International search and rescue exercise Sarex 20 conducted at Goa by ICG

Indian Coast Guard conducted a two day National Maritime Search, Rescue Workshop and Exercise-2020 (SAREX-20) at Goa with participation of 24 overseas partners from 19 countries. Dr. Ajay Kumar, IAS, Secretary (Defence), Ministry of Defence, inaugurated SAREX-20.

This is
for the first time the 03 pillars of national SAR mechanism i.e. Ministry of
Shipping, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Defence took part in
SAREX-20 which had the theme of Harmonization of Maritime and Aeronautical
Search and Rescue code named ‘HAMSAR’. SAREX-20 witnessed the largest ever
participation from international delegates including 38 national observers and
representatives of 07 commercial airlines including 02 helicopter operators.

SAREX-20
included conduct of workshop and table top exercise followed by a sea exercise
the second day. SAREX exercise is being conducted biennially by Indian Coast
Guard under the aegis of National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB)
since 2003 under the Chairmanship of Director General K Natarajan, Indian Coast
Guard and this was the 9th edition of the series of SAREX. 

The SAR
Workshop and exercise focused on Mass Rescue operation (MRO) scenario
consequent to simulated ditching of a passenger aircraft at sea off Goa. 

During the
simulated exercise mass rescue operations were demonstrated with participation
of 07 ships, 10 aircraft of various resource agencies including Indian Coast
Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and vessels from Goa port. Airport
Authority of Indian, State Administration, Indian Mission Control Centre,
Indian Space Research Organization and various other stake holders participated
in the sea exercise along with local administration, designated Hospitals, Port
Authorities for disaster management response on a large scale.  

SAREX-2020
tested the efficiency of operations and coordination of the stakeholders
involved in Search and Rescue in Indian Search and Rescue Region. The proactive
approach adopted on SAR particularly for ensuring safety of fishermen and
mariners at sea has yielded positive results and contributed towards growing
confidence among the fishing community and the mariners. Indian Coast Guard
since inception have saved 9701 lives at sea translating to approximately more
than one life being saved every second day.