Goa News: Indian Coast Guard conducts maritime search and rescue workshop

VASCO. Vasco: Indian Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 11, Goa on Thursday conducted a Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) workshop for all stakeholders of the state. The workshop was attended by representatives from various agencies like North and South Goa Collectorate, Department of Tourism, CISF, Fisheries Department, Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), Captain of the Port (COP), Goa Customs, Coastal Security Police, Airports Authority of India (AAI), ONGC and Oil Companies. Presentations on related topics were made by the representatives of these departments.

Indian Coast Guard Indian Search and Rescue is the nodal agency in the country for maritime search and rescue in the region. The workshop held in Goa was aimed at sharing expertise, so as to improve coordination and preparedness among various agencies towards enhancing maritime SAR besides re-validating standard operating procedure. Earlier, Deputy Inspector General Manoj Bhatia, Coast Guard Medal, Commander Coast Guard inaugurated the workshop. In his address he emphasised the need for use of latest technologies and safety equipment including better coordination among concerned agencies to provide effective maritime SAR and thus make Indian oceans safer. The training workshop included presentations and discussions on maritime safety, M-SAR organisation, SAR aviation and induction of new technologies. The workshop also discussed the proactive approach being adopted by the Coast Guard to ensure safety of fishermen at sea. This includes measures such as conducting regular Community Interaction Programmes (CIPs) and providing information about latest weather forecasts to fishermen.