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Source- This post on Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has been created based on the article “Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates new state-of-the-art ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building in Chennai” published in PIB on 18th August 2024.
Why in News?
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated the new Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
About Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)
1. Purpose: The MRCC aims to improve the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations, especially for mariners and fishermen in distress.
2. Technology: The Centre is equipped with the latest distress monitoring systems, including terrestrial and satellite systems, and advanced communication tools for real-time alert management.
3. Personnel: It involves highly trained ICG personnel, specialized in Search and Rescue operations who manage the Centre to ensure quick responses during emergencies.
About Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre (RMPRC)
1. About: The RMPRC is India’s first facility dedicated to coordinating responses to marine pollution, especially oil and chemical spills in the Indian Ocean Region. It is located at Chennai Port.
2. Background: The Centre was first announced by Shri Rajnath Singh during the Indo-ASEAN meeting in Cambodia on November 22, 2022.
3. Emergency Response: The Centre operates 24/7, monitoring marine oil pollution incidents and coordinating responses.
4. Training: The Centre also serves as a training hub for pollution response techniques, offering practical training to various organizations and personnel from friendly countries.
About Coast Guard Air Enclave (CGAE)
1. The Air Enclave strengthens maritime security along the Puducherry and South Tamil Nadu coast.
2. It houses Chetak and Advanced Light Helicopter Squadrons, both are indigenously built. They are to support maritime patrol, Search and Rescue, and other missions from land and sea.
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
