Maritime Lawyer

The International Convention on Search and Rescue

The International Convention on Search and Rescue was developed in 1979 in an effort to ensure that no matter where one was stranded, the search and rescue (SAR) operations would be conducted by a SAR organization or a combination of SAR organizations.

Despite the fact that there was a long-standing tradition of ships in an area helping a distressed ship and that the 1974 SOLAS treaty mandated assistance, there was not a standard international system that covered SAR operations. In some cases, there existed a system to provide assistance quickly and efficiently, but, in many other areas, there was not a system in place. Parties of the convention are required to provide adequate SAR operations in their coastal areas.

Parties are encouraged to enter into SAR agreements with neighboring states. This allows for a pooling of resources, standardization of procedures, training, and liaison visits. The convention also states that states should take steps to expedite entry into territorial waters for rescue units from other units. The Convention also defines preparatory measures which should be taken, such as the establishment of rescue coordination centers and sub-centers. The Convention also outlines operating procedures that should be followed in the event of an emergency or alert and during SAR operations. This includes designating an on-scene commander. The duties of the on-scene commander are identified as well.

Members of the Convention are required to establish ship location reporting systems. Ships report their position to a coast radio system which then records said position. By keeping tabs on ships at more frequent intervals, the time needed to find the ship, in theory, should be reduced because there has been less time since the ship was most recently in contact with the shore. Also, this permits the rapid determination of vessels that need to be sent to provide assistance, such as medical help.

If you or someone you know has been injured while at sea, contact a Maritime Lawyer at Williams Kherkher at 1-800-220-9341 to schedule an initial consultation and to discuss legal options.