Defining Maritime Future

UDA Framework

Revolutionizing Maritime Research and Technology for a New Era of Exploration and Innovation

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75% of Earth is Water

Including 5% freshwater comprising of the ice cover and it is such an important component for human survival and prosperity. Managing the underwater domain offers immense economic and ecological opportunities. Sustainable blue economy, climate change risk management, strategic security, digital transformation, freshwater and energy management, and food security are all directly linked to it. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is a critical first step in managing this new frontier of human endeavor.

Unlocking Potential

Navigating Challenges, Embracing
Solutions Opportunities Innovations Strategies |

UDA Framework

The 21st century emphasized Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) post-9/11 and the 26/11 episode in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). However, MDA remained security-driven and lacked depth. The proposed Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) framework for which the Maritime Research Center has received the Copyright, offers a structured, comprehensive, and inclusive alternative. Yet, the conventional approach of stakeholders pursuing their own UDA efforts is resource-intensive, limiting access and perpetuating inequitable distribution of global resources, leading to unrest. It’s time to shift towards universal systems to minimize resource disparity and foster global peace and harmony.

The figure provides a clear path for stakeholders to engage effectively, fostering focused interaction and a defined framework. It encourages collaboration among diverse entities, pooling resources for safe, secure, and sustainable growth.

UDA Framework

The 21st century emphasized Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) post-9/11 and the 26/11 episode in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). However, MDA remained security-driven and lacked depth. The proposed Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) framework by the Maritime Research Center (MRC) and M/S NirDhwani Technology Pvt Ltd (NDT) offers a structured, comprehensive, and inclusive alternative. Yet, the conventional approach of stakeholders pursuing their own UDA efforts is resource-intensive, limiting access and perpetuating inequitable distribution of global resources, leading to unrest. It’s time to shift towards universal systems to minimize resource disparity and foster global peace and harmony.

Our Platforms

01 Learning Center

Access various modules available in the course designed and conceptualized by Team MRC.

Our

02 UDA Digest

Bringing together diverse views via short articles, issue briefs, expert articles, commentaries, creative content.

Platforms

03 Knowledge Center

Explore curated research, innovation, and case studies in maritime security, blue economy, and beyond.

04 UDA Dialogue

Explore curated research, innovation, and case studies in maritime security, blue economy, and beyond.

Our Platforms

01 Learning Center

Access various modules available in the course designed and conceptualized by Team MRC.

Our

02 UDA Digest

Bringing together diverse views via short articles, issue briefs, expert articles, commentaries, creative content.

Platforms

03 Knowledge Center

Explore curated research, innovation, and case studies in maritime security, blue economy, and beyond.

04 UDA Dialogue

Explore curated research, innovation, and case studies in maritime security, blue economy, and beyond.

Our Platform

01 Learning Center

Access various modules available in the course designed and conceptualized by Team MRC.

Our

02 UDA Digest

Bringing together diverse views via short articles, issue briefs, expert articles, commentaries, creative content.

Platforms

03 Knowledge Center

Explore curated research, innovation, and case studies in maritime security, blue economy, and beyond.

04 UDA Dialogue

Explore curated research, innovation, and case studies in maritime security, blue economy, and beyond.

UDA Framework's Impact

The UDA framework is built upon five key pillars: research, skilling, academia, innovation, and strategy. Research involves understanding urban development challenges, skilling focuses on training professionals, academia emphasizes collaboration and knowledge sharing, innovation drives the adoption of new technologies, and strategy ensures effective planning. The MRC and NDT have made notable contributions to each of these dimensions as presented in our Annual Report 2023.

UDA Framework's Impact

Capacity and Capability Building for

Indo-Pacific Strategic Space

The UDA framework supports nuanced policy and technology interventions for sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific tropical waters. By pooling resources and fostering global south participation, it optimizes deployment and encourages broader collaboration. MRC and NDT are establishing Centers of Excellence with international partners. Our skilling handbook offers essential guidance and training to enhance maritime capabilities in the region.

