The Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) at Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), has introduced a pioneering initiative called “EHS Experience Program” for students of marine biology whereby they will have an opportunity to gain vast theoretical and practical knowledge of the marine ecosystem in the region.
The EHS Experience Program kicked off by involving Sarah Wagg, a marine biology student from Plymouth University, UK, who spent a week with marine biologists in EHS. During her training program at EHS, Wagg participated in theory classes, laboratory and on-field sessions and was also involved in scuba diving in Jebel Ali Port beach to collect data on coral reef which are integral elements of the ecosystem in the sea that support marine life.
Ahmed A.Hussain, Chief Executive Officer, EHS, said, “Conservation of marine life forms a very important part of EHS’s goals, and this experience program will go a long way in creating awareness of the need for protecting marine life in the region. The program is designed in such a way that it provides a comprehensive understanding of the marine conditions, as it includes hands-on experience in data gathering from the bottom of the sea and studying the data in our fully-equipped laboratories.”
“We are glad that Sarah Wagg found her training at EHS extremely useful and we look forward to training more students in the coming months. Wagg was a keen learner and showed genuine interest in conservation and protection of marine life,” he added.
Sarah Wagg said, “I chose to apply to Environment, Health and Safety for some work experience because I had heard that Nasser Al Shaiba, Vice President, Regulatory Function at EHS is involved in the field of marine biological studies in Dubai. I was very keen to gain some experience in this field to be able to put into practice some of the skills that I have learnt at my university, and in some way contribute to marine conservation. My stint with EHS has significantly increased my knowledge of marine biology as I had the chance to improve my fieldwork skills and gain a better understanding of marine ecosystems.”
The main objectives of the EHS Experience Program include creating awareness and sensitivity among students, to the marine environment. Providing help to students acquire a basic understanding of the marine environment and to acquire a set of values that instill a concern for the marine environment. EHS motivates students to actively participate in environmental protection, and provide them with an opportunity to be involved at all levels in marine environment research.
The EHS Experience Program is open to students of all nationalities at the high school, college and university level, and covers areas such as general environment, marine science, health & food, and port safety.
