1. Caribbean States Strengthen Coordination in Maritime Search and Rescue Operations
Maritime administrations from across the Caribbean region gathered in Kingston, Jamaica (18–22 August) to strengthen coordination and response capabilities for maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
The Caribbean region faces unique SAR challenges due to its geographical dispersion, heavy dependence on maritime activities, and high vulnerability to natural disasters and maritime incidents. Enhanced regional cooperation is therefore essential to ensure timely and effective SAR responses.
2. SAR Workshop Co-organized by IMO and the Maritime Authority of Jamaica
The Subregional Workshop on Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission Coordination was organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in cooperation with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ).
Strengthening SAR capacity is critical to saving lives at sea, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring compliance with international maritime standards.
3. Key Focus Areas: From SAR Procedures to Regional Cooperation
Through interactive technical discussions, participants enhanced their knowledge and skills in the following key areas:
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SAR procedures and techniques – emergency response planning, coordination, and operational management
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SAR implementation and evaluation – conducting, concluding, and reviewing SAR operations
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Regional cooperation – promoting information sharing and coordinated actions among member states
4. Maritime Authority of Jamaica Leadership Highlights International Obligations
Opening the workshop, Mr. Bertrand Smith, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ). Emphasized that the workshop “was designed to help our States more effectively fulfill their obligations under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.”
He noted that the primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen SAR mission coordination by equipping senior officers, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) and Joint Rescue Coordination Centres (JRCCs) with advanced skills in coordination, execution and evaluation of SAR operations.
5. Contributing to Maritime Safety and Sustainable Development
The workshop was delivered under IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). And supports the implementation of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979. As well as relevant provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974.
It also takes into account the guidance contained in the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual.
By strengthening operational coordination and promoting regional cooperation. The workshop contributes to global efforts to enhance SAR capacity. In line with international maritime safety standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Source: IMO
