Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurates New Maritime Rescue Centre in Chennai
On August 18, 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the newly constructed Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre at Chennai Port and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
These new facilities are designed to ensure robust maritime security and provide efficient responses to emergencies, reinforcing India’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental protection. The state-of-the-art centre aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations for mariners and fishermen in distress at sea.
The centre is equipped with the latest technology for distress monitoring through terrestrial and satellite systems, and advanced communication systems for real-time management of alerts by highly-trained ICG personnel specializing in Search & Rescue procedures. This facility is the first of its kind for coordinating responses against marine pollution, particularly oil and chemical pollution, in the Indian Ocean Region.
The creation of this centre was first announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Indo-ASEAN meeting in Cambodia on November 22, 2022. The Coast Guard Regional Headquarters East spearheaded the project at its premises within Chennai Port. The centre includes an Emergency Response Centre manned 24×7 by ICG personnel to monitor marine oil pollution incidents and provide training in pollution response techniques to various organizations.
The Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry will be equipped with Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopter Squadrons, capable of undertaking maritime patrol, Search & Rescue, and other missions. Senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, ICG, Armed Forces, state governments, and guests from friendly countries attended the event.
Doubts Revealed
Defence Minister -: The Defence Minister is a person in the government who is responsible for the country’s military and defense matters. In India, this person helps make decisions about the army, navy, and air force.
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is a senior Indian politician who is currently serving as the Defence Minister of India. He helps make important decisions about the country’s defense and security.
Maritime Rescue Centre -: A Maritime Rescue Centre is a place where people work to help ships and boats in trouble at sea. They coordinate rescue missions to save lives and ensure safety on the water.
Chennai -: Chennai is a big city in the southern part of India. It is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich culture and history.
Indian Coast Guard -: The Indian Coast Guard is a part of India’s defense forces that protects the country’s maritime interests. They help in search and rescue operations, prevent smuggling, and protect the marine environment.
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre -: This is a special center that helps coordinate rescue operations for ships and boats in distress. It ensures that help reaches quickly to those in need at sea.
Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre -: This is a center that focuses on dealing with pollution in the sea. They have special equipment and trained people to clean up oil spills and other harmful substances in the water.
Coast Guard Air Enclave -: A Coast Guard Air Enclave is a place where the Coast Guard keeps its aircraft. These planes and helicopters help in search and rescue missions and patrol the seas.
Puducherry -: Puducherry is a small Union Territory in India. It is known for its French colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.
Maritime security -: Maritime security means protecting the seas and oceans from illegal activities like piracy, smuggling, and terrorism. It ensures that the waters are safe for everyone.
Marine pollution -: Marine pollution is when harmful substances like oil, plastic, and chemicals get into the sea and harm marine life. It is important to clean up and prevent this pollution to protect the environment.
