The hurricane simulation exercise, Operation Tempest, took place on the 8th of May, 2026 in an effort to test the operational readiness of Barbados' current vessel lifting facilities and relocation to nearby harbours. With the hurricane season on the horizon, evaluating the hurricane-preparedness and inter-agency coordination for the safe lift-out and storage of fishing vessels.

A total of thirty-four vessels took part in the exercise across the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex (BFC), Pier Head, Careenage, Shallow Draught, Barbados Coast Guard (BCG), and Pile Bay Fish Landing Facility. The exercise saw vessels across these sites prepare in the event of the impending Hurricane Percy.

Dockmaster, McAndrew Ottley, hosting a briefing at the BFC before the start of the exercise.

Key Observations

While some setbacks were experienced in the administrative process of last-minute waiver form processions, which are required for access into the BPI harbour facilities, the exercise ran smoothly. Communications from the BFD's radio room provided clear and repeated instructions, ensuring all those taking part in the process understood the information.

Emerging from the exercise, it was recognized that staggered vessel departures from landing sites to haul-out facilities would be key to maintaining an orderly process. Further collaboration with the Marine Police and Barbados Coast Guard would also provide assistance during this stage, marshaling the vessels at sea to ensure their safe passage. Having a digital waiver form may also ease the completion process and tracking, increasing documentation efficiency.

Conclusion

Operation Tempest was successful in its purpose to assess the fishing industry's operational readiness, preparedness protocols, vulnerabilities and overall safety. The participation of the administration and documentation team at BFC was integral to the success of the simulation. Their observations and adjustments provided practical solutions to real-time challenges, reinforcing the need for continued refinement of administrative protocols. These lessons will contribute significantly to strengthening hurricane preparedness and emergency response coordination across the industry.

A special thanks goes out to all participants, these being: Barbados Fisheries Division, Barbados Coast Guard, Barbados Port Inc. (including travel lift operator and Harbour Master), Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Amateur Radio Society of Barbados (ARSB), The Beryl Barbados Response Project, Project Executing and Coordination Unit (BERRP), The Barbados Fire Service (BFS), Barbados Government Information Service (GIS), CG United and ICBL representatives, Boat owners and vessel operators, The Black Fin Fleet Co-operative Society Ltd, Barbados National Union of Fisherfolk Organisations (BARNUFO), Pile Bay Fisherfolk Organization, and Representatives from the Pier Head Development Project.