Over the past five years, China's marine departments have carried out rescue missions involving nearly 6,400 ships and 77,000 people in danger at sea.
Officials say many of these operations involved foreign vessels and crews, for which the Chinese rescue services had received plaudits from both home and abroad. The country now possesses an efficient rescue network which links the navy, army and air force.
Zhang Baochen, Director of the Maritime Affairs Bureau in the eastern province of Shandong, said that Chinese marine departments are well placed in terms of both rescue equipment and facilities.
"It is extremely important to rely on advanced rescue equipment and facilities during rescue operations, especially under extreme weather conditions. The marine departments here in China are well equipped with aircraft and ships to carry out rescue work."
He pointed out that in addition to building a comprehensive network covering coastal and inland waters, the authorities have also enhanced preventative measures and improved communication systems used during rescues.
