New facilities bolster India’s maritime security, rescue operations, and environmental protection efforts along the eastern coast
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated the state-of-the-art Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) building of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Chennai. In a significant boost to maritime safety, he also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre at the Chennai Port and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
The newly established MRCC aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of rescue operations for mariners and fishermen in distress at sea. Equipped with the latest technology for distress monitoring through terrestrial and satellite systems, the Centre is staffed by highly trained ICG personnel specialising in search and rescue procedures. The facility underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring rapid response during maritime emergencies.
The Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre, located within the premises of Chennai Port, is dedicated to monitoring and managing marine oil pollution incidents. Operated 24/7 by ICG personnel, the Centre also provides specialised training in pollution response techniques to various stakeholders, including ports, oil-handling agencies, and government organisations. Additionally, the facility will offer training to personnel from friendly nations in combating oil pollution at sea, with practical exercises simulating real-time oil spill scenarios.
The Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry represents a crucial addition to the ICG’s capabilities in maritime security along the Puducherry and South Tamil Nadu coasts. The Air Enclave will house Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopter Squadrons, both indigenously built, and capable of performing maritime patrol, search and rescue missions, and other critical operations from both land and sea.
