Hon’ble President Witnesses Spectacular Operational Demonstration By A&N Command at Swaraj Dweep Havelock Island

Demonstration Highlights Synergy, Cooperation & Interoperability Between Services

 

New Delhi, Feb. 28 (PIB) Hon’ble President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind witnessed a Joint Services Operational Demonstration at the Radhanagar Beach, Swaraj Dweep  Havelock Island today. Integral combat platforms and forces of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) demonstrated multidimensional operational capabilities of the Command, including an amphibious landing.

 

The President was, earlier, briefed by Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Manoj Pande, AVSM, VSM on the operational capabilities and state of readiness of the Command. Fourteen ships of the Indian Navy, two Fast Attack Crafts of Coast Guard, aircraft of the Indian Airforce and over 300 troops of the Indian Army with six BMPs showcased integrated application of combat power of the only Tri-Service Command of the nation. The demonstration highlighted the synergy, cooperation and interoperability between the Services towards achieving desired outcomes. The Operational Demonstration showcased various facets of joint operations and included Combat Free Fall (CFF) and helocasting by the MARCOS, Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) by Ghatak Platoon and amphibious assault by infantry troops, who landed on the beach with six BMPs and over 300 combatants. Naval Gun Fire Support (NGFS), Counter Surface Force Operations (CSFO), Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and vertical replenishment at sea were also demonstrated. The amphibious landing of Infantry troops on the beach was executed by Landing Ship Tank (Medium) and Landing Craft Utility. Operational Demonstration culminated with the fly past of Dornier aircraft, MI-17 V5 and Chetak helicopters flying in close formation depicting the Tri-Service synergy and Combat potential of the Andaman & Nicobar Command. The Lt Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Member of Parliament, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Principal Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Vijay Kumar and Senior Officers of Defence and Civil Administration were present on the occasion.

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Tourism Activities To Restart in North & Middle Andaman District With Due Standard Operating Procedure

I. Standard Operating Procedure For Opening of Beaches in A&N Islands

1. The Tourism activities are permitted only in North & Middle Andaman District and South Andaman District except Little Andaman.
2. The beaches will remain open between 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM daily.
3.Tourists/visitors to maintain a minimum distance of 02 meters in public places / beaches.
4. Use of face cover / mask will be mandatory for all the people visiting the beaches.
5. Life Guards / TSET Members posted at various beaches to wear mask and hand gloves and take other required precautionary measures.
6. Spiting shall be strictly prohibited on the beaches.
7. Entrance gate of the beaches to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer) and thermal screening provisions. Only asymptomatic staff and guests shall be allowed.
8. Tourists/visitors shall monitor their health report about any illness immediately to the Beach Officers/Life Guards and TSET Members.
9. Tourists/visitors shall dispose of face cover/masks/ cloves and other leftovers only in the dustbins.
10. Tourists / visitors should follow the directions of staff regarding crowd management at beaches.
11. Separate entry and exit for guests on the beaches to be organized, wherever feasible.
12. Group photography will not be allowed at the beaches.
13. Only authorized vendors to be allowed on the beaches.
14. Tourists/visitors should avoid overcrowding in the washroom area.
15. Tourists/visitors above 65 years will not be allowed.
16. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/ handkerchief/ flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use. 

II. Standard Operating Procedure for Waterbased/Watersports

activities

A. General Standard Operating Procedure for Watersports

The following general measures and the specific step as listed out
herein are to be observed by all: Owner, Operator, Employees, Associations,

Agents, Guides and Guests- at all times. General measures are:

