IMO Sec-Gen Sekimizu was given an in-depth overview of the day-to-day activities at the Gris-Nez Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in northern France, when he visited the centre (on 17 September) on the invitation of the French Government. The centre operates a continuous radio, telephone and satellite watch to handle incoming emergency alerts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week