Bhubaneswar: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a two-days Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) Workshop and Sea Exercise on 30-31 October for all stakeholders and representatives from resource agencies of the States of Odisha and West Bengal.
The Indian Navy, OSDMA, Major and Minor Ports, State Govt, District Administration Officials, Customs, Marine Police, Odisha Police, CISF, Department of Fisheries, Forest Department and District Medical Department participated in the workshop and the sea exercise, said an official press release.
Indian Coast Guard is the nodal agency for Maritime Search and Rescue in Indian EEZ.
The workshop was aimed to revive the SOPs, so as to improve coordination and enhance readiness amongst various agencies towards combating Maritime SAR along the coast of Odisha.
The workshop was inaugurated by DIG YK Singh, Commander Coast Guard, Odisha.
Speaking on the occasion, the District Commander welcomed all participants and emphasized the need of better coordination and synergized efforts for safety of Life at Sea.
On the first day of workshop, representative from ICG and resource agencies delivered presentations on topics related to Maritime SAR, rescue capabilities and latest technological advancements.
A table top exercise was conducted for simulation of fire and flooding onboard MV Samudravahani resulting all crew and passengers abandoning the ship.
On 31 October Sea Exercise was conducted off Paradip harbour showcasing the rescue capability of resource agencies towards commitment for safety of life at sea.