a) All Watersports/boating activities in containment zones shall remain closed and no operation shall be allowed.
b) It shall be made mandatory for guests and all those involved in operations to download, install and verify the status AarogyaSetu mobile application.
c) The Owner, Operator, Employees, Associations, Agents, Guides etc. Must subject themselves for thermal scanning at least twice in a day before commencement of the duties in the morning and upon completion of the operations in the afternoon/evening.
d) All Guests arriving at the booking counter/watersports center should be thermally scanned and the status ascertained on AarogyaSetu mobile app before the tickets are issued.
e) It is mandatory for all to wear the face-mask of stipulated standard all through and it should be enforced unfailingly.
f) Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/ handkerchief/ flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use.
g) Sick or unwell guests to be immediately taken for check-up to nearest hospital in separate vehicle.
h) Booking of trips and allocation of slots should be planned to avoid unwarranted gathering of guests and adhere to social distancing norms.
i) Ensure that guests are taken in small groups to meet physical distancing norm of minimum 6 feet between guests and it should be strictly maintained. Any change in this norm should be in accordance to the Government norms from time to time.
j) Greet the guests with “Namaste” preferably with folded hands. Handshakes should be strictly avoided.
k) Agents and guides should carry sanitizer and wear mask.
l) Always carry extra face masks onboard to offer guest in case of emergency.
m) As per Ministry of Tourism stipulation, the Guides must handle group lesser than 10 guests. One dedicated person should be deployed for coordination of every group of maximum 10guests.
n) At ticket counters/booths, the staff etc. must wear the gloves and masks all through. In addition, face-shield for the counter-staff can also be considered.
o) Upon issuing the tickets, the guests should be given a detail brief on the do’s and don’ts during the operations, and it must be reminded frequently till the trip is over.
p) Employees handling ticketing and currency transactions are compulsorily to wear, face shield and to hand sanitize the hand frequently.
q) Maintain the hygiene standards.

B. Standard Operating Procedure for Boat owners

The following practices are to be strictly adhered to while taking guests
for boating trips. The following SOP stipulates practices at each stage/
facet and for specific stakeholders. The boat shall operate 50% passenger

capacity.

I. Before Boarding the Boat (While arriving at watersports Centre)

i. Boat Owners:

a) It must be ensured that all touch points in public areas like the ticketing counter, counter tops, boat jetty, onboard boat, door handles, levers, hand railings, etc. are cleaned frequently and at regular intervals every day using a sanitizer/disinfectant. It is advised to use Sodium Hypochlorite 1% solution having at least 70% alcohol to clean these frequently touched points.
b) The commonly used personal safety protection equipment’s like Personal Floatation Device (PFD) should not be reused without disinfecting.
c) Ensure that hand sanitizers are made available in sufficient numbers and quantity for disinfection facilities of visiting tourists/crew members at the booking counter/booking stations.
d) At ticket counter, if wash basin is not available, a water tank fitted with tap may be placed at safe distance from booking counter/station. Soap dispenser may be placed near the wash-basin.
e) Face masks and sanitizers should be made available to guests on demand.
f) Proper documentation of the guest in each trip for contact tracing must be enforced. Use of separate trip sheets for each trip must be a standard practice.
g) The trip-sheet should have details viz.: Guest name, their age, city of domicile, telephone, date and time of the trip etc. Trip-sheet must be duly signed by the escort and owner.

ii. Operator and Crew Members:-

a) To ensure all boat systems and engines function efficiently and all equipment and gears in full operating condition.
b) A boat operating with more than one staff, viz. the operator and crew/ helper must ensure the stipulated social distancing norms on-board also.
c) The boat and all gears in use must be cleaned and disinfected before commencement of the operation, after which, it must also be thoroughly wash-down. On completion of trips every day also, above safe procedure must be followed.
d) To ensure that sanitizers are used by the guests before boarding the vessel.
e) Maintain the hygiene standards.

iii.Duties and responsibilities of Guests

a) Vigilantly maintain the social distancing norms uncompromisingly.
b) Avoid sharing of items like in addition eatables, water bottles, toys and safety gear etc. Always wear hand-gloves.
c) Wash the hands frequently with soap for 20 – 30 seconds even if it is visibly not dirty.
d) Hand sanitizers should be used before and after use of safety gear.
e) Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest must be diligently practiced.
f) All guests must mandatorily to have AarogyaSetu mobile application downloaded installed and used frequently.
g) Maintain the hygiene standards.

II. While boarding the boat

i) Duties and Responsibilities of owners:-
a) Fix the queue markers as per distancing between norms in waiting areas and ensure the orders.
b) Ensure complete discipline and order during boarding and to avoid unwarranted heckling.
c) Ensure that all persons aboard are seated as per social distancing norms, wearing face masks, hand gloves etc.
d) Ensure all equipment’s are adequately disinfected before and after every use.
e) Maintain the hygiene standards.

ii) Duties and Responsibilities of Operator and Crew

a) It shall be mandatory on part of the operator and crew to ensure social distancing norms on-board.
b) It must be ensured that the hand gloves, masks and face shields are worn by the crew members, especially during the boarding and alighting.
c) The guest needing assistance during boarding and alighting should compulsorily wear face shield and hand gloves.
d) Specific seat should be allotted to each guest and they should not be allowed to change during the entire trip.
e) Maintain the hygiene standards.

iii) Duties and Responsibilities of Guests

a) Always allow the guests in front to move/board or alight first by maintaining social distancing norms.
b) Always wait for those in front to completely disembark the ramps during boarding/alighting before others are allowed.
c) Always walk in the walkways assigned and do not wander.
d) The guests should avoid touching the objects/ surfaces when it is not absolutely necessary.
e) Maintain the hygiene standards.

iv. During Ride- Duties and Responsibilities.

