Coast Guard and maritime agencies strengthen oil spill response with mock drill
The Indian Coast Guard Headquarters No. 3 (Karnataka) concluded a two-day seminar and mock drill on marine pollution response on Wednesday, bringing together various stakeholders to enhance preparedness for environmental emergencies at sea.
The event saw participation from afloat units under the Coast Guard's command, port authorities, and other maritime agencies. The seminar focused on improving coordination among all agencies involved in marine pollution response and highlighted the impact of marine pollution on the marine ecosystem.
As part of the exercise, a mock pollution response drill was conducted at the New Mangalore Port Authority's jetty. The drill simulated an oil spill scenario, demonstrating how multiple agencies can coordinate their efforts to manage such incidents effectively. The exercise showcased the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling maritime environmental emergencies.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Inspector General S. K. Verghese, Officer-in-Charge of the Coast Guard Pollution Response Team (West), said that protecting the sea from marine pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving preparedness and collaboration. He stressed the need for continuous training and joint exercises to keep all stakeholders ready for real-world challenges.
Commander Coast Guard (Karnataka) P. K. Mishra urged industries to develop new technologies for marine pollution response. He also appreciated the efforts of Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) for developing absorbent pads, which are used in responding to oil spills, according to a Coast Guard release.
The seminar and drill are part of the Coast Guard's ongoing efforts to build a robust response mechanism for marine pollution. With increasing maritime activity along India's coastline, such exercises play a critical role in safeguarding marine biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities. The Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and effective response to any future pollution incident.
