The Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center of New Caledonia (COSS NC) has released its activity report for the year 2023. The operational activity of COSS NC slightly increased in 2023 with the coordination of 315 operations compared to 307 in 2022. Among these operations, 185 were related to search and rescue (SAR), while 99 involved assisting distressed vessels (MAS). In less than 4 years, the number of SAR operations coordinated by COSS NC has increased by over 60%. COSS NC also has the mission of monitoring shark risk, which received 36 reports in 2023, as well as tsunami risk and maritime pollution surveillance.
Under the operational authority of the High Commissioner of the Republic, delegated by the government for State action at sea, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, the center ensures the coordination of maritime rescue operations in the French responsibility zone of the territory, which covers an area of approximately 2.5 million km². For reference, COSS NC was established by decree on December 30, 2022, published in the Official Gazette on January 27, 2023.
