NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, AUG 28
The 10th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) 2022 was inaugurated here on Saturday by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar. The two-day exercise, which will be conducted under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB), is hosted by the Indian Coast Guard as the nodal maritime SAR coordinating agency for the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). In addition to 51 participants from national maritime SAR stakeholders, the exercise will be attended by 24 foreign observers from 16 friendly foreign countries.
The two-day exercise is conducted under the aegis of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB) and it is hosted by the @IndiaCoastGuard. 24 observers from 16 foreign countries attend this Event, including representatives from various maritime agencies. @DDNewsChennai pic.twitter.com/UITeAUhBGB
— Defence PRO Chennai (@Def_PRO_Chennai) August 27, 2022
SAREX-22 will be spread over two days – Saturday and Sunday (August 27 and 28) – and will validate the standard operating procedures and best practices during the conduct of a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO).
- The theme of this edition of the biennial exercise is “Capacity Building Towards Marine Passenger Safety”
- The Indian Coast Guard is playing a crucial and important role in expansion of maritime infrastructure and supporting the Governments of India projects like Sagarmala: Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar
The theme of this edition of the biennial exercise is “Capacity Building Towards Marine Passenger Safety” and signifies the resolve and commitment of the NMSARB and other stakeholder agencies in providing assistance during large scale contingencies within the ISSR and beyond.
The theme of 10th SAREX is very relevant given increased economic & tourism in Indian EEZ & IOR. Participation of large # of friendly foreign countries shows their confidence in ICG capabilities & relevance of the theme of SAREX@IndiaCoastGuard @SpokespersonMoD @Def_PRO_Chennai https://t.co/CuGtwd37lv
— Ajay Kumar (@drajaykumar_ias) August 27, 2022
Indian Coast Guard Director-General Virender Singh Pathania, who is also the chairman of the NMSAR Board, was also present during the meeting, which was also attended by dignitaries from the Ministry of Shipping, Civil Aviation and Fisheries.
वयम् रक्षामः/ #WeProtect@IndiaCoastGuard welcomes all the participants to the “10th National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise” #SAREX -2022 at #Chennai.#Martime #SAR #NMSAR #SearchAndRescue #IndianOcean #BayOfBengal #ArabianSea #Sea #Air #Search #Rescue pic.twitter.com/hi2eEibFhz
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 26, 2022
Defence Secretary after inaugurating the event said, “The Indian Coast Guard is playing a crucial and important role in expansion of maritime infrastructure and supporting the Governments of India projects like Sagarmala.”
He also mentioned the recent rescue of 32 Bangladeshi fishermen by the Indian Coast Guard gives the necessary background for highlighting the importance of this exercise. While speaking on adoption of latest technologies by the Indian Coast Guard, the Defence Secretary mentioned the plan of showcasing unmanned SAR life-buoy developed by an Indian startup in the Exercise.
Director General of Indian Coast Guard VS Pathania in his address said, “In SAREX-22 two mass rescue contingencies will be simulated; one involving a passenger vessel and the other one with a passenger aircraft.”
He added that India’s geolocation at the centre stage of the Indian Ocean Region and the dense merchant marine / fishing always keeps us on guard. The DG Coast Guard also highlighted that as the nodal maritime Search and Rescue agency of India, Indian Coast Guard have saved more than 11,500 lives stranded at sea in the last four decades.
Sanjay Barar, Additional Director General Shipping, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Dr. Jujjavarapu Balaji, Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sharad Kumar, Director Airports Authority of India, Chennai, Coast Guard Regional Commanders, National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board Members were also present for the inaugural session.
On the first day, the event focussed on tabletop exercises, workshops and seminars on issues of passenger safety, preparedness, challenges and the way ahead. The event will culminate with brainstorming sessions and deliberations amongst the national and international participants to mitigate various challenges associated with MRO.
On the second day of the event, sea exercises involving two large scale contingencies will be carried out off the Chennai coast. 16 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships, 1 naval ship, 6 ICG aircraft, 1 naval Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), 1 IAF helicopter, passenger vessel Swarajdweep, 1 tug from the Chennai Port Trust and 1 boat from customs will take part in the exercises.
The response matrix in the sea exercise will involve various methods to evacuate distressed passengers where the advent of new-age technology such as the use of remote controlled lifebuoy will be demonstrated.
