Porbandar: The bi-annual Maritime coastal security exercise introduced post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack was concluded yesterday for the State of Gujarat and Union Territory of Daman & Diu coastline.
The maritime security exercise was conducted to substantiate preparedness and synergy between coastal security stakeholders. The exercise along the 1600 km Gujarat coast line was coordinated by the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (NW), Gandhinagar.

A statement by the coast guard today said that the exercise is instituted for validating the coastal security standard operating procedures by all stake holders for protection of vulnerable areas and points including effective usage of coastal security telephone helpline number ‘1093’. The two day exercise on October 4 and 5 utilised ships and aircrafts of the Coast Guard and Navy, UAVs of Navy and Air Force, personnel from Police Commandos and patrol boats of BSF, Marine Police and Customs. In addition the Port Security Boats and Harbour Tugs were also deployed for the exercise. Mock attacks were undertaken on coastal points in real time like threats and situations.The efficacy of men and material was put to test for alertness towards gap free coastal security apparatus to prevent any infiltration by non-state actors in our coastal areas.

The exercise achieved synergy in operations in all spheres of coastal security against threats, ranging from unauthorized access of vessels through sea using commandeered fishing boats, capture of high value targets, infiltration through creeks,attack on offshore installations/ SPMs, Port Security, hostage crisis, blockades along coastal highways and threat to industries along the coast, it said.

The sustained efforts were put in by all stake holders which also included the Army component, Fisheries Department of Gujarat State, Gujarat Maritime Board, Denndayal Port Trust, Mundra Port, Pipavav Port, Director General of Shipping, Director General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Airport Authorities, NCB, CRPF, GSDMA and Industries Department, the statement said.

 

 

DeshGujarat