Karachi: Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf said Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) through Exercise BARRACUDA-XII would afford valuable platform for participants to exchange best practices, share experiences and learn from each other.

 In his message at commencement of Exercise BARRACUDA-XII, Naval Chief said oceans played vital role in providing sustenance, livelihood, regulating climate patterns and nurturing unparalleled biodiversity.

As responsible member of global maritime fraternity, Pakistan had fostered collaboration with regional countries and engaged in global partnerships to safeguard marine conservation initiatives, he said.

 Naval Chief added that as part of its commitment to the international maritime regulatory framework, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), being sole maritime law enforcement agency in country, ensured safety of life at sea and preserved nation's marine resources.

 Pakistan Navy, being premier stakeholder of national maritime defence, extended all out support to PMSA and augmented Maritime Domain Awareness for preservation of sea-based resources and enduring ecological balance, he said.

 In mix of contemporary maritime challenges, environmental complexities have added another layer to maritime security. These challenges not only jeopardised marine biodiversity but also had cascading effects on global climate patterns and livelihood of coastal communities.

 Among these environmental challenges, looming specter of oil spills posed critical concern and necessitated coordinated response by international and national stakeholders.

 In pursuit of these objectives, Pakistan Navy and PMSA had embarked on conducting international series of exercises code named 'BARRACUDA' under overall ambit of National Marine Disaster Contingency Plan. Aim of these exercises was to crystallise national response mechanism against oil spill disasters and contingent SAR requirements in collaboration with international partners, he added.

 "Exercise BARRACUDA-XII will provide opportunity to review and align our response procedures to attain shared objective of pristine marine environment and safety of life at sea", he said.

 "Exercise will also provide a forum in shape of maritime seminar to deliberate on contemporary technological advancements and global best practices in field of marine pollution control. Exercise is set to reaffirm our national resolve and acknowledge importance of oceans in our collective well-being and need to protect and preserve them for our future generations."

 "I am sure PMSA through Exercise BARRACUDA-XII will afford valuable platform for participants to exchange best practices, share experiences and learn from each other," CNS said.

He said, "Conduct of Exercise is testament to our unwavering commitment and cooperation for enhancing maritime security, streamline SAR procedures and preserve marine environment in North Arabian Sea."

 "I wish PMSA and international and national participants, worthy and rewarding outcome of Exercise and pleasant stay at Karachi," he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 02 2024

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