Graduate Course Specifically Focused on Coast Guard Studies

by Yuta Arai

Introduction

This article introduces Japan’s international initiative to develop human resources in maritime law enforcement, specifically for the coast guard.

The Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program (MSP) is a master’s degree program jointly organized by the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), with the cooperation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and a co-working organization, The Nippon Foundation. It is designed for officers of coast-guard organizations in the Indo-Pacific region, all conducted entirely in English.

Objectives and Background

The MSP was launched in 2015 as a capacity-building program “to foster their abilities to formulate high-level maritime safety and security policy and effectively address global maritime challenges.” As maritime issues in Asia—such as drug-smuggling, illegal migration, and piracy—became increasingly complex and diverse, this program responds to a demand for professionals capable of addressing these international threats and contributing practically to maintaining maritime order. Through the program, participants will “acquire abilities to creatively formulate policy and effectively address maritime challenges.” The origin of the MSP lies in the Asia Coast Guard Junior Officers Course (AJOC), implemented by the JCG with the support of the Nippon Foundation from 2011. After three years of AJOC, the program evolved into its current form by integrating GRIPS’s academic and research expertise, with granting a master’s degree, and JICA’s financial and logistical support for learning, travel, and residence in Japan.

Curriculum

The MSP features an intensive one-year curriculum that balances theory and practice. The academic year is divided into three terms:

First Term (October–March) – GRIPS, Tokyo

The course begins at GRIPS, located in central Tokyo, where participants study the foundations of policy analysis. Core courses include International Relations, International Security Studies, and International Law of the Sea, while elective courses cover topics such as International Political Economy, Military Operations, Strategy and Policy, and Non-Traditional Security. Participants enhance their fundamental understanding of international relations through courses at GRIPS. They also engage in case studies and simulations, analyzing legal and operational aspects of maritime law enforcement practices.  This allows them to develop a scientific approach to policy-making.

Second Term (April–July) – JCG Academy, Hiroshima

Participants continue their studies at the Japan Coast Guard Academy in Hiroshima, where the program then shifts to practical learning. Core subjects such as Maritime Police Policy and Policy for Search & Rescue, Salvage, and Maritime Disaster Prevention provide them with insights from JCG’s operational lessons at sea. Participants also experience exercises using patrol vessel simulators for ship maneuverability and practical operation like a commanding officer on board who is required to perform technical and analytical skills for decision-making at the scene.

Third Term (August–September) – GRIPS, Tokyo

During their summer program term, participants conduct field studies by visiting JCG bases and facilities nationwide. As a conclusion to the program, each participant writes a policy paper, equivalent to a master-degree thesis, based on an individually selected research topic. Upon completion, graduates receive the Master of Policy Studies degree from GRIPS.

Achievements

The significance of the MSP lies not only in individual capacity development but also in the creation of an international network among coast guard leaders. Since the graduation of the initial class of ten officers, the program will have produced 78 graduates as of September 2025, representing 11 countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Palau, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. These graduates now form a vertical and horizontal network that spans a decade, each serving as a leading player of their respective organizations. Some alumni now hold key leadership positions in their home organizations and actively contribute to sharing the value of rule-based order. This growing network serves as a driving force to promote the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and to strengthen regional maritime cooperation.

Conclusion

Japan’s commitment to international cooperation in this maritime law enforcement field directly contributes to secure maritime governance. The MSP has successfully produced a new generation of leaders who will shape the future of coast guard organization. Graduates are serving as a foundation for designing and legitimizing maritime rule-based order through its global alumni and enduring professional network. Given the growing complexity and instability of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, the MSP initiative has proven indispensable—and their value will undoubtedly be recognized even more widely in the decade ahead.

(Source)

Japan Coast Guard Academy, “Maritime Safety and Security Policy Program”

https://www.academy.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/education/organization/center/file/msp-pamphlet-en2022.pdf

Japan Coast Guard, "Kaiho Journal vol.102"

 https://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/doc/journal/kaiho-102_web.pdf