Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

Why in the news?

• Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a state-of-the-art Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai
• Along with this, the Defence Minister also inaugurated the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry

Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

• This is an important step towards enhancing maritime security and emergency response along the Indian coastline.
• It will significantly enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations for sailors and fishermen in distress at sea.
• It will ensure safety of life at sea and prompt response in critical situations
• The centre is set up with latest equipment for distress monitoring through terrestrial and satellite systems

Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre

• It is set up at Chennai Port Complex
• It represents a pioneering step in marine pollution management.
• It will play a vital role in coordinating responses to marine pollution incidents, particularly oil and chemical spills in the sea adjoining the coastal states.
• It has an Emergency Assistance Centre which will be available for round the clock response by Indian Coast Guard personnel to monitor marine oil pollution incidents.
• The centre will also provide training in anti-pollution action techniques to various organisations like ports, oil management agencies, government organisations and private participants.

Coast Guard Air Enclave

• It will be helpful in strengthening maritime security along the Puducherry and South Tamil Nadu coast
• The Air Enclave will house Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopter Squadrons, which will enhance aerial surveillance and response capabilities.
  • Both these helicopters are indigenously built and are capable of carrying out maritime patrol, search and rescue and other such missions from land and from Coast Guard ships patrolling the sea.
• The centre will play a vital role in ensuring robust maritime security and providing efficient response in emergencies