Indian Coast Guard's SAREX-24 Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise to Commence on November 28 in Kochi

The Indian Coast Guard's 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise and Workshop, SAREX-24, is set to take place in Kochi, Kerala, on November 28-29. The event will be inaugurated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board's guidance. Director General S Paramesh, who coordinates national maritime search and rescue efforts, will also attend.

Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities

SAREX-24 aims to improve search and rescue capabilities through regional collaboration. This theme highlights the Indian Coast Guard's dedication to providing aid during large-scale emergencies, irrespective of location or nationality. The first day will include a table-top exercise, workshops, and seminars with senior officials from various government agencies, ministries, armed forces, stakeholders, and international delegates.

The second day will feature a sea exercise off the Kochi coast involving multiple contingencies. Ships and aircraft from the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Cochin Port Authority's passenger vessel and tug, and customs boats will participate. The first scenario simulates distress on a passenger vessel with 500 people onboard. The second scenario involves a civil aircraft with 200 passengers ditching into the sea.

Demonstrating Advanced Technology

The sea exercise will showcase advanced technology for evacuating distressed passengers. This includes satellite-aided distress beacons, drones deploying lifebuoys, air-droppable life rafts, and remote-controlled lifebuoys. These demonstrations aim to assess operational efficiency and coordination with national stakeholders while fostering cooperation with friendly nations.

Over time, the Indian Coast Guard has become a leading maritime agency supporting government efforts for effective search and rescue operations. An MoU was signed with Indian Ocean Rim Association member states for coordinating search and rescue in the region. The Indian Coast Guard is also the nodal agency for SAR activities in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Strengthening Maritime Safety

The focus on maritime safety aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). This initiative strengthens India's global responsibility in maritime safety. Meanwhile, another event called Defence Partnership Days will occur on November 28-29 in New Delhi. Organised by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies and Indian Military Review, it aims to enhance collaboration between armed forces and industry.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan will inaugurate this event alongside Secretary Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar. Over 200 companies and 100 Ministry of Defence officers involved in technology and procurement will participate. Additionally, an exhibition featuring 75 companies will display industry contributions to national defence capabilities.

The upcoming events underscore India's commitment to enhancing maritime safety and fostering collaboration between defence sectors and industry partners. These initiatives are crucial for strengthening national security and building robust defence capabilities through strategic partnerships.