MSA21 ready to set sail to Japan

China's Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) is sending one of its largest cutters, the MSA21, to join the on-going search and rescue efforts in Japan. (here)  This deployment marks the first time the Chinese "coast guard" is participating in an operational S&R operation outside of China.  

As a side note, MSA21 took part in the 2009 Sino-Japan Drill.

2009' Sino-Japan Joint Maritime Drill Held

Source: China MSA
Updated: 2009-03-18

http://en.msa.gov.cn/msa/features/root/02/1243216536855/1238402776972

China successfully held joint maritime search and rescue drill with Japan on March 17. Shanghai Maritime Search and Rescue Center (MSRC)coordinated with Hiroshima Section of Japan Coast Guard while Shandong MSRC with Kagoshima Section under the unified command of China Maritime Search and Rescue Center.

The drill was based on simulated danger, in which search and rescue centers in China and Japan Coast Guard Sections played different roles, including distressed ships, ship agencies and S&R centers, exercising information collection and S&R coordination when emergency occurred.

The successful drill strengthens the capability of coordination between China and Japan when carrying out maritime search and rescue, improves the communication performance and promotes the exchange of both side's coordinators.