New Delhi / Gandhinagar: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) organized the 23rd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Monday, focusing on enhancing inter-agency coordination and leveraging technology to bolster India’s maritime search and rescue (SAR) framework.
The meeting, chaired by Director General S. Paramesh, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard and Chairperson of the NMSAR Board, brought together representatives from key maritime and aviation agencies to discuss strategies for strengthening India’s maritime safety and emergency response mechanisms.
Enhancing Coordination for Safer Seas
The 23rd NMSAR Board meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, INCOIS, Airports Authority of India, and the Directorate General of Shipping, to ensure seamless and effective SAR operations across India’s vast maritime zones.
Discussions focused on adopting modern communication systems, advanced surveillance technologies, and data-sharing mechanisms to improve operational efficiency and reduce response times during maritime emergencies.
Recognizing Excellence in Maritime Rescue Operations
During the meeting, the National SAR Awards for 2023–24 were presented to recognize exceptional contributions in saving lives at sea. The awardees were as follows:
- Merchant Vessel Category: MV He Yuan Shun 89 (Panama-flagged vessel)
- Fishing Boat Category: Indian Fishing Boat Kedarnath Bhole
- Government-owned SAR Unit Category: ICG Ship Rajveer
- Ashore Unit Category (Joint Award): Vessel Traffic System (VTS), Mumbai Port Authority and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)
The awards celebrate the courage, professionalism, and dedication of individuals and organizations that play a crucial role in safeguarding human life in India’s maritime domain.
DG S. Paramesh Reaffirms Commitment to Maritime Safety
In his address, DG S. Paramesh reaffirmed the ICG’s unwavering commitment to ensuring safety at sea and protecting lives in distress. He highlighted that efficient SAR operations form the cornerstone of India’s maritime safety architecture, adding that continuous innovation and coordination are vital for enhancing national SAR capabilities.
He also urged all stakeholders to strengthen communication, joint training, and interoperability to create a robust and responsive SAR ecosystem capable of addressing emerging maritime challenges.
Collective Effort for a Secure Maritime Future
The meeting featured interactive sessions and presentations, fostering dialogue and knowledge sharing among participants. Representatives exchanged insights on best practices, technological advancements, and coordination mechanisms to improve maritime response preparedness.
The NMSAR Board meeting reaffirmed the collective resolve of India’s maritime community to work together toward safer, more secure, and sustainable maritime operations in alignment with national and international safety standards.
