Indian Coast Guard’s SAREX-2026: Paradip Hosts Major Maritime Rescue Drill

08 Oct Indian Coast Guard’s SAREX-2026: Paradip Hosts Major Maritime Rescue Drill

✎ SAREX is a biennial exercise by the Indian Coast Guard to validate India’s maritime search and rescue capabilities, conducted in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s SAR Convention, 1979.

Subject Relevance — Where This Topic Fits

• GS Paper III — Disaster Management  |  GS Paper III — Security
• Prelims: SAREX, Paradip coast, Indian Coast Guard, Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Safety, National Disaster Response Framework (NDRF), International Maritime Organization (IMO), Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSRB)
• Essay: Maritime security and disaster preparedness as pillars of national resilience, The role of technological innovation in enhancing coastal and maritime safety

Quick Revision: SAREX is a biennial exercise by the Indian Coast Guard to validate India’s maritime search and rescue capabilities, conducted in compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s SAR Convention, 1979.

Why is this in the news?

This exercise is significant as it aligns with India’s broader maritime security strategy and underscores the importance of international cooperation in maritime safety under frameworks such as the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Search and Rescue Convention.

Background

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), established in 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, is the nodal agency responsible for maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations in India’s maritime zones.
• SAREX is a biennial national-level exercise conducted by the ICG to validate and enhance the operational readiness of India’s maritime SAR capabilities.
• The exercise is conducted in accordance with the National Maritime Search and Rescue Plan (NMSRP), which is aligned with the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), 1979, ratified by India.
• The ICG collaborates with the Navy, Air Force, state maritime boards, and international agencies such as the IMO and regional SAR organizations to ensure seamless coordination during SAR operations.

What is the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX)?

• SAREX is a biennial national-level exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) to assess and improve the country’s maritime search and rescue (SAR) capabilities.
• The exercise simulates real-time scenarios involving maritime disasters, such as ship collisions, oil spills, or aircraft crashes, to test the response mechanisms of multiple agencies.
• SAREX is conducted in compliance with the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), 1979, ensuring alignment with global best practices.
• The exercise involves participation from the Indian Navy, Air Force, state maritime boards, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and international observers from the IMO and regional SAR organizations.
• Key objectives include validating the National Maritime Search and Rescue Plan (NMSRP), enhancing inter-agency coordination, and testing the deployment of advanced SAR assets such as helicopters, boats, and drones.
• SAREX also serves as a platform for capacity-building, training, and the exchange of best practices among participating agencies and international partners.

Key Features

Feature	Significance
National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026)	A biennial exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard to enhance maritime safety and coordination among multiple agencies for search and rescue operations.
Paradip Coast as Host Location	Strategic choice due to Odisha’s long coastline, proximity to major shipping lanes, and infrastructure support for large-scale maritime drills.
Multi-Agency Participation	Involves the Indian Navy, Air Force, state maritime boards, and international observers to improve interoperability in crisis response.
Simulation of Real-World Scenarios	Includes simulated distress calls, medical evacuations, and environmental hazards to test operational readiness.
Technology Integration	Deployment of advanced communication systems, drones, and satellite-based tracking to improve response times and accuracy.

Why it Matters

Maritime Security & Sovereignty

• Reinforces India’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) by ensuring rapid response to maritime distress.
• Demonstrates operational preparedness in the Bay of Bengal, a critical area for trade and energy security.
• Enhances India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through collaborative exercises.

Economic Implications

• Protects maritime trade routes, reducing economic losses from accidents or piracy in high-traffic zones like the Paradip port.

Challenges

1. Limited Inter-Agency Coordination

• Fragmented command structures across maritime agencies can delay response times during emergencies.
• Need for standardized protocols to ensure seamless integration of diverse stakeholders.

UPSC Link: GS III: Disaster Management

2. Technological Gaps

• Inadequate real-time data sharing between agencies due to outdated communication systems.
• Dependency on foreign satellite systems for tracking maritime distress signals.

UPSC Link: GS III: Science & Technology

3. Climate Change & Maritime Risks

• Increased frequency of cyclones and extreme weather events necessitates adaptive search and rescue strategies.
• Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure, requiring proactive risk assessment.

UPSC Link: GS III: Environment

4. Human Resource Constraints

• Shortage of trained personnel in maritime search and rescue operations, particularly in remote coastal regions.
• Need for specialized training in underwater rescue and medical evacuation.

UPSC Link: GS III: Disaster Management

5. Regulatory and Legal Hurdles

• Ambiguities in jurisdiction between central and state agencies during cross-border maritime incidents.
• Lack of harmonized legal frameworks for international collaboration in search and rescue.

UPSC Link: GS II: Governance

Challenges — UPSC Perspective

Issue	Concern
Fragmented Command Structures	Delays in decision-making during emergencies due to lack of unified operational protocols.
Outdated Communication Systems	Inability to share real-time data, leading to inefficiencies in rescue operations.
Climate-Induced Risks	Increased vulnerability of coastal communities and infrastructure to extreme weather events.
Shortage of Trained Personnel	Inadequate human resources to handle large-scale maritime disasters effectively.
Legal Ambiguities	Unclear jurisdiction between agencies complicates coordination during cross-border incidents.
Dependency on Foreign Systems	Reliance on external satellite networks for tracking distress signals poses strategic risks.

