PCG: A joint maritime exercise which enhances the capability in cross boarding, maritime pollution response and containment, and fire fighting was conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) together with Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at vicinity 1.9 NM Northwest of Sangley Point, Cavite City today, 10 January.

The joint exercise between the two agencies was participated by a 56-meter PCG search and rescue vessel, BRP Pampanga (SARV-003), small crafts and a 105-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel, ICG ship "Samarth".

During the drill, various scenarios were exhibited. Initially, both Coast Guards sent their boarding team and conducted a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure aboard two participating vessels. Subsequently, said team immediately demonstrated maritime pollution containment and response in prevention of oil spill as a vessel ran aground incurring a hole. The event was then concluded with a fire fighting operation to control and prevent a fire from occurring.

The event aims to further develop mutual understanding between agencies by sharing various maritime operations, procedures and skills which would mutually benefit both Coast Guards.

ICG Ship "Samarth" recently arrived in Manila last 07 January and will be heading to Yokohama, Japan before proceeding to Tokyo and Singapore to conduct the same exercise with their respective Coast Guards.