India’s Coast Guard Conducts Massive Search and Rescue Drill at Vadinar

Newz Daddy Defence Updates

Synopsis of the Article 

• The Indian Coast Guard conducted Regional Level Search and Rescue Exercise 2025 (ReSAREX-2025) off Vadinar under the Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (North-West).
• The exercise witnessed participation from National Maritime Search and Rescue Board members, Oil Handling Agencies, and State Government representatives.
• The theme for the event was ‘Synergizing Search and Rescue Response through Regional Collaboration and Technology Integration.’
• A Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) was demonstrated at sea, featuring mass evacuation, triage, and emergency medical care.
• The exercise aimed to test and refine maritime search and rescue (SAR) procedures, policies, and coordination among various stakeholders.
• The two-day event included:
  • Day 1: An inaugural session followed by a Tabletop Exercise.
  • Day 2: A live SAR demonstration at sea, covering survivor recovery, medical aid, and evacuation techniques.
• The focus was on enhancing inter-agency collaboration, identifying gaps, and improving response tactics.
• The Indian Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety with its motto: ‘We Protect.’

On March 5–6, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully carried out the Regional Level Search and Rescue Exercise 2025 (ReSAREX-2025) off the Gujarati coast of Vadinar. Members of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board, representatives from State Governments, and oil handling agencies actively participated in this extensive exercise, which was organised under the Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (North-West).

“Synergising Search and Rescue Response through Regional Collaboration and Technology Integration” was the theme of the exercise. Its main objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of current marine SAR (Search and Rescue) procedures and improve coordination amongst various agencies. The occasion showed how dedicated India is to safeguarding its seas and saving marine life.

The Mass Rescue Operation (MRO), in which teams acted out a real-life marine disaster, was one of the exercise’s main highlights. Mass evacuation, the establishment of triage areas for medical evaluations, and the provision of emergency medical care to those who were saved were all part of this. The experiment gave important insights regarding the necessity of prompt, coordinated reactions in emergency scenarios as well as the efficacy of SAR tactics.

Every facet of maritime rescue operations was intended to be tested and improved throughout the two-day exercise.

Day 1: After an introductory session, there was a tabletop exercise to start the event. The methods, procedures, and frameworks for making decisions for managing marine emergencies were the main topics of this section. To improve efficiency, officials from various agencies examined previous SAR operations, evaluated difficulties, and came up with solutions.
Day 2: Teams conducted a full-fledged SAR demonstration as part of the practical sea exercise. The rescue crews demonstrated methods such as swift evacuation procedures, onboard medical care for injured people, and rescuing survivors from the ocean.

Through these exercises, participants were able to assess their areas of strength and growth, resulting in a quicker and more efficient reaction in actual emergencies.

Natural calamities, ship collisions, oil spills, and technical malfunctions can all result in maritime mishaps. To reduce fatalities and environmental harm in such cases, a prompt and coordinated reaction is essential. Along with other stakeholders, the Indian Coast Guard is always improving inter-agency cooperation, integrating cutting-edge technology, and honing SAR tactics.

The Indian Coast Guard’s vital responsibility in protecting India’s extensive coastline and guaranteeing marine safety was again brought home by this exercise. This mission served as another reminder of the ICG’s slogan, “We Protect.”

The Indian Coast Guard remains at the forefront of India’s endeavours to establish a strong maritime security framework through exercises such as ReSAREX-2025. The Indian Coast Guard ensures that everyone may safely navigate Indian seas by incorporating contemporary technology, improving interagency communication, and bolstering SAR capabilities.

The ICG and other collaborating organisations’ dedication to preserving maritime security and saving lives at sea is reaffirmed by this endeavour.

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