Offshore Security Co-ordination Committee meets

Posted by- Neelam Mathews

July 25, 2011

The 115th Meeting of the Offshore Security Co-ordination Committee (OSCC) was held at Mumbai under the Chairmanship of Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, AVSM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, to review and enhance the security of the offshore installations.

Issues related to threat of piracy and terrorism, monsoon preparedness, advanced security equipment for offshore platforms, danger from unseaworthy ships, Emergency Towing Vessels were discussed.

Chopra highlighted the present security scenario and stated that following firm intelligence inputs on threats to the Oil and Gas installations, all agencies should institute additional measures to enhance the security of offshore installations through effective surveillance, stringent access control, surprise checks and dedicated look-outs. 

A number of measures have been initiated by both the Navy and the Coast Guard for surveillance and security of the ODA, by regular deployment of ships and aircraft, he said.

The Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Petroleum, Chemicals and Fertilisers in 1978, to ensure smooth and effective functioning of offshore security arrangements. Members are drawn from the Navy, the Air Force, the Coast Guard the IB and ONGC, who meet quarterly to examine issues related to the safety and security of offshore assets.