The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, successfully conducted a landslide scenario mock drill at the Marine Dockyard in Port Blair on Wednesday. The exercise was part of DSS’s ongoing commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and operational resilience in maritime infrastructure.
The mock drill simulated a landslide-triggered emergency affecting dockyard operations, with the objective of testing response protocols, coordination mechanisms, and evacuation procedures. Personnel from DSS, along with representatives from the Port Management Board, Fire Services, and local disaster response teams, actively participated in the exercise.
Key components of the drill included:
- Immediate site assessment and hazard containment
- Evacuation of dock workers and vessel crew
- Deployment of emergency medical services
- Restoration of critical dockyard functions
- Communication drills with control centers and administrative authorities
Senior DSS officials emphasized the importance of such drills in light of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly during monsoon months. The exercise also served to evaluate the readiness of equipment, personnel, and inter-agency coordination in handling real-time emergencies.
Speaking after the drill, a DSS spokesperson stated, “Preparedness is key to minimizing disruption and ensuring safety. These drills help us refine our protocols and build confidence among our teams.”
The event concluded with a debriefing session, where observations and recommendations were shared to further strengthen the dockyard’s disaster management framework.
