‘OIL SPILL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT IN OPEN SEAS’ – A JICA/JCG SPONSORED CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM ON DISASTER RESPONSE

The second phase of ‘Oil spill incident management training program in open seas’ conducted from 19th to 28th February 2020 at SLCG Advanced Training Centre, Mirissa in continuation to 2019 - 2021 three years JICA sponsored capacity building programme. Japan Coast Guard (JCG) members including representatives of National Strike Team (NST) conducted the program with the collaboration of JICA Sri Lanka office. It is a comprehensive training program in the field of oil pollution management and response at open seas including detection of hazardous gases. Program was conducted as theory, practical and simulated exercise sessions and 62 participants including 09 Officers from Sri Lanka Coast Guard attended the program.

The main objective of the program was to prepare Sri Lanka Coast Guard personnel to effectively respond an oil spill through the deployment of latest equipment and resources. The practical sessions were held on board two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs); SLCGS Samaraksha and SLCGS Samudra Raksha at Galle Harbour while simulated exercise sessions were conducted out at sea off Galle using both ships. The training team was able to complete the programme successfully enabling the trainees to gather vast knowledge and skills related to managing of oil spills in open seas.

The Deputy Director General - Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Commodore YMGB Jayathilaka RSP, USP, BSc(DS) Hons graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest and the Defence Attaché at Embassy of Japan, the Country Representative and officials from JICA Sri Lanka, instructors from JCG & NST and officials from SLCG also attended the event.