DEFENCE MINISTER OPENS NEW MARITIME RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE IN CHENNAI

Why in the news?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai, enhancing India’s maritime rescue capabilities.

DEFENCE MINISTER OPENS NEW MARITIME RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE IN CHENNAI - UPSC

Key Details

  • Marine Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs): MRCCs are critical to marine safety because they coordinate search and rescue activities across vast ocean areas. They collaborate with other MRCCs worldwide to protect the safety of vessels and crew.
  • Indian Coast Guard: The Indian Coast Guard, which oversees the MRCCs, is critical to providing marine safety, environmental protection, and law enforcement in India’s territorial waters. The Coast Guard has been developing its capacities to meet the growing maritime traffic in the Indian Ocean Region.
  • Strategic Importance: The Indian Ocean is a vital commercial route with substantial geopolitical implications. Improving marine safety and security in this region is critical to India’s national interests, which include ensuring sea routes of communication and preserving its maritime borders.
  • Advanced Equipment: The new MRCC is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, such as satellite-based communication systems, real-time monitoring capabilities, and advanced radar systems, to detect and respond to marine emergencies quickly.
  • Coast Guard Fleet: The Indian Coast Guard has a fleet of over 150 ships and 60 aircraft, making it one of the most capable maritime forces in the region. The installation of the MRCC increases the organization’s ability to perform effective search and rescue operations.