Karachi, The international maritime exercise BARRACUDA-XII has officially commenced at the Headquarters of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) in Karachi. The event, which will run from January 2 to 4, began with a flag hoisting ceremony and wreath-laying at the Shuhadas monument, attended by observers from 13 countries and officers of the Pakistan Navy and PMSA.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Sindh, Exercise BARRACUDA-XII is a biennial marine pollution response exercise hosted by PMSA since 2007. The Chief Guest of the opening ceremony, Federal Minister for Climate Change Ahmed Irfan Aslam, emphasized the significance of the exercise in enhancing maritime disaster management preparedness. The event included scholarly presentations on oil spill response and search and rescue operations at sea by national and international speakers.

DG PMSA Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali, during his welcome address, outlined Pakistan’s efforts to curb sea pollution and reaffirmed PMSA’s commitment to enforcing maritime laws. He expressed gratitude to the foreign participants and national maritime stakeholders for their support. The exercise aims to refine response mechanisms and improve coordination among stakeholders to better address potential oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.

BARRACUDA-XII will feature immersive scenario-based simulations and comprehensive drills in the North Arabian Sea. This three-day event includes both harbor and sea phases, designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance interoperability, and solidify coordination among diverse maritime entities. The exercise underscores the global need to protect oceans and highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating marine pollution.