Ahead of monsoon, coast guard reviews SOPs to sharpen maritime rescue response

Panaji: As Goa braces for monsoon swells that routinely endanger fishing boats and cargo vessels, the Indian Coast Guard held a state-level maritime search and rescue (SAR) workshop to review emergency protocols with key agencies. The fisheries department, tourism department, Mormugao Port Authority and Captain of Ports were among those who participated in the exercise, which aimed to close gaps in rescue coordination before conditions deteriorate.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the proactive approaches that the Indian Coast Guard and other agencies are taking to ensure the safety of mariners at sea. Some of the measures that were recommended are the inclusion of measures such as conducting regular safety drills and providing local fishermen with the latest weather forecasts well in advance before they head out.

The Indian Coast Guard is the country’s nodal agency for maritime SAR operations in the Indian Maritime Search and Rescue Region (ISRR). “We need such workshops for better know-how on the role, response and rescue capability of the resource agencies in Goa. Such workshops also assist in fostering optimum synergy to deliver collaborative efforts while combating maritime SAR emergencies and in being well prepared to save any precious life and property at sea,” said deputy inspector general Manoj Bhatia, commander, Coast Guard Goa.

“The workshop was aimed at revalidating standard operating procedures and identifying gaps in existing set-up for corrective measures. It also aimed to strengthen maritime search and rescue across the coast of Goa through effective coordination,” said the Coast Guard in an official statement.

Officials from the coastal security police, Airport Authority of India (AAI), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and ONGC were also present for the meeting.