MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY EXERCISE SEPTEMBER 2021 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) conducted a week of training and exercises over the week of 13th to 17th September from Portland Port, Dorset. The week-long event was to exercise containment and recovery equipment from the UK national counter pollution stockpile. The exercise provided an opportunity for many response organisations to work together. Participants included the MCA, MOD, MMO, Portland Harbour Authority, Ambipar Response, Adler & Allen, Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), Dorset Adventure Cafe, EagleVista Aerial Imaging, Prolectric Services and Northern Rib Hire.
On Tuesday the NOFI Current Buster 6 was deployed, demonstrating an at-sea response capable of operating at an effective speed up to five knots. The system was the focus of BBC News and became the subject of a Cbeebies educational programme for young children.
Numerous agencies and government departments sent observers to gain a better understanding of the UK national response capability and the counter pollution function of the MCA.
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Under close supervision by MCA and Ambipar personnel, the children’s television personality, Grace Webb operated the Current Buster 6 boom reel as part of her documentary series “Grace’s Amazing Machines”. Portland Port were great hosts for the event and became involved from the
first reconnaissance visit through to the closing debrief. Use of the sheltered Port allowed for equipment to be deployed in a calm working environment before participants re-deployed equipment in open water. In addition to exercising response strategies, the event was used for training and coaching. Having many organisations together for the exercise added to the positive experience and demonstrated the UK ability to mount a safe and successful response. As the first major exercise event since the start of the pandemic, spirits were high and even the weather helped make it a successful week.