Way Forward

• Establish a unified maritime command and control center to streamline inter-agency coordination during emergencies.
• Upgrade communication infrastructure with indigenous satellite-based tracking systems to reduce dependency on foreign networks.
• Integrate climate resilience into search and rescue protocols to address increasing extreme weather events.
• Expand training programs for maritime rescue personnel, including simulation-based drills and underwater rescue techniques.
• Develop standardized legal frameworks for cross-border maritime incidents to clarify jurisdiction and responsibilities.
• Enhance public-private partnerships to deploy advanced technologies like drones and AI for real-time monitoring.
• Conduct regular joint exercises with neighboring countries to improve regional maritime security cooperation.
• Strengthen community-based disaster preparedness initiatives in coastal regions to improve first-response capabilities.

UPSC Value Addition

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
1. The ICG is a statutory body established under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
2. The primary mandate of the ICG includes maritime search and rescue, coastal security, and marine environment protection.
3. The ICG operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
4. The ICG conducts the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) biennially.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer: Only three — Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. The ICG is a statutory body under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, with mandates including search and rescue, coastal security, and marine environment protection. It operates under the Ministry of Defence. Statement 4 is incorrect as SAREX is conducted annually, not biennially.

Q2. Assertion (A): The National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) is conducted to enhance inter-agency coordination for maritime disaster response.
Reason (R): The exercise is mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), 1979.

In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?

1. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
3. A is true, but R is false
4. A is false, but R is true

Answer: Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A — Both the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. SAREX is designed to improve inter-agency coordination for maritime search and rescue operations. The exercise aligns with the IMO’s SAR Convention, 1979, which mandates such drills to ensure preparedness for maritime emergencies.

Q3. Match the following maritime zones of India with their respective legal frameworks:

Column I
1. Territorial Waters
2. Contiguous Zone
3. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
4. Continental Shelf

Column II
A. Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981
B. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982
C. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019
D. Exclusive Economic Zone Act, 2002

Select the correct match from the options below:

1. 1-A, 2-B, 3-D, 4-C
2. 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D
3. 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
4. 1-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-C

Answer: 1-B, 2-A, 3-C, 4-D — The correct matches are: 1. Territorial Waters (A) – Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981; 2. Contiguous Zone (B) – UNCLOS, 1982; 3. Exclusive Economic Zone (D) – Exclusive Economic Zone Act, 2002; 4. Continental Shelf (C) – Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019.

Mains Practice Question

✍ The Indian Coast Guard’s conduct of the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) off the Paradip coast in Odisha exemplifies India’s commitment to enhancing maritime safety and disaster response capabilities. In this context, critically examine the role of the Indian Coast Guard in India’s maritime security architecture. Also, assess the significance of SAREX in achieving the objectives of the SAGAR Vision. (15 Marks)

Approach: MODEL-ANSWER SKELETON:

1. **Institutional Role of ICG**:
– Statutory mandate under the Coast Guard Act, 1978 (Sections 14-16 on functions).
– Primary responsibilities: maritime search and rescue (SAR), coastal security, marine environment protection, and law enforcement in maritime zones.
– Operational structure: 10 Coast Guard Regions, 42 stations, and assets like ICGS Samudra Paheredar (offshore patrol vessel).
– Legal framework: Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981; Exclusive Economic Zone Act, 2002; and alignment with UNCLOS, 1982.

2. **Integration in Maritime Security Architecture**:
– Coordination with Navy (tri-service synergy under Joint Operations Centres), Customs, Port Authorities, and State Disaster Management Authorities.
– Role in coastal security post-26/11 Mumbai attacks: establishment of Coastal Security Network (CSN) and issuance of biometric ID cards for fishermen.
– Collaboration with International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

3. **SAREX and its Objectives**:
– Purpose: Simulate multi-agency response to maritime disasters (e.g., vessel collisions, oil spills, man-overboard scenarios).
– Participants: ICG, Navy, Air Force, State Disaster Response Forces (SDRF), Port Authorities, and NGOs like National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
– Focus areas: Interoperability, communication protocols, and adherence to IMO’s SAR Convention, 1979.

4. **Linkage to SAGAR Vision**:
– SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) emphasizes collective maritime security, capacity building, and sustainable blue economy.
– SAREX contributes to SAGAR by:
a) Enhancing regional cooperation (e.g., joint exercises with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka).
b) Strengthening India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
c) Promoting adherence to global maritime governance frameworks (e.g., IMO conventions).

5. **Challenges and Way Forward**:
– Challenges: Limited resources (e.g., shortage of vessels, surveillance gaps), climate-induced maritime disasters, and cyber threats to maritime infrastructure.
– Recommendations: Augmenting ICG’s fleet (e.g., induction of Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels), leveraging AI for predictive SAR, and expanding SAREX to include more regional partners.

6. **Conclusion**:
– ICG’s role is pivotal in India’s maritime security, balancing statutory mandates with evolving threats.
– SAREX is a critical tool for operational readiness and alignment with SAGAR’s principles of cooperative security.

Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

Odisha PCS (OPSC (OAS)) — State PCS Practice

Prelims: Which of the following is the primary objective of the Indian Coast Guard’s National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) conducted off the Paradip coast in Odisha?

1. To enhance inter-agency coordination and preparedness for maritime emergencies
2. To promote coastal tourism and economic activities in Odisha
3. To conduct underwater mineral exploration along the Odisha coast
4. To test the operational readiness of naval submarines in the Bay of Bengal

Answer: To enhance inter-agency coordination and preparedness for maritime emergencies — SAREX is a biennial exercise focused on improving search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, inter-agency coordination, and disaster response mechanisms in maritime zones.

Mains: Discuss the significance of the Indian Coast Guard’s National Maritime Search & Rescue Exercise (SAREX) for Odisha’s coastal security and disaster management framework. Highlight the role of multi-agency participation and its impact on the state’s preparedness for maritime emergencies. 250-300 words

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