INDSAR conforms to the provisions of International convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 (SAR convention 1979) to which India is signatory. Aim is to provide / co-ordinate the effective search and rescue operations in a possible event of any marine casualty at sea. It came with effect from 01st February, 2003 and named as Indian Ship Reporting System (INDSAR). This system is operated and maintained by the Indian Coast Guard through their Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) at Mumbai. INDSAR is a supplementary and an advance computerized system designed to contribute to safety of life/timely search and rescue operations at sea.

Reporting requirements -

1. All Indian ships of 100 GRT and above entering into or transiting the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) shall participate in the INDSAR reporting system.
2. All ships other than Indian Ships of 300 GRT and above entering or transiting through the above region are encouraged to participate in INDSAR reporting system.
3. all ships 100 GRT and above irrespective of the flag carrying a nuclear or other inherently dangerous or noxious substances or materials entering into or transiting the Indian Search and Rescue Region (ISRR) waters are encouraged to participate in the INDSAR reporting system for safety; and all ships of 20 years and above irrespective of the flag are advised to send the relevant report under INDSAR within ISRR.