Port Blair, Feb 23: Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands are highly eco sensitive and the waters around Islands are vulnerable to marine pollution. The Indian Coast Guard is the Central Coordinating Agency (CCA) for responding to oil spill that occurs in the Maritime Zones of India. There have been continuous efforts by the Indian Coast Guard to train all stake holders in oil spill response so that concerted efforts are made in case of any eventuality resulting in accidental spillage of oil. Accordingly, Indian Coast Guard has conducted structured courses as designed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the personnel of Oil Handling Agencies, Resource Agencies, Stake Holders and Indian Coast Guard.
Pollution Response Team (A&N) of the Indian Coast Guard conducted Oil Pollution Response Convention Level-I Course for the first responder from 19-22 Feb 18 at Port Blair. The course was designed to bring awareness on preparedness and response technique related to marine Oil Pollution as a first respondent. Apart from 07 personnel of the Indian Coast Guard, 05 Officers from Department of Environment & Forest, Police Marine Force and Port Management Board participated in the course. All participants were exposed to various theoretical aspects of oil spill properties, behavior, fate and response techniques for containment and recovery. During the course, participants were also given extensive practical training in handling of oil spill response equipment. An exposure was also provided for Health and Safety precautions to be exercised during such operations. Wild life is also prone to high causalities during any oil spill and the method required for recovery and rehabilitation of wild life were also imparted during training by expert from department of forest. Application of Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) is an important method for responding to oil spill. The participants also visited Coast Guard Air Enclave at Port Blair and were briefed about the aerial application of OSD.
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