The Mexican Senate approved on Thursday the new Organic Law of the Mexican Navy, which repeals the current legislation. The law was passed with 72 votes in favor and 31 against and will be sent to the Executive for approval. The main objective of the document is to harmonize the regulations governing this military force with other decrees that expand the powers of the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) and, consequently, the Mexican Navy. The new law also aims to align with the objectives of the 'National Maritime Policy' and the 'National Development Plan 2025-2030'. The protection of maritime interests has been added to the list of tasks for the Mexican Navy, including maritime security, the national port system, maritime and port protection, maritime culture, the naval industry, marine natural resources, maritime trade, the merchant marine, the marine environment, and nautical tourism. Furthermore, the law empowers the Mexican Navy to participate in the development and implementation of public defense policies as instructed by the Supreme Command, and grants the right of visit and hot pursuit in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and on the high seas, enabling effective intervention in crimes committed in national maritime spaces. The law also incorporates changes that include inclusive language in the legislation and establish principles of equity in promotions, responsibilities, task assignments, and other areas of the naval career. The Subsecretariat of Maritime and Port Affairs and the Naval Operations Command are incorporated into the Admiralty Council to strengthen its representativeness and analytical capacity. The council is also authorized to hear appeals from naval personnel. Additionally, the law recognizes the role of SEMAR as a member of the National Public Intelligence Center (CNI) in cyber defense, cybersecurity, and the use of artificial intelligence. The document includes the National Guard among the institutions with which the Mexican Navy can exercise its powers, along with the Army and Air Force. A comprehensive restructuring of the Navy's command levels was also carried out, creating the Naval Operations Command of the Mexican Navy to replace the Navy's General Staff, and adding the 'Supreme Strategic Commander' and 'Supreme Operational Commander' levels.
