Defence Reporter
International Exercise BARRACUDA-XII was hosted and managed by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), Karachi on 02-04 Jan 2024. BARRACUDA-XII unfolded as an immersive experience in the North Arabian Sea providing a platform for participating countries to engage in scenario-based simulations and comprehensive drills. The 03 days exercise which included harbour and sea phase facilitated knowledge exchange, enhance interoperability and solidify coordination among diverse maritime entities, thereby fortifying our global resilience against marine pollution incidents.
Exercise BARRACUDA is a marine pollution response exercise conducted biennially by PMSA since 2007. Focused on refining response mechanisms and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The exercise serves as a critical platform to prepare for and address potential oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.
As the world grapples with the imperative need to protect our oceans, BARRACUDA-XII stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in combating marine pollution.
The event started with an impressive flag hoisting ceremony followed by wreath laying on Shuhadas monument. The ceremony was attended by observers from 13 friendly countries and officers of Pakistan Navy and PMSA. Exercise BARRACUDA-XII is scheduled from 02-04 Jan 24 and comprising Harbour and Sea phases.
Opening brief of the exercise was held at Karachi. Federal Minister for climate change Ahmed Irfan Aslam graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Foreign Observers and delegations from relevant stake holders also attended the brief wherein the Aims and objectives of Exercise BARRACUDA-XII were highlighted. Moreover, scholarly papers on response of Oil Spill and Search and Rescue at sea were presented by both National and International speakers.
Chief Guest added that the exercise will continue to crystallise our preparedness for maritime disasters management. Pakistan has always been and will continue to be an ardent advocate of safe & secure seas for the well being of the region and the world.
DG PMSA Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali apprised the audience about Government of Pakistan’s endeavour to curb pollution at sea and reiterated resolve of PMSA to fight Marine pollution. He further highlighted the role of PMSA in implementing the laws in National seas. He thanked the foreign participants and national maritime stakeholders for their support.
Sea phase of Barracuda-XII was held at North Arabian Sea on 04 Jan 2024. Chief Minister Sindh Maqbool Baqar graced the occasion as Chief Guest and witnessed the sea phase of the exercise onboard Pakistan Maritime Security Agency Ship KASHMIR.
NAVAL EXERCISE BARRACUDA – XII – Pakistan Navy Fostering Collaboration for Marine Conservation Initiatives – Admiral Naveed
Air and Surface assets of Pakistan Navy, PMSA, Pakistan Air Force and other national stakeholders participated in the sea phase of exercise. Exercises on containment of oil spill, Search and Rescue operations and anti piracy were demonstrated by Pak Navy and PMSA aircrafts, PN & PAF helicopters and PMSA ships.
The drills were witnessed by fifteen foreign observers and representatives of various National stakeholders. The foreign observers applauded the efforts being put in by all the stakeholders specially the efforts of Pakistan Navy and PMSA to fight any disaster at sea.
Earlier, opening brief of the exercise was held at Karachi. Foreign Observers and delegations from relevant stake holders also attended the brief wherein the aims and objectives of Exercise BARRACUDA-XII were highlighted. Moreover, scholarly papers on response of Oil Spill and Search and Rescue at sea were presented by both National and International speakers.
International Exercise Barracuda-XII is a Marine Oil Spill exercise and is aimed to enhance capacity and proficiency of National stakeholders to combat the menace of pollution at sea. The successful 3 days event served as a testament to the power of international collaboration in contending against marine pollution incidents.
The sea phase of BARRACUDA XII reinforces the commitment of all involved national and international stakeholders to uphold international maritime regulations. As the curtains draw on this successful endeavor, the lessons learned and relationships built during this exercise will serve as a foundation for continued cooperation in addressing future challenges in maritime safety and environmental protection.
NAVAL EXERCISE BARRACUDA XII – Safeguarding Mercantile Traffic of 90 % Global Trade – Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali
