Based on the Joint Statement agreed on the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Leaders' Meeting in September 2024, a Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission will be conducted from Palau as the first collaborative efforts of the coast guard under the framework. This initiative is designed to share knowledge and build trust through mutual boarding of Quad countries' coast guard vessels. In this case, Japan Coast Guard officers will board a U.S. Coast Guard cutter with Australian and Indian coast guard officers.

1 Background

• Quad has been promoting practical cooperation in a wide range of areas such as maritime security, cyber, and critical and emerging technologies to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)".
• At the Quad Leaders' Meeting in Wilmington, U.S.A., in September 2024, it was agreed to implement a "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission" to share knowledge and build trust through mutual boarding of Quad countrie's coast guard vessels as a practical cooperation that will truly benefit the region.
• The first "Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission" after the agreement between the Quad leaders will be conducted aboard the USCG Cutter "STRATTON", and two Coast Guard officers will be dispatched from JCG.

2 Participating Institutions

Approximately two officer from each Quad member Coast Guard will be participated.

(1) Japan Coast Guard (JCG)
(2) Australian Border Force (ABF)
(3) Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
(4) U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

3 JCG　Participants

(1) Crisis Management Division, Administration Department
　　Special Assistant for Crisis Management Countermeasures Officer,
　　LCDR ANDO Mio
(2) Administration Division, Guard and Rescue Department
　　Special Assistant to the Director,
　　LCDR TACHIBANA Yusuke

4 Other

We will be planning post-event publicity for this event and will provide photos and other information.