Capacity and Capability Building for Indo-Pacific Strategic Space

The UDA framework ensures nuanced policy & technology interventions along with Acoustic Capacity & Capability building for safe, secure, sustainable growth for all in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific strategic space. The pooling of resources and synergizing of efforts will optimize resource deployment and encourage broader participation by the global south. MRC and NDT are working with partners to establish Center of Excellence across the world with multilateral and bilateral partners. Additionally, our skilling handbook serves as a vital tool in this endeavor, providing comprehensive guidance and training resources to enhance the capabilities of individuals and organizations involved in maritime activities within the region.

Marine Spatial Planning

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), a key component of digital transformation in the maritime community, is crucial for marine governance. NDT’s innovative and cost-efficient MSP capabilities serve diverse marine and freshwater applications, addressing tropical challenges effectively. Defined by UNESCO’s IOC, MSP analyzes and allocates the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic, and social objectives. Since the first IOC international MSP workshop in 2006, MSP has been promoted as a science-based, integrated, and participatory tool. The IOC’s 2017 Joint Roadmap with the European Commission aims to triple maritime areas benefiting from MSP by 2030, supported by EU funding for global implementation.

Marine Spatial Planning

Our Activities

Policy Intervention

An interim report on National Capacity & Capability Building for the UDA framework was drafted by MRC for NITI Aayog, proposing the establishment of seven Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across diverse sectors. This report has been circulated to the appropriate authorities for their comments and guidance. Additionally, a paper by MRC was sent to the IMO by DG Shipping for MEPC-76, proposing a digital tool for mapping underwater noise. The proposal was accepted by the IMO, designating India as the lead nation for underwater noise in the Indian Ocean Region, thereby enhancing its global role in sustainable shipping policy. Furthermore, expertise was actively contributed by Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das to discussions at the Pathfinder Indian Ocean Security Conference, with a special focus on “Underwater Domain Awareness: Security and Economic Dimensions.

Technology Intervention

Nirdhwani Technology Pvt. Ltd. (NDT) specializes in underwater domain consulting, offering innovative solutions in acoustics, the blue economy, and national security projects. Collaborating with industry, government, and academia, NDT enhances underwater exploration and security through advanced acoustic capabilities and strategic advisory. A key area of NDT’s expertise is Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), a collaborative approach that balances the economic, social, and environmental aspects of marine activities. By integrating advanced data analysis and addressing unique marine domain requirements, MSP ensures sustainable ocean management for future generations. NDT supports MSP initiatives by providing critical underwater acoustic and environmental impact assessments, contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of marine environments.

Acoustic Capacity and Capability Building

The UDA framework advances through outreach, engagement, and capacity building. Outreach includes webinars, seminars, and workshops for students, stakeholders, and policymakers, with exclusive events for targeted audiences. Engagement offers internships and fellowships, supported by academic and innovation programs to build acoustic capacity and capability. The UDA Dialogue platform consolidates all events, webinars, and educational resources, actively promoting underwater domain awareness (UDA). This platform is key for effective outreach, engagement, and capacity building, fostering a highly skilled community dedicated to UDA through comprehensive education and collaboration.

Our Activities

Policy Intervention

Technology Intervention

Acoustic Capacity and Capability Building

Resonance among Stakeholders

MRC Team Featured In Global Maritime Innovation Challenge: Narwhal Challenge. Only Team From Asia Among The Four Finalists. Raksha Rajya Mantri Recommended Considering UDA Framework As A National Priority. Indian Navy Recognized NDT/MRC To Be Pioneers In Initiating The National UDA Discourse In India. Indian National Shipping Association (INSA), Recognized NDT/MRC Efforts In Promoting Sustainable Growth In The Maritime Sector.

Resonance among Stakeholders

Our Recognition

The Maritime Research Center (MRC) in Pune focuses on research. M/S NirDhwani Technologies Pvt Ltd (NDT) specializes in underwater technologies. Both have over five years of recognized work.

MRC SIRO Recognition

MRC is a recognized Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) recognized by the Ministry of Science & Technology.

CBC Partnership

MRC is a partner to the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) of the Government of India, fostering collaboration and expertise.

