Maritime Search and Rescue workshop underway in Buka
A three-days’ workshop on Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop initiated by the National Maritime and Safety Authority (NMSA) in partnership with ABG Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Response is underway in Buka.
The workshop aims to enhance a uniformed approach in search and rescue coordination.
Themed, ‘Enhancing inter-agency cooperation to improve Maritime Search and Rescue’, the workshop brings together stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in maritime safety.
NMSA Maritime Search and Rescue Manager, Desmond Kopieng, says the purpose of the workshop is basically to establish good working relationships with important key stakeholders in Bougainville.
“Bougainville as one of the important strategic location international border sharing between Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands,” he said.
He says such is key when coordinating search and rescue especially on Bougainville waters, the key agency on the ground being Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Response, is the responsible agency on the ground.
‘Providing the level of support in-terms of response and updates on weather and marine forecast especially on the maritime transport sector is an important role of the directorate,’ added Kopieng.
He said the workshop is also to strengthen the collaboration and cooperation with NMSA as the central rescue point of contact in the PNG region, and relevant key stakeholders for Bougainville, being the Disaster office.
Mr Kopieng further noted that one of the roles of the organisation is providing weather updates and marine forecasts for small craft operators in Bougainville, which are relayed through the directorate.
Similar workshops have been conducted in Kimbe, Vanimo and Daru, which are also considered strategic international border locations for Papua New Guinea.
Mr Kopieng thanked the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency Response, ABG departments, the Red Cross, boat owners and operators, small craft associations and the Bougainville Fire Authority for their continued partnership.
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