Indian Coast Guard Conducts 8th Edition of NATPOLREX-VIII
The Indian Coast Guard, an arm of the Indian Armed Forces, recently conducted the 8th edition of the two-day National Level Pollution Response Exercise known as NATPOLREX-VIII. This significant event took place off Mormugao harbour in Goa. Coinciding with NATPOLREX, the ICG also organized a professional training course in Marine Oil Response and Preparedness in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This training program involved 45 international participants from 18 countries, including member states from the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Understanding NATPOLREX-VIII
NATPOLREX-VIII is a comprehensive pollution response exercise that spans over two days. The event consists of an array of programs including a table-top exercise, a pollution response workshop focusing on marine oil, and HNS (Hazardous and Noxious Substances) spill. The exercise also extends to conducting practical drills at sea.
The key aspect of the exercise is to invoke various facets of the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP). The primary reason behind this approach is to validate and elevate contingency plans and evaluate the readiness of resource agencies and other stakeholders. The overall aim is to prepare for any unforeseen marine spill disasters at sea.
The exercise has received considerable attention, with over 85 participants from 50 agencies mark their attendance. It has also drawn 29 observers from 22 friendly foreign countries and International Organisations. Adding to the mix were two Coast Guard ships from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Objectives of NATPOLREX-VIII
The main objective of conducting NATPOLREX-VIII is to amplify the preparedness and response capacity of all stakeholders against marine spills. It offers an ideal platform for validating procedures and guidelines encapsulated in the NOSDCP. This initiative is pursued both at national and regional levels under the aegis of South Asian Cooperative for Environment Protection (SACEP), an organization of which India is a member state.
Through initiatives like NATPOLREX-VIII, the Indian Coast Guard works tirelessly towards enhancing the nation’s capacity to combat marine oil spills and other related disasters. Simultaneously, it also enriches international cooperation in this field, building a safer and cleaner maritime environment not only for India but for the entire region.