Knowledge Partner

MRC is a dedicated knowledge partner to the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), contributing to their

NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog initiated a project to draft the comprehensive national capacity building policy for Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA).

Policy Paper Accepted

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) recently accepted our comprehensive policy paper on the underwater security framework.

DG Shipping

The DG Shipping forwarded MRC’s paper on underwater noise to the IMO, resulting in India’s nomination as the lead nation for IOR.

Our Recognition

The Maritime Research Center (MRC) in Pune focuses on research. M/S NirDhwani Technologies Pvt Ltd (NDT) specializes in underwater technologies. Both have over five years of recognized work.

MRC SIRO Recognition

MRC is a recognized Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) recognized by the Ministry of Science & Technology.

CBC Partnership

MRC is a partner to the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) of the Government of India, fostering collaboration and expertise.

Knowledge Partner

MRC is a dedicated knowledge partner to the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), contributing to their innovative Digital Ocean Program.

NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog initiated a project to draft the comprehensive national capacity building policy for Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA).

Policy Paper Accepted

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) recently accepted our comprehensive policy paper on the underwater security framework.

DG Shipping

The DG Shipping forwarded MRC’s paper on underwater noise to the IMO, resulting in India’s nomination as the lead nation for IOR.

Our Publications

Discover relevant publications shedding light on UDA

Design And Development of AUV's For Underwater Ambient Noise Validation.

Project focuses on AUVs for underwater noise measurement, covering AUV design.

Effective Deployment Of Passive Sonar Simulator.

The article stresses passive sonar's role in submarines and proposes tech upgrades for improved operations.

Underwater Channel Modelling-3D Aspect In The Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Ocean acoustics studies underwater sound for diverse applications, employing hybrid models.

Our Publications

Discover relevant publications shedding light on UDA

Design And Development of AUV's For Underwater Ambient Noise Validation.

Project focuses on AUVs for underwater noise measurement, covering AUV design.

Effective Deployment Of Passive Sonar Simulator.

The article stresses passive sonar's role in submarines and proposes tech upgrades for improved operations.

Underwater Channel Modelling-3D Aspect In The Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Ocean acoustics studies underwater sound for diverse applications, employing hybrid models.

UDA Framework

75% of Earth is Water

Unlocking Potential

Navigating Challenges, Embracing Solutions Opportunities Innovations Strategies |

UDA Framework

UDA Framework

Our Platforms

01

Learning Center

Our

02

UDA Digest

Platforms

03

Knowledge Center

04

UDA Dialogue

Our Platforms

01

Learning Center

Our

02

UDA Digest

Platforms

03

Knowledge Center

04

UDA Dialogue

Our Platform

01

Learning Center

Our

02

UDA Digest

Platforms

03

Knowledge Center

04

UDA Dialogue

UDA Framework's Impact

UDA Framework's Impact

Capacity and Capability Building for

Indo-Pacific Strategic Space

Capacity and Capability Building for Indo-Pacific Strategic Space

Capacity and Capability Building for Indo-Pacific Strategic Space

Marine Spatial Planning

Marine Spatial Planning

Our Activities

Policy Intervention

Technology Intervention

Acoustic Capacity and Capability Building

Our Activities

Policy Intervention

Technology Intervention

Acoustic Capacity and Capability Building

Resonance among Stakeholders

Resonance among Stakeholders

Resonance among Stakeholders

Our Recognition

MRC SIRO Recognition

CBC Partnership

Knowledge Partner

NITI Aayog

Policy Paper Accepted

DG Shipping

Our Recognition

MRC SIRO Recognition

CBC Partnership

Knowledge Partner

NITI Aayog

Policy Paper Accepted

DG Shipping

Our Publications

Design And Development of AUV's For Underwater Ambient Noise Validation.

Effective Deployment Of Passive Sonar Simulator.

Underwater Channel Modelling-3D Aspect In The Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Our Publications

Design And Development of AUV's For Underwater Ambient Noise Validation.

Effective Deployment Of Passive Sonar Simulator.

Underwater Channel Modelling-3D Aspect In The Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Navigating Challenges, Embracing
Solutions Opportunities Innovations Strategies |