Chennai: Global search and rescue plans and regional co-operation in maritime operations, role of satellite in search and rescue communications, vessel reporting system and the use of computer resources will come up for discussion at the two-day first-ever international conference on maritime search and rescue, beginning in Kovalam, near Chennai on November 7.

Defence Minister George Fernandes, will inaugurate the conference, being organised, as part of the year-long Indian Coast Guard's silver jubilee celebrations. About 15 maritime countries and some international maritime bodies are attending the conference at Kovalam.

According to a Defence press release, a special cover would be released to mark the event.

The director general of the coast guard, vice-admiral O P Bansal and secretary, shipping, M P Pinto, among others, would attend the conference.

As part of the conference, a joint exercise between Indian and Japanese Coast Guards will be held in Bay of Bengal on November 9. The Japanese Coast Guard ship, 'Yashima', commanded by captain Sadeo Fujioka, arrived in Chennai port on November 6 to a warm reception by the Indian Coast Guard.

PTI