Mangaluru : The State Level Maritime Search and Rescue Workshop for the state of Karnataka as part of the nationwide derive by lndian Coast Guard for effective management of Search and Rescue (SAR) over the Indian Search and Rescue Region (lSRR) was organized by Headquarter, No 3 Coast Guard District (Karnataka) on 14 November 2018.

The workshop was inaugurated by Sasikanth Senthil S, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada District in presence of Commander Coast Guard Karnataka DIG SS Dasila TM. The event witnessed participation at multiple Maritime-Search and Rescue (M-SAR) stake holder organizations.

The SAR Workshop was attended by representatives from all stakeholders within the state of Karnataka ie. NMPT, District Administration, Representatives of fishermen community / Customs / Fishermen Association etc. The SAR Workshop was aimed at increasing an integrated approach with fishing community for enhancing effective cooperation and harness the strength of fishermen and to foster them as “Meenugararu Namma Snehitaru – Fishermen are our Friends”

Participants of the Workshop, subject matter specialists in their fields, discussed existing policies and new strategies in terms of India’s Search and Rescue capabilities. The Workshop was structured in sessions according to theme, including; indigenous technical tools available to fishing communities for safe fishing at sea and fishing awards instituted by Indian Coast Guard.

The workshop recognised and acknowledged the contribution of the state and district administration alongwith all stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, DIG SS Dasila, TM Commander Coast Guard Karnataka hailed the stake holders for keeping coast of Karnataka safe for the seafarers by rendering selfless service. Given the vast search and Rescue Region of 4.6 million square kilometers and with multiplicity of stakeholders Coast Guard Commander Karnataka said “We recognize that fishermen as a very powerful asset, because they are being our eyes and ears upon our given AoR not only for coastal security mechanism but also keeping our coasts safe”. Fishermen as our friends are akin to Spiderman to own neighbours as eyes and ears provides situational awareness about threats that, by the way, would directly affect given AoR.