The main task of the training is to find and neutralize explosive devices left during the First and Second World Wars in order to improve maritime safety in the Baltic Sea, as well as to improve skills in mine clearance operations. “For Latvia, this means safety in the waters – for both fishermen and the rest of the population,” says Jan Wicher, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Fleet, as the main target of the operation.
He was not in Latvia for the first time, he had to be in Riga several times, but the commander of Liepāja is visiting for the first time. “Very nice, I’m glad to be here. Every operation of this kind is equally important to me. I have been on a mission in various circumstances, both in Somalia and in Kosovo, but I cannot single out anyone in terms of importance. Every
The episode is different, but if I can save at least one person’s life, I have fulfilled my task well, ”J. Vičers told the portal.
Mine search operations in Latvia take place every year, informs the Commander of the Naval Staff Gvido Ļaudups. We usually organize the training called “Open Spirit” on a rotating basis. All the Baltic States are involved. This time, NATO’s 1st Independent Naval Forces offered their help to join the military operation in our waters. “
The military heritage in our waters is great, which is more focused on the Irbe Strait and the entrance to the Gulf of Riga. “Mines do not endanger shipping as much as nature. This is also a good way to practice and train our ship crews, ”says G. Laudups. The chief of the naval headquarters reveals that mines are not the only object found in this type of operation. “We have had a case when we found a large stone in the port of Mērsrags, which hindered the movement of ships. We carried out stone blasting work to ensure a safe fairway and no difficulties for ships with a greater draft. ”
Sometimes also finding debris that is either fixed on a nautical chart or lifted out of the waters. “There have been cases when we find unmarked shipwrecks, but they are protected objects and are not highlighted. This way we
we help Latvian hydrography and the Latvian Maritime Administration to improve the compliance of the map in our surveillance zone. ”
G. Laudups says that the mines found are first identified to determine if they contain explosives. If mines turn out to be dangerous, they are neutralized. “There are many dangerous mines. In the past, when trawls were used in fishing, these mines were more dangerous to fishermen, but there is a danger that there will be some dredging or a fisherman working with nets. ”
Another subordinate task of the units is patrolling, during which NATO’s presence is demonstrated both at sea and on shore, during port visits. “It is the supervision of our maritime area of responsibility, we monitor how ships sailing in the territorial sea of Latvia comply with international standards. We also help the Fisheries Inspectorate to monitor whether illegal fishing is taking place in Latvian waters. ”
The vessels will not be opened to the public for inspection in accordance with national epidemiological guidelines. “The epidemiological conditions of our operations do not change much. Of course, we have to take many different preventive measures, we have to follow the regulations, but we find ways to fulfill the task, ”says G. Laudups
NATO’s 1st Permanent Mine Action Group currently includes the Belgian flagship Godetia, the Estonian ship Ugandi, the German ship Datteln and the British ship Blyth. From April 2 to 6, the staff will pay a visit to the port in Riga, but from April 6 to April 11, military training “Hodops” will take place in the Irbe Strait.
