in local waters today. The exercise, involving the Department of Marine and Ports Services, Marine Police and a number of other agencies, will be in two parts -- an inshore rescue and an offshore search.

"The mock scenario for the inshore exercise, code named Goldfish, will involve the rescue of a charter tour boat, code named Cleopatra, which will be considered to have suffered an explosion and fire,'' a spokesperson said.

"Survivors, to be played by the United States Navy Seal Team, will be in the water and have to be rescued.

"The second part, exercise, Shark bait, will be an offshore search for a vessel and survivors,'' he added. "This exercise will involve the Marine and Ports vessel St. David , Harbour Radio and the US Navy helicopter.'' The objective of the exercise, the spokesperson said, is to test the capabilities and coordination of the local search and rescue units and to highlight any deficiencies. The exercise begins at 10 a.m. and will also involve the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Royal Navy, the US Navy and a vessel from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.