1) Owners:
a) Proactive replenishment: Hand Sanitizers, Hand Gloves and Masks to
be available at the Guest waiting Area.
b) Supply sufficient disinfectants like sodium hypochlorite (1%) etc.
c) Maintain the hygiene standards.
2) Operators and Crews:
a) Safe operation practices must be strictly followed.
b) Ensure that at no point during the trip, the guest should be allowed to change the seat or stand-up to avoid loss of balance and bodily contact.
c) If bodily contact was necessary, use hand sanitizers and clean hands properly.
d) Maintain safe speed so as to avoid any accidents or injury so that calling emergency services/help can be avoided.
e) Maintain the hygiene standards.
3) Guests:
a) Always wear a face mask and do not sneeze or cough openly, instead use towels or folded elbow. While onboard, should not stand-up to avoid loss of balance and bodilycontact.
b) To remain seated only at the assigned seat throughout the trip.
c) Maintain the hygiene standards.

III. While Alighting-Duties and Responsibilities.

1) Owners, Operators and Crew:
a) Ensure that the Jetty or marina area is not crowded. Complete discipline must be adhered to.
b) Incoming boats should wait for their turn to use jetty/marina until all boats are cleared of fit.
c) Maintain the hygiene standards.
2) Guests:
a) Guest should vacate/disembark from boat by following social distancing norms.
b) Remove safety gears and also sanitize the hands thereafter.
c) Dispose of the disposables only at designated bins/containers.
d) Maintain the hygiene standards.

C. Standard Operating Procedure for Snorkeling

All Standard Operating Procedure mentioned above is to be complied with by the Operators/Crew members/Association/Agents and Guests. However, additional measures/precautions to be taken on certain activity specific watersports such as Snorkeling which are as follows:-

I. Snorkelling:-
i) Before entering the water:-
a) The Snorkeling Guide shall brief the guests on the importance of maintaining social distancing and operations of snorkelling.
b) The Guests should have complete personal snorkelling kit full face mask. Only such guests should be allowed to undergo the rides.
c) No Snorkeling equipment’s shall be hired, borrowed, lent or shared even among members of the same family.
d) Only 02 guests per Guide must be allowed to snorkel at a time.
e) All guests must compulsorily wear face masks and hand gloves until entering the water and upon leaving the water-body.
f)At no point should the snorkelling guide touch any guest’s snorkelling equipment’s. All demonstrations must be given using own equipment’s.
ii) While in water:-
a) Demonstrate snorkeling skills in thigh-level water, maintaining social distancing norms.
b) All guests must wear a life jacket before entering the water.
c) Use Lifebuoy with rope to tow the guests while snorkeling.
iii) After leaving the water:-
a) The safety gears such as Life Jacket and Life-buoy used by the guests must be rinsed, dried and disinfected before the next use.
b) The snorkeling equipment used by the guide must be kept at possession at all times to avoid accidental usage by other guides. The Guide must be diligent on this practice.
c) To ensure that the snorkel guide should mark all personal snorkeling kit with paint so that other persons may not use the same.

D. Emergency Response Procedure

As we all are aware of the fact that Watersports/water based activities have inherent risk factor involved, therefore as part of precautionary measures the following preparedness is to be kept ready by the owner/operator/crew:-

