Inspector General Bhisham Sharma inaugurated the event
Indian Coast Guard : The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commenced a week-long international training course on Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Operations and Search and Rescue (SAR) for trainees from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC). The prestigious program, held from 17-22 February, was inaugurated by Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).
Welcoming the foreign participants, Inspector General Sharma underscored the critical role of SAR coordination in maritime security and humanitarian efforts. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among nations to enhance global safety at sea. Encouraging the trainees to maximize their learning, he stated that the knowledge and skills gained from the course would be invaluable in real-life SAR scenarios.
The training, conducted annually by MRCC Mumbai under the aegis of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, covers a comprehensive curriculum. The program includes maritime SAR planning and coordination, computation of search areas, search plan development, satellite-aided operations, and case studies.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has grown significantly. From an initial batch of 15 participants from four countries, the 2025 edition boasts a record-high participation of 22 trainees from six nations—Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. The faculty includes not only ICG experts but also specialists from key stakeholders such as INMCC, ISRO, AAI, and INCOIS, ensuring a holistic and in-depth learning experience.
MRCC Mumbai operates round-the-clock, 365 days a year, coordinating SAR efforts across India’s Western Search and Rescue Region. In the past year alone, the center has handled over 2,100 distress alerts, ensuring timely responses to maritime emergencies. Notably, the ICG has also extended its SAR operations beyond India’s territorial waters, exemplified by recent missions where 21 Indian fishermen were rescued after their boats sank in Pakistani waters.
