Update After Mass Rescue Operations Workshop
In February, members from the Ministry of National Security’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation [DRRM] unit, and the Department of Marine and Ports, returned from a 3 day workshop on Mass Rescue Operations held in Miami.
A spokesperson said, “The workshop was run by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency [MCA] as part of its Overseas Territories Search and Rescue project, through the UK Government funded, Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
“Attending the event was:
- Kelly Trott, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Analyst;
- N. Scott Simmons, Safety, Security & III Code Coordinator, Bermuda Shipping & Maritime Authority UK III Code [Coastal State] Caribbean Regional Coordinator; and
- Denis Rowe, Acting Coordinator Maritime Safety & Security.
“The focus for the event was the key principles and practice of planning and preparation in response to a major incident. It included examining the world’s best practices for managing critical incidents involving cruise ships.
“In addition to Bermuda, representatives from Anguilla, Cayman, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and Turks & Caicos Islands also attended.”
National Disaster Coordinator and Director of DRRM, Steve Cosham said, “For the 2019 cruise ship season, Bermuda has 192 cruise ship visits scheduled.
“Should a major incident involving a cruise ship occur, It is important that all agencies involved have a plan in place and be able to effectively communicate and understand each other’s role. This will assist in bringing incidents to a safe and speedy conclusion.”
”To this end, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team will be coordinating a series of activities over the 2019 cruise ship season to enhance the preparedness level of all agencies and better position them to respond to incidents. Similar planning would also go into the evacuation of airplane passengers should a water landing occur”
For more information on the Maritime & Coast Guard Agency, please visit here
For more information on the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, please visit here
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