The observers, amongst whom was the governor of West-Flanders province, were able to witness the positive course of action. The exercise was coordinated by Marine Environment (Federal Public Service (FPS) Public Health) and a Belgian Navy officer.
These kind of exercises are possible through the cooperation within the coast guard structure between the different regional and federal services authorised for the North sea. The Belgian anti-pollution capacity is complemented with regional assistant mechanics (between the countries around the North sea and the Channel) and European organizations (EMSA).
This exercise has undoubtedly proven that these cooperative mechanics operate to satisfaction. It has also demonstrated the need for efficient cooperation in order to protect the marine environment from pollution originated by vessels. The participants have agreed to organize similar exercises in the following years so as to maintain the high level of efficiency currently achieved in operational cooperation.
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