In the Tabuk region, the 'Response 24' exercise has launched, one of the most prominent national drills aimed at enhancing the readiness of relevant authorities to handle marine pollution and oil spill incidents, through simulating a realistic scenario that improves response speed and coordination between government and private entities, contributing to the protection of the marine environment and vital facilities.

The exercise simulates an oil slick within territorial waters.

The commander of the 'Response 24' exercise, Ryan Al-Turiani, told 'Akhbaar 24' in a special statement that the exercise simulates an oil slick within territorial waters in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, estimated at about 20,000 barrels. He explained that the working mechanism starts with activating the reserve's capabilities, then escalating the response to the Tabuk region's resources under an integrated national system for handling marine pollution incidents.

Al-Turiani added that the exercise aims to raise the level of coordination among participating entities, train national personnel to deal with oil spills, protect ports and the marine environment, and enhance integration among various stakeholders to ensure rapid and efficient response in such incidents.

He noted that 'Response 24' is the 24th exercise in the series of national drills for oil spill response, and the fourth to be implemented in the Tabuk region, with the participation of more than 40 government and private entities, which reflects the development of readiness and the increased awareness among participants of the importance of joint action against marine pollution.

Al-Turiani affirmed that the organizing bodies benefit from the results of previous exercises. After each drill, a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of participating entities and the local committee is conducted, lessons are drawn, weaknesses are addressed, and strengths are reinforced, contributing to the development of the response system and improving its efficiency in future exercises.

He explained that the environmental compliance monitoring system today relies on modern technologies, including satellites, simulation models, and smart buoys, which help detect violations or marine pollution incidents and immediately notify the competent authorities, enhancing response speed and preserving the marine environment.