10th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise “SAREX-2022”
New Delhi. 10th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise “SAREX-2022” conducted by Indian Coast Guard on August 28 at off Chennai. DG VS Pathania, PTM, TM reviewed the exercise along with other agencies and foreign participants.
The Sea exercise involving two large scale contingencies was carried out off Chennai coast with participation of 16 ICG Ships, 1 Naval Ship, 6 ICG aircraft, 1 Naval ALH, 1 IAF Helicopter, Passenger Vessel Swarajdweep, 1 tug from Chennai Port Trust and 1 boat from the Customs. The 1st contingency simulated distress onboard a passenger vessel having 500 pax onboard whereas the 2nd scenario depicted ditching of a civil aircraft with 200 passengers.
The response matrix in the sea exercise involved various methodology to evacuate distressed passengers wherein the advent of new-age technology such as use of remote controlled lifebuoy was demonstrated. Amongst the air elements used in the sea exercise, the rescue modalities demonstration by the newly inducted Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-MK-III) highlighted the ease and precision of using the state-of-art aircraft in large scale rescue operation.
Further, the exercise also acted as an enabler to foster mutual understanding, promote collaborative approach and share best practices followed, whilst dealing with large scale contingencies such as MRO.
Over the years, Indian Coast Guard has evolved as a premiere maritime agency rightfully steering the efforts of the GoI towards a stable and effective M-SAR construct. ICG is also having added responsibility wherein a MoU has been signed with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states for coordinating SAR in Indian Ocean Region and ICG has been nominated as the implementing agency as per the provisions of MoU. Further, ICG has also been nominated as nodal agency for SAR activities in Indo Pacific Region. ICG’s increased focus on the maritime safety aspect through collaboration and cooperation with all stake holders will go a long way in strengthening India’s global responsibility in sync with Hon’ble Prime Minister of India vision of ‘Security And Growth For All in the Region, i.e. SAGAR’.
In addition to 51 participants from national Maritime SAR stake holders, the exercise is being attended by 24 foreign observers from 16 friendly foreign countries. SAREX-22 will validate the Standard Operating Procedures and best practices during conduct of a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO).
