SAREX-24 maritime exercise

Why in news?

• Recently the Indian Coast Guard conducted SAREX-24 maritime exercise.
• It was held on 28-29 November in Kochi.

SAREX-24

• The theme of SAREX-24 is enhancing search and rescue capabilities through regional cooperation
• It reflects the commitment of the Indian Coast Guard to provide assistance during contingencies
• The maritime exercise involved various methods of evacuating passengers in distress
• It demonstrated the advent of new-age technology using satellite-aided distress beacons, drones for deploying lifebuoys, air-dropped life rafts and remote-controlled lifebuoys
• The aim of the exercise is to evaluate operational efficiency and coordination with national stakeholders,

Indian Coast Guard

• Established - 1 February 1977
• It functions under the Union Ministry of Defence
• First Director General - V.A. Kamath
• Current Director General - Rakesh Pal
• Functions -
  • Preventing smuggling and other illegal activities at sea
  • Protecting India's marine resources
  • Preserving the marine environment in India's maritime areas
  • Providing assistance to citizens during floods, cyclones and other natural disasters
• Motto - "Vayam Rakshamah"
• Headquarters - New Delhi
• The Indian Coast Guard has five regional command centers.