The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will organize the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise & Workshop (SAREX-24) on November 28-29, 2024. The event will take place in Kochi and will be inaugurated by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Director General of the ICG, S Paramesh, will also attend the event.
The theme for this year is “Improving Search and Rescue Powers through Regional Collaboration.” This highlights the ICG’s dedication to helping people in emergencies at sea, no matter their nationality or location.
The event will be held over two days:
- Day 1 (Workshops and Seminars):
- There will be workshops, meetings, and a table-top exercise. Senior officials from different government departments, armed forces, and foreign representatives will participate. The focus will be on sharing knowledge and improving coordination in rescue operations.
- Day 2 (Sea Rescue Exercise):
- A large-scale rescue exercise will be conducted off the Kochi coast. Ships and aircraft from the ICG, Navy, and Air Force, along with vessels from Cochin Port and Customs, will take part.
- Two rescue techniques will be presented:
- Passenger Vessel Emergency: A fake rescue of 500 passengers from a distressed ship.
- Aircraft Emergency: A simulated rescue of 200 passengers from a ditched civil aircraft.
The exercise will showcase modern rescue technology, including:
- Satellite-based distress signals.
- Drones to drop life buoys.
- Air-droppable life rafts.
- Remote-controlled life-saving devices.
This exercise will help test how well different agencies work together during emergencies. It will also promote collaboration with neighboring countries and friendly nations.
The Indian Coast Guard plays a key role in ensuring safety at sea. Over the years, it has become a leader in search and rescue operations. It also works with countries in the Indian Ocean region to improve cooperation in maritime safety.
The event supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) and highlights India’s efforts to strengthen regional safety and security. (PR)