MSDF drill held at Sasebo base

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MSDF drill held at Sasebo base

The commander of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force fleet has called for thorough measures to prevent maritime accidents involving MSDF vessels.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force began an annual drill at Sasebo base, in Nagasaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Tuesday. Twenty-three vessels and 3,000 personnel are involved.

The emphasis this year is on safety, after a collision between an Aegis destroyer and fishing boat in February, which left 2 fishermen missing and presumed dead. Inadequate communication between MSDF crew is thought to have led to the collision.

On a transport vessel, MSDF fleet commander, Hiromi Takashima, instructed each crewmember to make all possible efforts to prevent accidents.
Senior officials then explained to the personnel that 80 percent of MSDF accidents were due to human error, and instructed them to fully communicate with each other.

On a moored destroyer, a drill was held to confirm the instructions a night duty chief officer should give the watch crew.

During the 5-day drill, crewmembers of different vessels will exchange views about safety and accident prevention.

2008/04/15 15:52

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