“Search and Rescue and Marine Pollution Response” Workshop Enhances Operations for Marine Stakeholders

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (November 28th, 2023) – In an effort to ensure our maritime stakeholders are equipped to manage marine pollution from oil and improve search and rescue procedures for marine operators,  the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (FMRM), the Ministry of Tourism and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency is hosting a three-day workshop, “Search and Rescue and Marine Pollution Response” at the Opus Conference Room, November 28^th to 30^th, 2023.

The primary aims of the workshop are to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, improve the effectiveness of search and rescue operations, particularly given the importance of marine activities to the tourism industry, and reduce the impact of pollution on public health and the environment. The exercise involves a range of activities, including search and rescue and pollution response simulations for emergency responders.

Delivering remarks at the opening of the Workshop on Tuesday, November 28^th, 2023, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said the workshop will prepare attendees to tackle challenges that are unique to the marine industry.

“It is our collective responsibility to enhance our capabilities in responding to distress calls, conducting effective search operations, and executing timely rescue missions. Through this workshop, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of best practices, technological advancements, and international protocols that can optimise search and rescue operations in the Turks and Caicos waters,” she said.

Participants include local emergency responders, the Royal Caicos Police Force Marine Coastal Division, the TCI regiment, representatives of the Grand Turk Cruise Port, Core Resources, the Port Authority, TCI Civil Aviation Authority, South Bank Marina, Turtle Cove Marina, Customs, Immigration, the Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources.

In her remarks, Thecla Joseph, Director of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, said the benefits of the workshop cannot be overstated.

“Search and Rescue operations are vital for ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities. The unique geographical location of the Turks and Caicos Islands makes it essential to enhance our capabilities in search and rescue to effectively respond to emergencies at sea. Furthermore, with the increasing concerns about maritime pollution, it is imperative that we come together to explore innovative solutions and best practices for preventing, mitigating and responding to pollution incidents in out waters,” she said.

During the interactive opening sessions, participants learned about the composition of crude oil, the behaviour and environmental effects of chemicals, the impact of accidents with container ships, and the laws governing marine incidents.

The highlight of the first day was a tabletop challenge in which participants were tasked with conceptualizing a Search and Rescue strategy for an incident in which two ships collided, and injured crew members.

Press Release

Header: Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly with participants of the Search and Rescue and Pollution Response Workshop

Insert: Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly with Ms. Thecla Joseph, Director of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management and from left, Mr. Levard Missick, Assistant Director of Enforcement, Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, Mr. Arthur Been, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Neil Chapman,  Environmental Science Lead, Mr. Phil Bostock, Operational Lead, Overseas Territories Search and Rescue Capability Project, Ms. Alison Leighton, Overseas Strategic Policy Manager, Mr. Stan Woznicki, Head of Counter Pollution and Salvage and Ms. Kathy Lockhart, Director of Fisheries.