mangalore today

International Seminar on Regional Co-operation for safe & secure seas


Mangalore Today News Network

February 08, 2017 : Formulated on the 01 Feb 1977 as an interim organisation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has completed 40 years of its glorious service to the nation on01 Feb 2017. The long and glorious journey that started with 02 frigates and 05 other vessels seconded from the Indian Navy, the ICG has reached the milestone of 126 ships and 62 aircraft becoming a strong maritime agency. Being the 4th largest Coast Guard of the world the ICG is a modern force operating with indigenously built platforms.

 

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The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and armed robbery in Asia. To date, 20 States have become Contracting Parties to ReCAAP. It is notable that India is a contracting party to the ReCAAP which was signed in 2006 and has celebrated its tenth anniversary in Nov 2016.


In order to commemorate the 40th anniversary of ICG and the 10th anniversary of the ReCAAP an international seminar on ‘Regional Cooperation for Safe & Secure Seas’ is being organized at Goa by      ICG from 08 – 10 Feb 17. The event was inaugurated on 08 Feb 17 by Smt Mridula Sinha, Hon’ble Governor of Goa in the presence of more than 50 foreign delegates from the ReCAAP Contracting Party States, IOR nations and Middle East countries.


The seminar is aimed at promoting awareness amongst seafarers and policy makers alike, on the importance of cooperation towards ensuring safety of life and property at sea.  The three day event, in addition to bringing together the prominent law enforcement agencies in the Region would also provide a platform for discussions on subjects related to maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response and maritime SAR. Many eminent speakers including those from ReCAAP, Information Sharing Centre, Singapore, World Maritime University, Indian National Ship Owner’s Association, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), National Think Tanks along with Coast Guard Agencies from the United States and Japan will present their views during the course of discussions. The event will culminate with the sea exercise off Goa on 10 Feb 17, where, in addition to the various national stake holders, ICG surface and air units; Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship Tajuddin is also participating.