SAGAR SAMPARK

• 14 Jul 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of India has inaugurated 'SAGAR SAMPARK’, that marks a significant step towards digital transformation in the maritime industry.

What is SAGAR SAMPARK?

• About:
  • It is an indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS).
    • DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement system which corrects the errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) allowing for more accurate positioning information.
  • The introduction of the DGNSS system will have a profound impact on maritime navigation, enabling safer and more efficient movement of vessels in port and harbor areas.
• Features:
  • Enhanced Safety: The DGNSS service will assist mariners in safe navigation, reducing the risk of collisions, groundings, and accidents at sea.
  • Accuracy Improvement: The DGNSS significantly improves the accuracy of GPS positioning, reducing errors caused by atmospheric inferences, satellite clock drift and other factors.
  • Redundancy and Availability: The DGNSS incorporates multiple satellite constellations like GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), ensuring increased availability and redundancy as per international standards.
  • Precise Positioning: Mariners can now improve their positioning within 5 meters using the latest DGNSS system, enabling better navigation and reducing the margin of error.
    
  • Meeting International Obligations: The DGNSS fulfills the international obligations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA).

Note:

• Safety of Life at Sea: The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), is an important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships.
  • It ensures that ships comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment and operation of ships.
• International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities: IALA is a non-profit, international technical association.
  • Established in 1957, IALA encourages its members to work together in a common effort to harmonise Marine Aids to Navigation worldwide and to ensure that the movements of vessels are safe, expeditious and cost-effective while protecting the environment.

What are the Other Government Initiatives Related to Maritime Security?

• NavIC: NavIC or Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24×7.
  • NavIC coverage area includes India and a region up to 1500 km beyond Indian boundary.
  • IMO has recognized NavIC as a component of the World-Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS).
• SAGAR Vision: In 2015, India unveiled it's strategic vision for the Indian Ocean i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) to improve relations with its maritime neighbours on the economic and security fronts.
• Indian Ocean Naval Symposium: The IONS is a voluntary and inclusive initiative that brings together navies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littoral states to increase maritime co-operation and enhance regional security.
• Maritime India Vision 2030: It aims to accelerate the growth of the maritime sector over the next decade by enhancing infrastructure, efficiency, services and capacity across ports, shipping and waterways.