Australia and India have joined forces to strengthen maritime search and rescue cooperation across the Indian Ocean, bringing together emergency response professionals from across the region for a three-day workshop and tabletop exercise in Chennai.
Held from 17 to 19 June at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Search and Rescue Workshop and Tabletop Exercise was delivered by Australia in its role as Chair of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, in partnership with India.
The programme was opened by Deputy Consul General Cameron Noble, with Consul General Silai Zaki and Assistant Secretary of the Indian Ocean and South Asia Maritime Branch Bruce Soar also addressing participants. Speakers highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in improving maritime safety and emergency response across one of the world’s busiest maritime regions.
Facilitated by the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS), the workshop brought together representatives from the Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) and search and rescue professionals from IORA member states.
Participants took part in practical training sessions, discussions on operational best practice and a tabletop exercise designed to test coordination and decision-making during maritime emergencies. The activities focused on improving communication, strengthening interoperability between agencies and enhancing preparedness for incidents at sea.
Search and rescue cooperation remains a key priority for countries bordering the Indian Ocean, where growing maritime traffic, commercial shipping routes and environmental challenges can place increased demands on emergency response services. Regional exercises such as this are intended to help agencies work more effectively together when incidents cross national boundaries.
Australian officials said the initiative reflects Canberra’s ongoing commitment to maritime safety and capacity building among regional partners. By supporting joint training and operational planning, Australia and India aim to strengthen search and rescue capabilities and improve outcomes for people in distress across the Indian Ocean region.
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