Port Blair, Sept. 22: On 20 & 21 Sep 23, Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters -14, conducted a Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop for all stakeholders present in the A&N Region. The workshop was inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General PB Mandal, TM, Commander Coast District No. 14. The event witnessed participation of reps from multiple Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) stakeholder organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest appreciated all the stakeholders and resource agencies for rendering coordinated and synergised services for SAR in the A&N waters. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the Maritime and Aeronautical-SAR infrastructure and to refine the procedures in light of the planned expansion of the maritime and aviation sector in the A&N Islands.

The workshop was aimed at ‘Capacity Building through Effective Cooperation’ and structured to bring out the importance of safe and secure seas through collective resolve and collaborative approach. Participants from M-SAR stakeholder organisations like DGS/MMD, DGCA/AAI, DSS, PMB, IRS, Department of Fisheries, INCOIS, PMF, ISRO, CISF, Customs and reps from Indian Navy and Indian Air Force actively contributed to the discussions during the workshop.

The event culminated with a mock drill by surface and air assets of Indian Coast Guard which demonstrated SAR response strategies and use of life saving equipment at sea. All participants & stakeholders acknowledged that the workshop had been unique and very beneficial for M-SAR service providers.