What is the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979?

This is the IMO/UN treaty known as the SAR Convention, adopted in 1979 (entered into force 1985). Its purpose is to ensure that signatory states establish aplan for maritime search and rescue (SAR). The Convention ensures that “no matter where an accident occurs, the rescue of persons in distress at sea will be co‑ordinated by a SAR organization”[6]. It sets technical standards and obligations for parties, requiring each signatory to maintain SAR services in their waters and cooperate with neighbours. For example, it prescribes establishing one or more Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), Search and Rescue Regions (SRRs), and training requirements (via IMO Resolutions). In short, the SAR Convention provides the legal framework obliging countries to arrange for effective maritime share search-and-rescue.[6][12].

What is SOLAS?

SOLAS is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea is the most important international treaty on merchant ship safety[13]. SOLAS sets minimum standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation to ensure vessel safety and lives on board. Notably for search and rescue (SAR), SOLAS Chapter V requires ships to carry communications and safety equipment (e.g. radios, radar, GMDSS equipment) to facilitate distress signalling and rescue[14]. It also includes the key principle that shipmasters must “proceed with all speed to the assistance of persons in distress” (the master’s “obligation to assist”)[15]. In practice, SOLAS makes it mandatory for international passenger and cargo ships to have equipment (like EPIRBs and SARTs) that improves chances of rescue[14], and it requires crew training in safety and SAR procedures.

What is UNCLOS?

UNCLOS is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982). While covering all aspects of ocean governance, UNCLOS is relevant to maritime search and rescue (SAR) because it obliges states to render assistance at sea. Article 98 of UNCLOS states that masters of vessels must rescue anyone found in danger at sea, and that states shall cooperate to establish adequate SAR services. In other words, like SOLAS, UNCLOS imposes a duty to rescue persons in distress. It also defines maritime zones (territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone, etc.) which help determine which state’s SAR authority has jurisdiction. Thus, UNCLOS underpins SAR obligations at the highest level, though the detailed SAR provisions are handled by IMO conventions (like the SAR Convention).

What is the ASEAN Agreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Cooperation?

This is a treaty among Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) to strengthen search and rescue (SAR) collaboration. It establishes shared SAR responsibilities across the ASEAN region, obliging member states to assist one another. The agreement defines a common Search and Rescue Region around ASEAN waters and requires information-sharing, joint exercises, technical support and expedited cross-border entry for rescue units. In essence, it formalises the SAR Convention’s principles (pooling resources and coordinating across borders) for the ASEAN region. (For details, see the ASEAN legal instrument pages.) This regional pact means that when a boat in distress is reported anywhere in the ASEAN maritime area, the nearest competent country – even if across a boundary – will take charge of the rescue.

What are the IAMSAR Manuals and how are they used?

The IAMSAR Manuals are a set of three guidance documents, jointly edited and published by ICAO and IMO. They standardise best practices for Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue. IAMSAR consists of: (1) Volume I – Organization and Management, (2) Volume II – Mission Coordination, and (3) Volume III – Mobile Facilities[16][17]. Volume I covers how search and rescue (SAR) authorities should organise their national and regional systems; Volume II covers planning and executing SAR missions (primarily used by coordinators and rescue crews); Volume III provides checklists and detailed procedures for individual ships and aircraft conducting SAR.

In practice, SAR planners and responders worldwide use IAMSAR as the key operational manual: RCC controllers are trained to the requirements and procedures and processes contained in Volume II, and rescue craft, and all merchant vessels, are required to keep Volume III aboard to help them instigate SAR procedures when asked to do so[17]. The manuals ensure that maritime and aviation responders follow agreed procedures, facilitating effective joint operations and standardised international practices.

Where can I find the latest edition of the IAMSAR Manuals?

The IAMSAR Manuals are available through IMO and ICAO. The latest editions Rcan be obtained from the IMO e-publications catalogue or ICAO’s site, and other maritime publishers and book sellers. For example, Volume I (2025 edition) and Volumes II & III (2022 editions) are listed in the IMO publications database.

How are rescue operations carried out during armed conflict at sea?

Even in armed conflicts, rescuing shipwrecked survivors is governed by international humanitarian law (IHL). The Geneva Conventions and associated protocols impose a duty to rescue the wounded and shipwrecked during war. The San Remo Manual (an IHL guide for naval warfare) makes clear that belligerents “shall without delay take all feasible measures to rescue survivors” after a combat at sea.

Hospital ships and designated rescue craft are protected from attack; in fact, “members of the crews of rescue craft may not be captured while engaging in rescue operations”[18]. In practice, this means warships must stop to pick up survivors when safe, treat them humanely, and coordinate with neutral or international entities for their care. The principle of humanity applies: rescuing shipwrecked persons and delivering them to safety is required even during combat, subject to military necessity. (For further reading, see ICRC and San Remo Manual guidance.