New Delhi: Indian Navy on October 11 and 12 conducted an offshore security exercise, ‘Prasthan’ under the aegis of Headquarters, Eastern Naval Command.
The exercise held every six months is an important element of ensuring offshore security and aims to integrate the efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in offshore defence. Led by the Navy, the exercise saw participation from the various oil operators, like ONGC, RIL, Vedanta and other stakeholders in the domain of maritime security including AP Marine Police, AP fisheries department and the Coast Guard. The two-day exercise resulted in refining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and response actions to several contingencies in the Offshore Defence Area off Kakinada.
The exercise was conducted onboard Drill rigs Platinum Explorer and DDKG- of ONGC and RIL located about 40 nm south of Kakinada. Contingencies such as terrorist intrusion, bomb explosion, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, man overboard, major fire, oil spill and mass evacuation were exercised.
