancakes, thus they named it dorayaki.

We all tried to cook dorayaki by ourselves while the instructors gave good explanation about the cooking method from the beginning until the end. We enjoyed having a meal together afterwards. We will never forget this, even after we return to our respective countries. We will try to cook dorayaki again.

“I hope it’s good"

Everybody took part	Participants carefully cooking	Instructors were very kind

December 22, 2011   Japanese tea ceremony

Participants learned the Japanese tea ceremony at Hiroshima International Plaza as part of events that bring them into contact with the Japanese culture.

January 6, 2012   Flower arrangement (Ikebana)

Participants learned flower arrangement at Hiroshima International Plaza as part of events that bring them into contact with Japanese culture just after they greeted the new year in Japan.

January 14, 2012   Tondo and Mochitsuki

AJOC participants and their friends of JICA training course were invited to join the tondo (burning of New Year decorations) and mochitsuki (pounding rice for rice cake) festival by Misonou Elementary School.
That festival was held at the school plyaground near Hiroshima International Plaza in Saijo, Higashihiroshima.
They enjoyed the festival together with students and people from the community and tasted mochi (rice cakes) that they pounded.

January 26, 2012   Japanese Paper Doll making

AJOC participants had an opportunity to experience Japanese culture through paper doll making. They were a good hand at dealing with tiny parts of Japanese paper dolls and made very nice dolls with the help of kind instructors.
They were quite creative by changing the size and shape of a hair ornament and so on. All of them enjoyed and happy about their beautiful paper dolls.

Participant making heartily	Participant making heartily	Participant making heartily

Participant making heartily	Participant making heartily	Participant making heartily

A beautiful doll	With kind instructors

February 17, 2012   AJOC participants tried calligraphy and paintings

AJOC participants learned calligraphy and paintings. The subject was Hina matsuri, the Doll Festival (March 3).
At first the instructor gave a brief explanation about one of the Japanese traditional events, Hina matsuri. She talked about its history and custom.
Next participants practiced to draw a design with a brush. They wrote part of “Hina matsuri” song in hiragana they had learned in the Japanese language class. Finally they drew and wrote to complete their art works.

Explanation by the instructor	Participants practicing	Participants practicing

Participants coloring	Participants coloring	They were all well done

March 2, 2012  The certificate of Japanese language class was given

AJOC participants have attended the evening Japanese class for about one year at Hiroshima International Plaza where they stay. All of them have completed the class with excellent results. They were given certificates of completion and gifts from the instructors who helped them a lot. They had the training daytime and they took the night class every Friday. Sometimes they were tired after the training, but they attended for such a long period. The day has come.
On the occasion each of them made a speech to express their impressions about their stay in Japanese.

	this picture can be enlarged by clicking on it.