National meet on maritime search and rescue issues held

Updated on: Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Issues pertaining to maritime search and rescue, including safety of fishermen were discussed at the 10th meeting of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board here.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Director General, Coast Guard at the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters.

The Board was constituted in 2002 with the Director General Indian Coast Guard as the Chairman, to coordinate Search and Rescue at the national level, in accordance with the provisions of international conventions, a Defence Ministry release said.

Besides Coast Guard, members of 15 organisations like the Ministry of Shipping, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Indian Space Research Organisation etc are represented on the Board.

The Board meets annually to discuss policy issues, formulate guidelines and procedures, and consider recommendations on updating the National Search and Rescue plans and procedures.

With the increase in maritime traffic and fishing activity in the Indian Search and Rescue Region, augmentation of SAR services such as the establishment of a chain of Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) station for providing uninterrupted broadcast of Maritime Safety Information (MSI), Medical Advice Services to mariners and legislation on carriage of Distress Alert Transmitters by small fishing boats will enhance the SAR management system.

The Chairman dwelt on adoption of best practices by each SAR resource agency for achieving safe, secure and cleaner seas. All the participants consented to resolve important issues on priority such as revision of the National Maritime SAR Plan, enactment of national SAR legislation, and demarcation of Indian Search and Rescue Region with littoral states.

National meet on maritime search and rescue issues held

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