Georgian Coast Guard attends Black Sea Hawk 2013 exercises
By Nazrin Gadimova
The Georgian coast guard vessel P-24 "Sukhumi" joined the "Black Sea Hawk 2013" international exercises, which will take place in Bulgaria on July 2-4, 2013.
In addition to Georgia, the list of the exercises' participants will include coast guard departments from Turkey, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine.
"Sukhumi" ship will be involved in practical exercises in virtual and real spheres.
The exercises are aimed to improve the exchange of information between the Coast Guard of the countries in the Black Sea region, ensure the safety of navigation, conduct joint search and rescue operations, etc.
P-24 will also take part in the "Sea Breeze 2013" exercises in the framework of the "Partnership for Peace" program on July 5-20, 2013.
The exercises cover the following areas: joint maneuvering, detention and boarding operation, the transfer of cargo in motion, towing, protection from terrorists, the transmission of light signals, the monitoring of sea space.
The Black Sea Basin Joint Operational Program 2007-2013 is a program under the European Neighborhood & Partnership Instrument (ENPI) of the EU. It aims to contribute to a stronger and sustainable economic and social development of the regions of the Black Sea Basin.
The Georgian Coast Guard is the maritime arm of the Georgian Border Police, within the Ministry for Internal Affairs. It is responsible for the maritime protection of the entire 310 kilometers coastline of Georgia, as well as the Georgian territorial waters.