Indian Coast Guard Hosts 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue Board Meeting in Kochi

Kochi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully organized the 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting today in Kochi, Kerala, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime safety framework. The meeting also heralded the commencement of the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-24), set to take place off the Kochi Coast on November 29, 2024.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh inaugurated the event, emphasizing the critical role of the ICG in providing Search and Rescue (SAR) services in the Indian Search & Rescue Region, particularly in assisting the fishing community at sea. During his address,  Singh assured continued government support to further strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard in its vital role of safeguarding lives at sea.

The NMSAR Board meeting was chaired by Director General of ICG, DG Paramesh Sivamani, who is also the Chairperson of the NMSAR Board. In his address, DG Sivamani highlighted the collective commitment to maritime safety, emphasizing the importance of efficient SAR operations in fortifying India’s maritime safety infrastructure. He reiterated the need for sustained cooperation among various agencies involved in search and rescue operations to enhance the country’s preparedness and response to maritime emergencies.

The meeting also saw the presentation of the prestigious National SAR Awards for 2023-24, recognizing the outstanding contributions to maritime safety and SAR operations. The awardees were:

• Merchant Vessel Category: MV Singapore Bulker (Panama-flagged vessel)
• Fishing Boat Category: Indian Fishing Boats Paramita 5, Geeta, and Bahubali
• Government-Owned SAR Unit Category: ICG Air Squadron 835 Sqn (CG)
• Ashore Unit Category: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

These awards celebrate the relentless efforts of individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in ensuring maritime safety and supporting SAR operations in Indian waters.

The NMSAR Board meeting brought together over 200 delegates from a wide array of organizations, including the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, INCOIS, the Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Customs, Coastal Police, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and various maritime boards, port authorities, as well as representatives from the Fisheries Department, Border Security Force, and the National Disaster Management Authority, among others.

Interactive sessions and presentations facilitated valuable discussions, reinforcing the collective efforts to enhance maritime safety and preparedness. The meeting emphasized the need for greater coordination among stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of maritime search and rescue operations.

Established in 2002, the NMSAR Board convenes annually to review and update the National Search and Rescue Plan, formulate guidelines, and discuss policy matters related to maritime safety. The 22nd meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and improving coordination among various agencies involved in SAR operations.

The discussions centered on enhancing the efficiency and scope of search and rescue efforts, as well as the integration of advanced technologies and techniques to address the evolving challenges of maritime safety. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to build a robust maritime safety infrastructure, ensuring that Indian waters remain safe for all maritime activities, from commercial shipping to fishing operations.

As the event sets the stage for the SAREX-24 exercise, the Indian Coast Guard and its partners are poised to further demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, reinforcing India’s position as a regional leader in maritime safety and security.