The Northern Lighthouse Board’s vessel NLB Pole Star which is to be replaced by a newbuild next year, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) carried out a training exercise in Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands.

Exercise ‘Stromness’ on Wednesday, involved the MCA’s emergency towing vessel (ETV), Ievoil Black and the support of Orkney Islands Council’s Marine Services.

Exercise Controller Paul Tunstall, MCA Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer, Scottish Islands and Northern Ireland, said: The nature of this exercise is for the Ievoli Black to undertake the tow of a significantly sized ‘disabled’ vessel. As such this provides an enhanced training opportunity for MCA, ETV and NLB personnel and we are grateful for the support of the NLB, Orkney Islands Council Marine Services and the Shetland Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.

There are a number of objectives as part of the exercise such as demonstrating the ability to connect to a large vessel; conducting an effective tow thereafter and disconnecting safely and timely.

In the event of an unplanned incident during the exercise, this would lead to it being suspended or terminated, and the Ievoli Black was always available at short notice to deploy to a real incident at all times throughout the exercise.

The Council’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and Harbour Master Jim Buck, said: Given the importance of maritime safety, training exercises such as these are vital to ensure everyone is prepared and well-practised for the challenges which can unfortunately materialise at sea. We are all committed to protecting vessels which get into difficulty, the marine environment and safeguarding the coastline.

Martin Wright, Master on Pole Star said: The Northern Lighthouse Board welcomes the opportunity to participate in this important exercise through the provision of the vessel, Pole Star and careful planning and coordination with the MCA and other partners.