To strengthening marine environmental protection and disaster preparedness the Indian Coast Guard conducted a Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (RPREX-2025) in Mumbai. The exercise focused on enhancing India’s readiness to respond swiftly and effectively to oil pollution incidents at sea a critical concern given the increasing maritime traffic along India’s western coast.
Scenario Simulated During RPREX-2025
- The exercise was designed around a realistic emergency scenario to test operational coordination and response capabilities.
- A simulated distress call was received from a motor tanker vessel, reporting a major oil spill caused by a hole in the vessel after a collision with a fishing boat.
- The incident resulted in heavy spillage of crude oil into the sea posing a serious threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal environment.
- Such scenario-based drills help replicate real-world conditions and assess decision-making under pressure.
Deployment of Pollution Response Assets
- To combat the simulated oil spill, the Indian Coast Guard deployed a specialized Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), supported by two additional Coast Guard ships configured specifically for pollution response operations.
- These vessels were equipped with oil containment booms, skimmers, dispersant systems, and pollution monitoring equipment, enabling coordinated containment and recovery of the spilled oil.
- The exercise demonstrated the Coast Guard’s ability to rapidly mobilize specialized assets and execute pollution mitigation operations in a time bound manner.
Objective of the Pollution Response Exercise
- The primary objective of RPREX-2025 was to assess the preparedness, coordination and response effectiveness of all stakeholders involved in managing marine pollution incidents.
- The drill tested inter-agency coordination, communication protocols, and the operational readiness of pollution response equipment.
- Importantly, the exercise was conducted in line with the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan which provides the national framework for responding to oil spill emergencies in Indian waters.
Importance of Pollution Response Exercises
Oil spills pose a serious threat to marine biodiversity, coastal livelihoods, fisheries and tourism. With India’s coastline stretching over 7,500 km and witnessing dense shipping activity, preparedness against such incidents is crucial.
Regular exercises like RPREX help to,
- Enhance operational readiness of maritime forces
- Improve inter-agency coordination
- Reduce response time during real incidents
- Minimize environmental and economic damage
Ensure compliance with national and international maritime obligations
Role of the Indian Coast Guard
- Beyond maritime security and search-and-rescue operations, the Indian Coast Guard plays a vital role in marine environmental protection.
- It is the nodal agency for oil spill response in Indian waters and regularly conducts pollution response drills, surveillance missions, and awareness programmes to safeguard the marine ecosystem.
- Exercises such as RPREX 2025 reflect India’s commitment to sustainable maritime governance and environmental stewardship.
Key Takeaways
- RPREX-2025 was conducted by the Indian Coast Guard in Mumbai.
- Exercise focused on oil spill response and marine pollution control.
- Scenario involved a motor tanker oil spill after collision with a fishing boat.
- Deployment included a Pollution Control Vessel and two ICG ships.
- Conducted as per the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.
- Indian Coast Guard is the nodal agency for oil spill response in India.
Question
Q. Where was the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise (RPREX-2025) conducted?
A. Kochi
B. Chennai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Mumbai