Port Blair, Nov 20: Andaman and Nicobar Command’s Coast Guard component conducted an IMO Level-I course for the various stakeholders responsible for Pollution Response Operations from 14-18 Nov 22 at Port Blair. The course was conducted in line with the guidelines of OPRC Convention 1992 to which India is a signatory. Any oil spill in the seas around the A&N islands will have severe environmental effect on the marine ecosystem and adversely affect the dependent economic / tourism activities. Accordingly, the IMO level courses are structured and conducted to provide effective training to all stakeholders for coordinated and synergized response operations against any oil spills at sea.
The training course was attended by around 26 participants, including officials from the Department of Environment & Forests, Port Management Board (PMB) and Police Marine Force (PMF). The course curriculum provided the participants an insight into the various facts of pollution response in terms of awareness, preparedness, response, legal regulations and practical exposure on handling of pollution response equipment. Certificates of successful completion of the training course were also presented to all the participants.