Rohit Kumar
Port Blair, 20 October 2023
In a concerted effort to bolster safety measures and enhance coordination between various stakeholders involved in water sports activities, a comprehensive tabletop exercise was conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (RGWSC) on October 3, 2023. The exercise brought together the Tourist Safety and Enforcement Team (TSET) of RGWSC, the Dive Safety and Enforcement Team (DSET) of North Bay, Beach Officer of North Bay Beach, as well as lifeguards and tourism stakeholders and water sports operators.
The exercise was facilitated by Mr. Aqeeb Azeem, Consultant of the Directorate of IP&T, and Mr. Seemant Saxena, an Instructor from Scuba School International (SSI). The session emphasised the significance of mock drills, the evaluation of response times during emergencies, and the identification of strengths and weaknesses within TSET, DSET, lifeguards, and their coordination with water sports operators.
Building on the insights gained from the tabletop exercise, practical mock drills were conducted at RGWSC and North Bay on October 18. Two distinct scenarios were created to test the preparedness and efficiency of the teams involved. The first scenario unfolded at RGWSC, and the second was simulated at North Bay. These drills successfully demonstrated the coordinated efforts of TSET, DSET, lifeguards, and water sports operators in handling emergency situations and enhancing safety measures.
Mr. Pramod Kumar, Harbour Master of Port Management Board (PMB), and Mr. Aqeeb Azeem, the Consultant from the Directorate of IP&T, played pivotal roles in guiding the mock drills. Additionally, officials from the Directorate of IP&T were present to oversee and support the practical exercise.
These proactive measures are expected to further fortify safety standards in the realm of water sports, offering reassurance to both tourists and stakeholders alike. It underlines the commitment of local authorities to ensure the safety and security of all individuals participating in water-related activities in the region.