Test for response to nuclear emergency held at Rio de Janeiro Port

From the 24th to the 26th of November, the Nuclear Physical Security Exercise in Port (ESFPORTO – 2020) took place in the Port of Rio de Janeiro. The activity is coordinated by the Institutional Security Office of the Presidency of the Republic (GSI / PR), Central Body of the Brazilian Nuclear Program Protection System (SIPRON). The objective is to assess the ability of the agencies and entities involved to respond promptly to a nuclear emergency in port areas, test the effectiveness of the protocols, and promote interaction between the participants.

For the superintendent of the Port Guard, José Tadeu Diniz, the Nuclear Physical Security Exercise in Port is also an opportunity to improve risk management: “Through this activity, we can identify vulnerabilities, learn about threats and adopt good practices prevention. We know that the risk of accidents of this nature is very low, but we must always be prepared because the consequences would be disastrous for the population, the environment, and the economy ”.

The action, carried out in coordination with the National Public Security Commission on Ports, Terminals, and Waterways (CONPORTOS), with the support of CDRJ and the Brazilian Navy (MB), involves dozens of professionals from 30 organizations, including the Army, the police, and companies such as the leaseholders of the container terminals of the Port of Rio de Janeiro – MultiRio and ICTSI Rio.

The exercise is based on requirements to safeguard the transport of nuclear or radioactive material by land and sea modes, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of which Brazil is a member.

For the exercise, a scenario will be created simulating incidents in the transport of nuclear/radiological material in the Port of Rio de Janeiro, including stages such as the approach of the ship, preparations for disembarkation, land transport, and departure from the port. Emergency control simulations are also carried out.

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