On October 12, 2023, Kolkata hosted the 21st National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board meeting. Director General Rakesh Pal of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), who also serves as the chairman of the NMSAR Board, presided over the meeting. ICG is responsible for organizing and carrying out Maritime Search and Rescue operations in the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR).
Representatives from many stakeholders and resource organizations, including the Navy, Indian Air Force, ISRO, Customs, Coastal Police, DGCA, AAI, SCI, IMD, Fisheries, DG Shipping, Maritime boards, Port authorities, coastal States/UTs, and other organizations that are members of the NMSAR Board, attended the meeting. The National Search and Rescue (SAR) Awards for the period 2022–2023 were also given out at the meeting.
In the merchant vessel category, the United Kingdom-flagged ship MV Furious won. In the fishing boat category, the Indian fishing boat New Aparajita from West Bengal won. In the category for government-owned SAR units, ICG Ship Sujeet & ICG Air Squardon 835 Sqn(CG) won. In the ashore unit category, Gujrat Maritime Board and INMCC won.
Since its establishment in 2002, the NMSAR Board has met annually to address policy matters, develop standards and procedures, and take into account suggestions for revising the National Search and Rescue Plan. Speaking at the event, the Chairman emphasized the importance of collaboration among the interested parties to ensure safer seas for all seafarers.
The meeting was also attended by senior dignitaries and special invitees from the BSF, CISF, and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). There were many presentations and interactive sessions that focused on the overall goal of the safety of lives at sea.
