Bhubaneswar: The future of maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations hinges on advanced technological integration, real-time information sharing and seamless inter-agency coordination, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General (DG) Paramesh Sivamani said Wednesday.
Sivamani’s statement came while chairing a meeting of the National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board.
Constituted in 2002, the NMSAR Board serves as the apex national committee for reviewing preparedness for maritime SAR operations across the 4.6 million sq km Indian Search and Rescue Region.
“The future of maritime SAR (operations) hinges on advanced technological integration, real-time information sharing, and seamless inter-agency synergy,” Sivamani said.
He stressed the need for enhanced vessel tracking, robust distress-alert management, data-driven operational decision-making and accelerated asset mobilisation.
Sivamani also underscored that operational lessons learnt from past missions and multi-agency exercises must translate directly into enhanced mission readiness and response capabilities.
At its 24th meeting, the NMSAR Board deliberated on strengthening national and international SAR frameworks, recognising that maritime emergencies transcend geographic boundaries and require synchronised coordination among global Rescue Coordination Centres and maritime safety agencies, an ICG statement said.
The ICG conducts SAR operations through three Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and 36 Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres established along the coastline and in Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India Meteorological Department and other agencies.
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Awards 2026, honouring exemplary bravery and swift action in saving lives at sea, the statement said.
