Port Blair, Sept. 19: The Indian Coast Guard Region (A&N) conducted a Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop through video conferencing on 16 Sep 21. The workshop was inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General P Pradeep Kumar, Chief Staff Officer (Operation), CGRHQ (A&N). Mercantile Marine Department, DGCA/AAI, Directorate of Shipping Services, Port Management Board, State Disaster Management, Department of Fisheries, INCOIS, BSNL (SKYLO), DMA, CISF, Marine Police, Customs, Andaman Merchant Club and Sports Fishing Club participated in the workshop.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest praised the dedication and commitment of all Maritime SAR stake holders and resource agencies towards their selfless service. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the Maritime-SAR infrastructure and refine the procedures in light of the planned expansion of the maritime sector in the A&N Islands. He also emphasized on the need to maintain the synergy achieved between all stake holders to realize a prompt response to any incident and accident at sea.

The workshop was aimed at ‘Maritime SAR Capacity Building through Effective Co-ordination’ and to provide safer and secure sea to mankind through collective efforts and collaborative approach.

All the participants & stake holders opined that the workshop was beneficial for both the Maritime SAR service provider and for the maritime industry. On conclusion of the workshop, Commandant (JG) Sanjay Anchalwar, Officer-in-Charge, Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre extended thanks to all the distinguished speakers for their excellent presentations.