Under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command, the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Andhra Pradesh conducted Exercise Prasthan 2023 for security of offshore development area in Kakinada.
Exercise Prasthan 2023 In Andhra’s Kakinada
Under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command, the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Andhra Pradesh conducted Exercise Prasthan 2023 for security of offshore development area in Kakinada. As per a Navy statement, the exercise was conducted on the Rig ship Platinum Explorer of ONGC and RG Fixed Oil Platform of Vedanta Ltd.
The exercise was aimed at rehearsing responses in handling contingencies and checking the efficacy of security mechanisms at ODA.
Participants in the Exercise
It witnessed participation from multiple organisations, namely the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Oil Operators, Port Authorities, the State Fisheries Department and Marine Police. Assets from the Indian Navy comprised of INS Kora, INS Tihayu, four Immediate Support Vessels, Marine Commandoes, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team and Helicopters. ICG Ship Kanaklata Barua also participated in the exercise.
Operations
During the exercise various situations viz Terrorist Attack, Bomb Scare, Major Fire, Gas Leak, Oil Spill, Explosion etc. were simulated and measures to overcome the contingencies were exercised in close coordination with all state agencies and oil operators.