Thirty marine commandos of Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group (CSG) were exposed to various skills and responsibilities during a five-day workshop on ‘SCUBA diving, snorkelling, First Aid procedures, marine environment, biodiversity and climate change,’ which concluded here on Friday evening.
The training programme was organised jointly by CSG and Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI), Tuticorin. Snorkelling training was given to all commandos while open water SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving was conducted to three select people including Additional Director General of Police, CSG, C. Sylendra Babu by Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification and two marine commandos by a certified scuba instructor from SDMRI K. Diraviya Raj.
At the end of the successful dive training, Dr. Babu said at the present scenario SCUBA diving training is important to all marine commandos to safeguard the coast and people from sea-based threats. He insisted the commandos about being fearless.
Further, Dr. Babu also pointed out the importance of marine organisms and the necessity to conserve them, especially the endangered species.
Curb illegal trade
The knowledge of protected marine species would help the marine commandos to restrict illegal poaching and trade.
Moreover, the CSG personnel would be trained on identifying the protected species and also be briefed about the importance of the marine environment in batches.
But, it was a different day out for Superintendent of Police, Ashwin M. Kotnis, who also joined the ADGP for dive training. He said that he enjoyed the beauty of marine life, the rich coral reefs in particular along Tuticorin coast.
The commandos were explained about the marine biodiversity, its conservation and utilisation, impact due to climate change, protected species conservation and coast zone management.
At valedictory function, certificates were issued to all commandos by Dr. Babu at SDMRI. Mr. Kotnis, J. K. Patterson Edward, Director of the Institute, C. Muhesh Jeyakumar, Tuticorin Marine Inspector of Police and others attended.