I. On board Emergency:-
a) As a matter of practice, the Operator or Crew shall not disobey physical distancing norms unless any life-threatening emergency situation emerges.
b) The Operator must call for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) from the boat, and with the victim, immediately rush to the shore.
c) Assess the condition of patient till the emergency medical service arrives for help. If possible, ask the family or friend of the patient to aid the patient as per qualified First Aider instructions.
d) When EMS arrives, brief the professional medical person about the condition and First Aid provided to the patient.
e) If the PPE kit is available at Watersports center, the qualified First Aider must wear the same to perform First Aid till the time EMS arrives.
II. Over board Emergency:-
a) During Man Over-board situation, the boat operator and crew must follow the standard MOB procedure to rescue thevetin.
b) All boats in operations must carry a boat embarkation ladder/scramble net and extra rope 14 mm and 15 meters length.
c) To rescue the conscious victim on-board, the life guard/crew must give correct instructions to climb the ladder and to get on-board. If the victim requires support, provide step-by-step instructions to the family members
or friends of the victim to assist him/her.
d) If the victim is unconscious in water, use spinal board/ back board to mobilize the victim from water and recover him on-board.
e) Once the victim is on-board, qualified First Aider must do complete assessment of victim for response. If the victim does not respond, i.e. No breath or No Pulse, contact EMS immediately and rush the victim to the shore. If possible, commence the CPR procedure onboard. Else, administer the CPR procedure immediately after reaching the shore and securing the
victim.
III. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation:-
a) If the Victim is not responding, the qualified CPR aider must wear PPE kit and gloves before commencing of chest compression. Continue chest compression at the rate of 100 per minute.
b) Emergency breathing must be given only with AMBU bag, mouth to mouth resuscitation is strictly forbidden.
c) Continue the procedure till the Emergency Medical Service arrives or the victim is handed over to a medical professional.

Dy. Director (Andaman Tourism)

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Swearing-in-Ceremony at Raj Niwas Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi to be sworn in as 13th Lt. Governor of A&N Islands Today

Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) will be sworn in as the 13th Lt. Governor of A&N Islands tomorrow (Oct 8). The Lt. Governor-designate will arrive here from New Delhi, along with Smti Chitra Joshi (Spouse) and other members of his family at 12.30 pm tomorrow. He will be received by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, DGP and other Senior Officers of the Administration.

The swearing-in-ceremony will be held at 3.30 pm at Raj Niwas. The Acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Mr. Justice Rakesh Tiwari will administer the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to the new Lt Governor. The Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumdar will read out the Warrant of Appointment.
Later, the Lt. Governor of A&N Islands, Admiral D K Joshi will visit the National Memorial Cellular Jail at 4.30 pm and lay wreath at the Martyr’s Column there. In the evening, the Lt. Governor will hold a meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP, PCCF and Secretary to LG at Raj Niwas. On Oct 9, 2017, the Lt. Governor will hold an introductory meeting with the Chief Secretary and Senior Officers of the A&N Administration in the conference hall of Raj Niwas. A brief presentation will be made by the Chief Secretary on this occasion. The Lt. Governor is also scheduled to hold a meeting with the CINCAN at 3 pm on Oct 9.

Profile of the new Lt. Governor

Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) was the 21st Chief of Naval Staff, having assumed office on 31 August 2012. Born on 04 July 1954, in Almora (Uttarakhand), he is a specialist in anti-submarine warfare. He is an alumni of Naval War College (USA), College of Naval Warfare (Mumbai) and National Defence College (New Delhi). He has also been the Senior Instructor (Navy) at Defence Services Staff College (Wellington).
Admiral Joshi has served in a variety of command, staff and instructional appointments. His commands at sea include guided missile corvette INS Kuthar, guided missile destroyer INS Ranvir and the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, during which he was awarded Nausena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal and Yudh Seva Medal respectively. Admiral Joshi was also the Defence Advisor in the Indian High Commission at Singapore from 1996 to 1999, with concurrent accreditation to the Philippines. After his elevation to Flag rank, Admiral Joshi commanded the Eastern Fleet, wherein he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). He has also served in the Integrated Headquarters, as head of all the nodal branches. He served in the Personnel Branch as the Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resource Development), and Warship Production and Acquisition as the Assistant Controller of the Aircraft Carrier Programme (ACACP), and thereafter in the Operations Branch both as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Information Warfare and Operations) and as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff.

Before taking over as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command in 2011, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the only tri-service integrated command. He was awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal during this time. Later, he served as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
Admiral Joshi voluntarily retired on 26 February 2014 having completed less than half of his tenure as CNS. On 08 October 2017, he assumes the appointment of Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He has also been designated as Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency, for which orders were issued in June, 2017.
He is married to Chitra Joshi and the couple has two daughters.

 

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AATO Delegation Participates in Heritage Walk

A Delegation of AATO led by its President, Shri M.Vinod participated in a Heritage Walk organised by India Tourism as a part of Paryatan Parv which is observed from 5th October to 25th October by Ministry of Tourism,Government of India.
Apart from AATO the students of JNRM,officials of NYK and India Tourism also participated in the Heritage walk .
The Walk started from JNRM College and passed through Celllular jail,clock tower and returned back to college.

Regards
Vinod
President
AATO

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