How do maritime search and rescue operations work?

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) missions follow a standard process. First, a distress alert or report is received (by radio alerts and voice calls, satellite beacons, cell phone or satellite phone call, etc.), and the RCC assesses the position and situation. The RCC (Rescue Coordination Centre) then plans the response which, if survivor location is imprecise or uncertain, may have to include a search (using predicted drift, last known position, and search patterns) and dispatches rescue units (boats, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and passing ships and vessels. Once survivors are located, the  on-scene coordinator, if needed and appointed, directs the local rescue operations (hoisting people aboard helicopters or bringing them onto boats) and provides first aid. Throughout, responders maintain communication with the RCC.

What equipment is used in maritime search and rescue?

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) crews use a wide range of dedicated gear. Typical rescue vessels include rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs), all-weather rescue boats and cutters, equipped with navigation radars and GNSS. Air assets include helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with powerful spotlights, infrared and electro optical cameras, and rescue winches on helicopters. Key rescue equipment includes lifejackets, life-rafts, stretcher baskets and medical supplies and equipment, and medically trained personnel to administer often high-level medical assistance to survivors. Communication and detection equipment are also vital: for example, EPIRBs (emergency beacons) and AIS transmitters alert RCCs and vessels at sea , while SARTs (Search and Rescue Transponders) help rescuers home-in on survivors[14]. Ships and SAR craft carry radios (VHF,(and sometimes MF and HF) DSC,) and satellite communications particularly when further offshore, for coordination. More recently, search units also use drones (UAVs) to expand visual coverage and aid the early detection of survivors. It is important to note the disparity between countries with high and low financial and technical resources and how this affects SAR response and access to equipment and training. The IMRF is currently conducting the first Global Maritime Search and Rescue Systems Review to assess the current effectiveness of SAR capabilities at local, national, and international levels, identify emerging risks and critical gaps, and deliver long-term, evidence-based recommendations to ensure SAR systems remain resilient in acomplex maritime environment.  

Are drones used in maritime search and rescue?

Yes. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly deployed to assist maritime search and rescue (SAR), particularly in countries with higher technical capabilities and finances. Drones can, if properly designed, and equipped,rapidly and accurately survey large areas of water or coastline, using cameras (including thermal sensors and paired with AI image analysis) to spot survivors. SAR agencies have trialled drones in coordination with lifeboats and helicopters. For example, the RNLI and UK Coastguard have run exercises showing that drones cannot replace crewed aircraft or boats, but can enhance rescuer performance.[24]. A drone might be launched from the shore or a rescue vessel to help pinpoint a person in the water, relay communications, or even drop a lifesaving equipment. They extend the “eyes” and reach of the rescue team without risking additional lives. Many coastguard services now integrate, or are testing drones as a supplementary tool to improve search speed and safety. It should be noted that there are limitations to drones, for example, strong winds and bad weather can seriously hamper use of drones and their effectiveness [24].

What are autonomous rescue vessels and how do they work?

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) SAR vessels are uncrewed boats designed to assist in maritime search and rescue (SAR). Using onboard sensors, computers and satellite or terrestrial data links, they can operate with reduced or no human intervention[25]. The IMO defines levels of autonomy for remotely operated and autonomous ships as ranging from remote-controlled ships with some crew on board, up to fully autonomous vessels that make decisions on their own[26]. In SAR, a USV SAR craft could be part of a crewed-uncrewed rescue boat pairing, with the crewed boat controlling or working with the USV. . The USV could be used to operate in conditions too dangerous for humans, or as a pathfinder, or increase the crewed rescue boat’s detection performance, improving rescue time and search area coverage[27]. While most are still experimental, USV SAR vessels promise to complement traditional boats by expanding the network of available search units with reduced risk to crews.