Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is set to inaugurate the 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise and Workshop (SAREX-24), which will take place in Kochi from November 28 to 29, 2024.

This event, organized by the Indian Coast Guard, aims to enhance search and rescue capabilities through regional collaboration, emphasizing the importance of coordination among various national stakeholders.

The exercise will include a series of table-top exercises, workshops, and seminars involving senior officials from multiple government departments and agencies, focusing on improving operational efficiency in maritime search and rescue operations.

The overarching theme of this year's workshop is "Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional collaboration," reflecting a commitment to strengthening maritime safety and response strategies in the region.

Regional collaboration significantly enhances search and rescue (SAR) capabilities through several key mechanisms:

The upcoming National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-24) will employ real-time simulations that allow participating nations to practice and refine their SAR skills in realistic scenarios. This hands-on approach fosters better preparedness and operational efficiency among various maritime stakeholders.

With over 40 international observers from partner nations attending SAREX-24, the event facilitates knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices in SAR operations. This diverse participation strengthens linkages and coordination among countries, enabling a more unified response to maritime emergencies.

The exercise underscores the importance of establishing robust SAR frameworks across regions. Collaborative efforts, such as memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with countries in the Indian Ocean Rim, help create standardized procedures and protocols that enhance collective response capabilities during crises.

Regional collaboration promotes better communication channels among maritime agencies, which is crucial for effective coordination during SAR missions. Improved information sharing can lead to quicker response times and more effective resource allocation during emergencies.

Modern maritime challenges often transcend national boundaries, necessitating a cooperative approach to effectively manage incidents at sea. By working together, countries can leverage each other's strengths and resources, leading to improved outcomes in SAR operations.