This research note discusses the growing significance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the need for enhanced underwater search and recovery (UWSAR) capabilities. The Indian Ocean Region is a critical area for international energy and commerce, and the maritime build-up in the region requires effective UWSAR measures. The research highlights the challenges faced in UWSAR operations, such as sub-optimal performance of sonars in the tropical littoral waters and the lack of indigenous efforts in customizing algorithms. It discusses the basic steps involved in UWSAR, including marking the last known position, modeling and simulation, gathering ground information, finalizing search infrastructure, mobilizing the search operation, and conducting salvage/recovery operations. The article also addresses the challenges and opportunities in implementing SAR conventions and coordinating SAR activities in the IOR. It suggests solutions and a way forward, including the involvement of organizations such as the Indian Coast Guard, the Airports Authority of India, and satellite-tracking systems. The need for comprehensive bathymetric surveying and the study of recent search and rescue operations are also highlighted.
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1. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is gaining strategic relevance due to its significance in international
energy and commerce.
2. Container traffic through the region’s ports has increased significantly, highlighting the economic importance of the IOR.
3. The increasing maritime build-up in the IOR exposes vulnerabilities to accidents and losses at sea, necessitating effective underwater search and recovery (UWSAR) capabilities.
4. Steps involved in UWSAR include marking the last known position, modeling and simulation, gathering ground information, finalizing search infrastructure, mobilizing the search operation, and .conducting salvage/recovery operations.
5. The Indian Coast Guard plays a key role in executing/coordinating SAR missions in the Indian Maritime Search and Rescue Region (ISSR).
6. Collaboration with organizations like the Airports Authority of India and satellite-tracking systems can enhance SAR capabilities.
7. Comprehensive bathymetric surveying and studying recent search and rescue operations are important for improving UWSAR operations.
8. The aim is to create a regulatory framework and coordinate SAR operations for the 40 countries present in the IOR.
“”The IOR is the most critical area globally, in terms of international energy and commerce that crosses these waters and the aim of this project is to act as a reference to help create a regulatory framework for these operations in the IOR and to help India head SAR operations for almost 40 countries present in the IOR.
Research Intern, MRC