Opening of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in the Maldives

The United Nations in the Maldives welcomed the opening of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), marking an important milestone in strengthening maritime search and rescue, enhancing maritime safety, and promoting regional cooperation.

Malé, Maldives - 27 July 2026 - The United Nations in the Maldives today welcomed the opening of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Villingili, marking an important milestone in strengthening the Maldives' capacity for maritime search and rescue, maritime safety, and regional cooperation.

The Centre was officially inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, in the presence of senior Government officials, representatives of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the Governments of Japan and Australia, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and development partners.

Speaking at the ceremony, UN Resident Coordinator Hao Zhang highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in enhancing maritime safety and protecting lives at sea.

"The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea calls on every State to maintain an effective search and rescue service and to cooperate with its neighbours to that end. We are grateful that, through the efforts of many partners, this Centre now stands ready to serve that purpose," he said.

As one of the world's largest small island states by ocean area, the Maldives is responsible for monitoring nearly 900,000 square kilometres of ocean, while its land area covers less than 300 square kilometres. The new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre will strengthen the country's ability to coordinate emergency responses, receive distress calls, organize rescue operations, and support effective collaboration among maritime agencies.

The Centre also provides modern facilities for training and capacity development, including classrooms, an auditorium, and accommodation for trainees and instructors. Over time, it is expected to serve not only the Maldives but also contribute to regional cooperation by supporting joint training and knowledge exchange among neighbouring countries.

The project reflects a longstanding partnership between the Government of the Maldives, the Maldives National Defence Force, UNODC, the Government of Japan, the Government of Australia, UNOPS, and SIWEC. Since 2021, partners have worked together to support the construction of the Centre and strengthen the Maldives' maritime capabilities through training, technical assistance, and the provision of equipment.

The United Nations, through UNODC's Global Maritime Crime Programme under Border Management Branch, has worked closely with national authorities to strengthen maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement at sea. The opening of the Centre represents another important step in supporting the Maldives to enhance maritime safety and build the center as a national and regional training hub in the Indian Ocean region.

The United Nations remains committed to working alongside the Government of the Maldives and its partners to strengthen maritime safety, security, and sustainable development for the benefit of the people of the Maldives.

MEDIA CONTACT

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Buddhika Dhananji Ranadheera
AST. Programme Officer
[email protected]
+94769025626

United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in the Maldives
Aminath Shahma Haleem
Coordination Officer - Communications
[email protected]
+960-7787835