The 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise and Workshop, organized by the Ministry of Defence, is set to take place in Kochi, Kerala, on November 28 and 29.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will inaugurate the event, which aims to enhance India's maritime search and rescue capabilities. ICG Director General S. Paramesh, who also serves as the National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority, will be present at the event.
The event will follow the theme of "Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through regional collaboration." This theme reflects the Indian Coast Guard's commitment to providing assistance during large-scale emergencies within the Indian Search and Rescue region.
The two-day program is designed to foster collaboration among various national and international stakeholders while showcasing advancements in maritime rescue technology.
The first day of the event will feature workshops, seminars, and a tabletop exercise. Senior officials from government agencies, armed forces, ministries, and international delegations will participate. Discussions will focus on improving maritime rescue operations through shared expertise and innovative approaches.
On the second day, a sea exercise off the Kochi coast will simulate two large-scale contingencies. The first scenario will involve a distress situation onboard a passenger vessel carrying 500 passengers.
The second scenario will simulate the ditching of a civil aircraft with 200 passengers. The exercises will highlight the use of cutting-edge technologies, including satellite-aided distress beacons, drones for deploying life buoys, air-droppable life rafts, and remote-controlled life-saving equipment.
The drills will involve coordinated efforts by ships and aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force, along with vessels from the Cochin Port Authority, Customs boats, and other stakeholders.
The exercises aim to assess the operational efficiency of search and rescue operations and improve coordination among national and regional players. The focus will also be on fostering cooperation with littoral states and friendly nations to strengthen regional preparedness.
The Indian Coast Guard has been working towards establishing a robust maritime search and rescue framework. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states to coordinate search and rescue operations across the Indian Ocean Region. As the implementing agency, the Coast Guard plays a key role in this initiative.
Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard has been designated as the nodal agency for search and rescue activities in the Indo-Pacific region. This role underscores India’s commitment to maritime safety and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR).
The increased emphasis on maritime safety not only enhances India’s regional influence but also reinforces its responsibility as a global maritime leader.
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