THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 7, 2026

The future of maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations will depend increasingly on advanced technology, real-time information sharing and seamless coordination among multiple agencies, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General Paramesh Sivamani said on Wednesday.

Chairing the 24th meeting of the National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board here, Sivamani stressed the need to strengthen vessel tracking, distress-alert management and data-driven operational decision-making, besides accelerating the mobilisation of rescue assets.

 “The future of maritime SAR hinges on advanced technological integration, real-time information sharing, and seamless inter-agency synergy,” he said.

The NMSAR Board, constituted in 2002, is the apex national body responsible for reviewing preparedness for maritime SAR operations across the 4.6 million sq. km Indian Search and Rescue Region.

Sivamani also emphasised that operational lessons learnt from previous rescue missions and multi-agency exercises should translate directly into improved mission readiness and response capabilities.

The Board deliberated on measures to strengthen both national and international SAR frameworks, recognising that maritime emergencies often transcend geographical boundaries and require coordinated action among Rescue Coordination Centres and maritime safety agencies across countries, an ICG statement said.

The Indian Coast Guard conducts maritime SAR operations through three Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and 36 Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres located along the country's coastline and in Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The meeting brought together senior representatives and stakeholders from the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India Meteorological Department (IMD) and other agencies.

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the National Maritime Search & Rescue Awards 2026, recognising exemplary bravery and swift action in saving lives at sea.