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Source-This post on Sea Defenders-2024 is based on the article “US Coast Guard ship Bertholf arrives in Port Blair ahead of joint exercise” published in “India Today” on 7th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Bertholf ship reached Port Blair ahead of the ‘Sea Defenders-2024’ joint exercise.
What is Sea Defenders-2024?
1. About– It is a joint exercise between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
2. Location– It is scheduled to take place on March 9-10 near Port Blair’s coast of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
3. Focus of the Joint Exercise: Maritime piracy and other threats, simulated drone attacks on merchant ships, joint search and rescue at sea, firefighting, pollution response, and counter-drug operations.
4. Emergency preparedness-The event will also include a simulated medical evacuation to improve preparedness in emergency situations.
Key details about Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
1. About– It is an armed force safeguarding India’s maritime interests, enforcing maritime law in its territorial waters, including the contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
2. Establishment– It was officially founded in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, becoming an independent Armed force of India.
3. Nodal Ministry– It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
4. Headquarter– New Delhi
5. Working :
a. The ICG collaborates with other Union agencies, institutions, and authorities to protect India’s maritime interests and security, aid vessels and fishermen in trouble, and preserve the marine environment.
b. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) also functions as the Central Coordinating Authority for response to Oil spills in Indian waters.
UPSC Syllabus- Defence Exercises
