The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has recently enhanced its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to bolster the effectiveness of sea rescue operations. Used extensively by Indian agencies such as the Coast Guard, the upgraded tool, now called SARAT 2, offers improved functionality to predict the possible locations of missing objects or individuals at sea.
Background of SARAT
SARAT was initially introduced in 2016 as a vital support system for maritime rescue missions. Since its inception, the tool has been instrumental in assisting the Coast Guard and other agencies in their search and rescue (SAR) efforts. However, over time, feedback from users highlighted areas for improvement. In response, INCOIS upgraded the tool to meet modern requirements, integrating advanced features and greater accuracy to aid critical rescue operations.
How SARAT Works
SARAT’s efficiency lies in its ability to analyze the last known position of a missing object and factor in environmental conditions that influence its drift. These factors include:
- Winds
- Ocean currents
- Waves
By considering the object’s size, shape, and buoyancy, SARAT can accurately predict drift patterns, making search efforts more targeted and effective.
Features of SARAT Version 2
The upgraded SARAT 2 comes with several key improvements aimed at optimizing maritime search and rescue missions:
- Enhanced Visuals: The tool now offers detailed maps with colour-coded search regions, enabling rescue teams to focus on high-probability areas more effectively.
- High-Resolution Data: SARAT 2 uses high-resolution ocean current data to model drift with greater precision, ensuring reliable predictions.
- Marker Integration: The tool provides markers to pinpoint specific locations, aiding in faster identification of missing persons or objects.
- Customisation: Users can select from 60 different types of missing objects, allowing tailored searches that account for the object’s unique characteristics.
These upgrades make SARAT 2 a sophisticated and user-friendly tool, capable of handling complex rescue scenarios.
How SARAT Enhances Rescue Operations
By leveraging advanced technology, SARAT enables rescue teams to allocate their resources more efficiently. The tool helps:
- Narrow Down Search Areas: Focusing on smaller, high-probability zones increases the chances of successful rescues.
- Optimise Time and Effort: By reducing the time spent on low-probability areas, SARAT enhances operational efficiency during critical missions.
- Support Strategic Decision-Making: Real-time predictions and customizable options allow authorities to make informed decisions quickly.
Summing Up
The upgraded SARAT 2 is a testament to INCOIS’s commitment to improving maritime rescue operations in India. By combining advanced technology with user feedback, the tool now offers greater accuracy, customization, and efficiency.
With SARAT 2, agencies like the Coast Guard are better equipped to tackle the challenges of sea rescue missions, ensuring that resources are used effectively and lives are saved. This innovative system not only strengthens India’s maritime capabilities but also sets a benchmark for search and rescue operations worldwide.