Tunis: The National Defence Ministry announced on Monday, from the main headquarters of the naval base at La Goulette, the launch of the first edition of the "Safe Sea 24" maritime search and rescue exercise in the Gulf of Tunis, which will run until May 29. Head of the National Search and Rescue Operations Coordination Centre Mehdi Seliti told the media that this exercise, which is taking place for the first time in an inclusive manner and dedicated to search and rescue at sea, aims to assess the current system and determine its strengths and weaknesses in order to remedy any malfunctions. This exercise also aims to set out standardised working procedures, put in place coordination mechanisms between all stakeholders, practise optimum use of the available systems and first aid techniques, and learn about the laws relatet to rescue at sea. For his part, Captain Major Karim Taka said this exercise is part of the implementation of decree no. 2024-181 of April 5, 2024 on the organisation of maritime search an d rescue at national level. The goal is to set up a national search and rescue at sea authority, draw up a national plan to coordinate mechanisms between all stakeholders and determine the geographical area of responsibility of the Republic of Tunisia, he explained. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse