ICG Organises 23rd National Maritime Search and Rescue Board Meeting in Gandhinagar

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) convened the 23rd National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to enhance coordination and strengthen India’s maritime safety and rescue framework.

The meeting, chaired by Director General S. Paramesh, Director General of the ICG and Chairperson of the NMSAR Board, brought together representatives from key maritime and aviation agencies, including the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, INCOIS, Airports Authority of India, and the Directorate General of Shipping.

Discussions focused on improving inter-agency collaboration, leveraging modern communication systems, and adopting advanced technologies to bolster operational efficiency and maritime safety standards. DG Paramesh reaffirmed ICG’s commitment to protecting lives at sea, describing efficient search and rescue (SAR) operations as a cornerstone of India’s maritime safety architecture.

During the event, the National SAR Awards for 2023–24 were presented to recognise outstanding contributions to rescue efforts at sea. MV He Yuan Shun 89, a Panama-flagged vessel, received the award in the Merchant Vessel category, while Indian Fishing Boat Kedarnath Bhole was honoured in the Fishing Boat category. ICG Ship Rajveer received the award for the Government-owned SAR Unit, and the Vessel Traffic System (VTS) of Mumbai Port Authority and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) were jointly felicitated in the Ashore Unit category.

Interactive sessions and presentations during the meeting provided a platform to share best practices and reaffirmed the collective resolve to ensure safer and more secure maritime operations across the Indian coastline.