Kochi: Operation Southern Readiness (OSR) 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training engagement, began at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Monday, bringing together 254 participants from 26 countries.Hosted by the Southern Naval Command, the exercise is being conducted under the aegis of the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The programme is supported by 74 facilitators, four international organisations and subject matter experts.According to the Navy officials, this is the first time Operation Southern Readiness is being conducted in India. CTF 154, CMF’s dedicated Training Task Force, is currently commanded by the Indian Navy and focuses on strengthening capacity, interoperability and professional readiness among CMF partner nations through multinational maritime training.The opening ceremony featured remarks by Commodore Milind M Mokashi, Commander, CTF 154, an inaugural address by Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander, Combined Maritime Forces, and a keynote address by Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command.The first day’s programme focused on ship management and special training. Participants attended a session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean. They also underwent practical training on ship handling, navigation, astro navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control and firefighting using the Indian Navy’s simulator-based training infrastructure.The remaining three days will include professional sessions, simulator-based training and practical activities on contemporary maritime security.
