BASIC OIL SPILL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR 27 COAST GUARD PERSONNEL CONCLUDES AT COLOMBO AND DICKOVITA HARBOUR

A basic training programme on oil spill incident management was conducted for 27 Coast Guard personnel, comprising 3 officers and 24 sailors, from 25^th to 30^th September 2024. The training took place at both Colombo and Dickovita Harbour, under the guidance of 4 experienced oil spill incident management trainers. The training was divided into two phases, the harbour phase and the sea phase, providing comprehensive hands-on experience.

During the harbour phase, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of oil spill management. The curriculum covered a wide range of essential topics, including types of oil booms, recovery methods, shoreline cleanup procedures, dispersant usage and boom-laying techniques. The practical nature of the training allowed participants handling real-world oil spill incidents.

The sea phase saw the active participation of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Samaraksha, which joined the exercise to demonstrate advanced oil spill response techniques. The team operated the ship's single-ship method boom-laying system, along with its onboard dispersant spraying system. The team also practically experienced spill mitigation inside a harbour. In addition, the ship's crew underwent a gas detection training exercise, which further enhanced their operational preparedness for hazardous situations.

The Acting Deputy Director General of Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Captain Manoj Leelarathna along with Director Operations, Captain Ashoka Weerasekara, were present to observe the proceedings and ensure the successful execution of the training programme.

This training event marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to enhance its oil spill response capabilities. Through these exercises, the personnel are better equipped to safeguard the country's maritime environment and respond swiftly to any potential threats.