New Delhi: The 132nd meeting of the Offshore Security Coordination Committee (OSCC) was held here September 15 chaired by Director General (DG), Indian Coast Guard, K Natarajan and Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) was the Chief Guest.

Among those who attended the meeting included Amarnath, Additional Secretary, MoPNG, Subhash Kumar, CMD ONGC, Members of OSCC and Senior Officers of Armed Forces.

The meeting discussed the increasing energy demand and therefore guarding of oil supplies is critical for nation’s energy security. The OSCC as a collective forum plays an important role in addressing India’s offshore oil security concerns. Coordination of multiple agencies towards a common goal of securing  offshore oil facilities is the key and Indian Coast Guard with a mandate of offshore security has a leading responsibility towards this.

Sea Lanes of Communication astride India are one  of the busiest in world and passes in proximity of major offshore development area thereby compounding the security and safety vulnerabilities. Recent incident of LPG carrier Gas Yodla adrift towards ODA due to machinery breakdown in July this year wherein collective efforts from stakeholders to tow it away and prevent any major mishap underlines the importance.

The OSCC was constituted in 1978 to ensure smooth and effective functioning of offshore security arrangements. It is the apex body for reviewing and evaluating Offshore Security in India. The Committee comprises of members drawn from the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, IB, State Police, DG Shipping and ONGC to examine issues related to the safety and security of offshore assets.