What roles are involved in maritime search and rescue?

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) involves many roles. On the water or in the air, there are rescue teams: boat crews (coxswain, engineers, medics), helicopter crews (pilots, technical crew - winch operators, paramedics) and fixed-wing crews. These are the front-line responders. On land, there are the RCC staff who monitor distress channels and coordinate SAR missions. Many organisations also have specialised personnel (e.g. rescue swimmers). In volunteer organisations, you also find shore support roles like fundraising, station management, shore helpers, etc.  Most airborne roles are either military or professional, commercial aircrew. Rescue vessel roles might be military, coast guard, or charity funded volunteers – with sometimes full time employment in certain jobs.

What training is available for maritime search and rescue professionals? How can I become search and rescue verified? 

There is usually extensive training for maritime search and rescue (SAR) personnel. Formal courses are run either internally by, for example, military, coast guard, and/or professional aviation companies providing SAR aircraft services. Volunteer organisations either provide their own courses or contract to commercial providers or maritime academies. Many coast guard and navies operate their own academies and courses. More informally,  e-learning is increasingly popular: for example, the IMRF’s Maritime SAR Online Training Academy (produced in cooperation with IMO) offers a self-paced Rescue Boat Operator course[28]. In addition, specialist skills (like medical care)might be obtained through local EMS training providers. In short, SAR professionals      undertake a mix of practical drills, classroom instruction and on-the-job training to cover everything from radio procedure and boat  handling to mass-rescue management. 

The IMRF has also run very successful Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) Workshops across Asia and in South America. In Europe, we run our annual Lifeboat Crew Exchange – the exchanges deliver a powerful mix of hands-on training, cultural cross-learning and peer-to-peer collaboration. We have trained 100s of SAR personnel across Africa, by working with Maritime Administrations, MRCCs and MRSCs across the globe, to identify development needs and provide specialist programmes of training, knowledge-sharing and international networking.

We have secured a major grant worth US$450,000 from the TK Foundation to create the world’s first free global e-learning system for the maritime search and rescue (SAR) sector. The project marks a major milestone in international efforts to strengthen the capabilities of key SAR and shipping personnel and close critical training gaps for those who continue to put their lives at risk at sea.

How can I become a maritime search and rescue volunteer or professional?

Many countries have volunteer maritime search and rescue (SAR) organisations you can join. Generally, you must meet certain criteria (age, fitness, physical and swimming ability) and undergo training in boat safety, navigation and first aid. Contact your national coastguard or local lifeboat society for recruitment information. Many organisations hold open days or recruitment campaigns and provide training at little or no cost. Being a SAR volunteer is demanding but rewarding – if you have maritime skills or a desire to help, inquire with your nearest rescue service. Professional roles will be available through either national coast guard, navy or commercial aircraft operator that provides SAR services. These courses may take one or two years to complete and qualify for. In the military and some coast guard, there is no guarantee that a candidate will be ‘posted’ to a SAR role.