The Course on Maritime Security is one the first flagship initiatives of the Atlantic Centre, taking place annually at the Airbase n. 4, at Lajes, Terceira Island, Azores, for a week in May. Every year, participating states choose a different aspect of maritime security to be addressed, which reflects their agreed priorities, ensuring that the course adjusts to varying concern and needs. Around thirty trainees are selected from across the Atlantic to attend the course and are then part of an alumni network, which works also as a pool of experts from which other activities of the Atlantic Centre can pool. The call for participants is made public annually in January.