Enhancing Maritime Safety: SAREX-24 in Kochi
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is set to host the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise & Workshop (SAREX-24) in Kochi, Kerala, on November 28-29, 2024. This significant event will be inaugurated by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, with the ICG Director General S Paramesh also in attendance. The exercise aims to bolster search and rescue capabilities through regional collaboration, reflecting ICG’s commitment to providing assistance during large-scale emergencies, regardless of location or nationality.
A Focus on Regional Collaboration
The theme for SAREX-24 is “Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional collaboration.” This theme underscores the importance of cooperative efforts in maritime safety. The ICG aims to ensure that help is available during emergencies in the Indian Search and Rescue Region and beyond. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the exercise seeks to create a robust framework for effective response to maritime crises.
The event will bring together senior officials from government agencies, ministries, and armed forces, along with foreign delegates. This diverse participation will facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in search and rescue operations. The first day will feature a series of workshops, seminars, and tabletop exercises designed to enhance coordination among participants. These activities will focus on improving operational readiness and response strategies in the face of maritime emergencies.
Realistic Sea Exercises
The second day of SAREX-24 will involve a large-scale sea exercise off the Kochi coast. This exercise will simulate two major contingencies: a distress situation aboard a passenger vessel with 500 passengers and the ditching of a civil aircraft carrying 200 passengers. These scenarios are designed to test the effectiveness of various response strategies and the coordination among different agencies.
Participants will demonstrate advanced techniques for evacuating distressed passengers. New-age technology will play a crucial role in these operations. The use of satellite-aided distress beacons, drones for deploying life buoys, and air-droppable life rafts will be showcased. Additionally, remote-controlled life buoys will be utilized to enhance rescue operations. This practical demonstration aims to evaluate the efficiency of operations and the collaborative efforts of national stakeholders.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Role
Over the years, the ICG has established itself as a leading maritime agency, playing a vital role in the Government’s efforts to create a stable and effective maritime search and rescue framework. The ICG has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with member states of the Indian Ocean Rim Association to coordinate search and rescue operations in the Indian Ocean Region. Furthermore, the ICG has been designated as the nodal agency for search and rescue activities in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The increased focus on maritime safety aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi‘s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR). By enhancing its search and rescue capabilities, the ICG is not only fulfilling its national responsibilities but also contributing to global maritime safety. This commitment reflects India’s dedication to fostering regional stability and cooperation in maritime affairs.
In conclusion, SAREX-24 represents a significant step forward in enhancing maritime safety and response capabilities. Through collaboration and the use of advanced technology, the Indian Coast Guard aims to ensure effective responses to maritime emergencies, reinforcing its role as a leader in search and rescue operations.
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