The 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting was given by ICG at Kochi
INN/Kochi, @Infodeaofficial
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hosted the 22nd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting at Kochi on November 28, 2024. The occasion also signalled the start of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise 2024 (SAREX-24), which is scheduled to begin on November 29, 2024, off the coast of Kochi. The ceremony was opened by IAS Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, who also spoke with the foreign delegations present.
S. Paramesh, PTM, TM, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Chairperson of the NMSAR Board, presided over the meeting. Within the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), the Indian Coast Guard is responsible for organising and carrying out maritime search and rescue missions.
Representatives from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Directorate General of Shipping, Customs, Coastal Police, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Fisheries Department, Maritime Boards, Port Authorities, Coastal States/Union Territories, and other related organisations were among the diverse group of stakeholders who attended the event.
One of the meeting’s major highlights was the announcement of the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Awards for 2023–24. These honours honoured exceptional contributions to search and rescue efforts and maritime safety.
The awardees were:
– Merchant Vessel Category: MV Singapore Bulker (Panama-flagged vessel)
– Fishing Boat Category: Indian Fishing Boats (IFBs) Paramita 5, Geeta, and Bahubali
– Government-Owned SAR Unit Category: ICG Air Squadron 835 Sqn (CG)
– Ashore Unit Category: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)