The Argentine Naval Prefecture participated in the International Inspectors Course of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), organized by the Chilean Navy, through the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine (DIRECTEMAR).
The training took place over three days in the city of Punta Arenas and included representatives from the United States Coast Guard (US Coast Guard), the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of Chile (Sernapesca), and the Navy of that country. The Liaison Officer of the Force in Chile, Prefect Major Rodolfo Cattaneo, participated on behalf of the national Maritime Authority.
The objective of the course was to strengthen the knowledge and operational capabilities of the participants to ensure compliance with the conservation measures established by CCAMLR in Antarctic waters.
The last day was dedicated to a practical fisheries inspection exercise, developed at Capitán Guillermos pier. There, participants put into practice the procedures and protocols foreseen for inspections in the Southern Ocean.
On board the Maritime Action Launch "Casma", the students simulated radio communications with fishing units and, subsequently, moved in an inflatable boat to carry out a visual inspection of a vessel. Finally, they carried out a simulated onboard inspection, a central instance of the inspection task.
The activity allowed familiarization with communication equipment, forms, and operational procedures used in this type of intervention, under the corresponding maritime safety protocols.
Likewise, CCAMLR inspectors belonging to the crew of the Oceanic Patrol Vessel OPV-83 "Marinero Fuentealba" shared their experiences and knowledge about the challenges involved in carrying out these tasks in Antarctic waters.
The closing of the course took place in the meeting room of ASMAR Magallanes Production, where the certificate ceremony was held. The Chief of Staff of the Third Naval Zone, Captain Rodrigo Pérez, and the Maritime Governor of Punta Arenas, Coastal Captain Francisco Arias, participated, congratulating the participants and delivering the corresponding certifications.
The Force's participation in this type of instance strengthens cooperation with organizations and maritime authorities from other countries, and contributes to the development of capabilities for fisheries inspection and the protection of Antarctic marine living resources.
