The Military Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) developed in Vilimalé has been inaugurated.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is the primary hub established to coordinate efforts to protect lives and property during hazardous incidents occurring in the maritime and air space of the Maldives.

The center was inaugurated by President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at a special ceremony held today in Vilimalé.

Upon his arrival at the ceremony, the President was welcomed by Minister of Defence Hassan Rasheed and Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy. A presidential salute was also accorded to the President and Commander-in-Chief at the ceremonial grounds.

Today's ceremony included a special prayer. Following the inauguration of the new MRCC building, the President planted a tree in the complex.

To strengthen maritime search and rescue operations in the Maldives under one roof, the foundation stone for the new MRCC building, funded by the Government of Japan, was laid on June 23, 2022.

The opening of the MRCC building will support the maritime sector, particularly during incidents at sea. The facility is equipped with a modern operations room, classrooms for human resource training and development, and an auditorium.

These facilities will support training youth in the defense sector and providing additional maritime training using modern resources for personnel joining the Coast Guard.

MRCC services in the Maldives were first initiated in January 2006 under the name "Global Maritime Distress and Safety System" (GMDSS).

On July 27, 2012, the center was renamed "Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre" to further strengthen search and rescue operations in Maldivian waters and manage them under a single framework.

A report shared by the MNDF at today's ceremony stated that a total of 3,713 incidents have been reported to the MRCC over the past 10 years. In response to these incidents, MNDF Area Commands and the MRCC collaborated to conduct successful operations, saving 8,359 individuals as well as vessels and property.