The Maldives' new Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) has the potential to develop into a regional training hub where officers from neighbouring countries can train together, exchange expertise and strengthen regional maritime safety and security, United Nations Resident Coordinator Hao Zhang said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new MRCC building in Vilimalé, Zhang said the Maldives faces unique challenges in responding to emergencies across nearly 900,000 square kilometres of ocean with less than 300 square kilometres of land. He said an effective maritime rescue coordination centre is essential for receiving distress calls, coordinating rescue efforts and ensuring agencies work together to save lives and property.

Zhang said the new centre strengthens the Coast Guard's existing capabilities by bringing together coordination, training and operations under one purpose-built facility. He added that it would help develop more well-trained Coast Guard personnel to meet the country's growing search and rescue, maritime security and law enforcement needs.

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) facility on Sunday. The centre includes a modern operations room for monitoring maritime and aviation incidents, along with classrooms, an auditorium and accommodation for trainees and instructors to support training and human resource development.

Construction of the facility began following the groundbreaking on 23 June 2022 with funding from the Government of Japan before the project stalled. Work later resumed under the current administration, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) coordinating the project and the Australian Government providing equipment and other resources.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force, the MRCC has responded to 3,713 incidents over the past decade, with coordinated rescue operations helping save 8,359 people while also protecting vessels and property during maritime emergencies.