Geologists and technical personnel from the Marine Geological Survey Division (MGSD) of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central and Regional Offices underwent a six-day basic sea survival training from March 21-26, 2018 at Eurotel Clark in Angeles City and Exact Colleges of Asia in Arayat, Pampanga.

 The course on Basic Training for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) facilitated by the Excellence and Competency Training Center, Inc. (EXACT) was aimed to equip the fieldmen who will be conducting marine geological studies, with basic knowledge and confidence on how to respond properly in the event of an offshore emergency and the skills on how to use lifesaving equipment and other survival paraphernalia.

Since most of the participants were beginners who will work in offshore areas, it is doubly relevant that they undergo offshore survival training to prepare them for any eventuality while conducting marine studies and research particularly in the Philippine Rise region. It is vital that they be aware of the general hazards and associated risks when working in coastal areas, the high seas and deep oceanic areas.

During the training, the group was provided with lectures and hands-on experiences on the following: firefighting, water survival techniques, smoke diving, donning of fire suits, pressure suits and safety gadgets, and loading and driving a rescue boat. The group was also presented with generic safety features and management in order to prevent and mitigate risks associated with marine hazards.

Capt. Lester Pasco discussed personal safety and social responsibilities, ship nomenclatures, effective communication and human relationships on board a ship, precautions to prevent pollution in the marine environment, managing fatigue, and the importance of personal protective equipments.

Chief Engr. Ronaldo Lanuza and Chief Mate Sebastian Marquez gave lectures and presentations on fire prevention and fire-fighting, and demonstrated the use of the self-contained breathing apparatus and the lifeline for fire fighting and rescue.

Chief Mate Marquez also discussed Personal Survival Techniques and Priorities in Survival, Immersion Suit Training, and lifeboat equipment.

Mr. Ramon Carlo T. Almirañez, a registered nurse, presented Elementary First Aid procedures emphasizing the actual demonstration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The last day of the training was allocated for practical exercises on smoke diving with rescue of dummy inside mock ship, rescue procedures, fire fighting, survival craft and rescue boat and other practical water survival techniques and exercises.

By: Marine Geological Survey Division

 SOLAS participants pose in a mock ship at EXACT Colleges, Arayat, Pampanga

 Participants doing actual firefighting exercises during the training

 Participants wearing pressure suits and life jackets demonstrating the inner huddle as water survival technique. The life raft can be seen at the far center of this photo

 SOLAS participants pose with lecturers RN Ramon Carlo T. Almirañez, Chief Mate Sebastian Marquez, and Chief Engr. Ronaldo Lanuza, near the deep swimming pool of the EXACT Colleges, Arayat, Pampanga