Port Blair, July 13: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) District Headquarters No. 9 (Diglipur) conducted a two day Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) Workshop on 12 & 13 Jul 23. The Workshop was held to foster coordination and integration amongst stakeholders involved in Search and Rescue operations in sea area off North and Middle Andaman. The Workshop was attended by representatives of Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, North and Middle Andaman Administration, Fisheries Department, Port Management Board (PMB), Forest Department and Police Marine Force. The Workshop highlighted the role and responsibilities of each stakeholder and focussed on improving coordination between the stakeholders. During the Workshop demonstration of rescue techniques for vessels and crew in distress was also undertaken by the Coast Guard Interceptor Boats, off Diglipur.

The Workshop was chaired by Deputy Inspector General Ankur, Coast Guard District Commander, North & Middle Andaman. The goal of the Maritime Workshop was to bring all stakeholders on a single platform and ensuring a timely and effective response can be provided in the event of a maritime emergency. Discussions were also held during the Workshop about the measures being taken by Indian Coast Guard to ensure the safety of life at sea. ICG conducts regular Community Interaction Programs with the fishing community, to guide fishermen about carriage of essential safety gear onboard while venturing into the sea.

The Workshop is part of various SAR training activities conducted by Indian Coast Guard for all stakeholders in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, to ensure safety of life and property at sea. The efforts are in line with the ICG Motto of “Vayam Rakshamah”, which means “We Protect”.