Every ship is a Search and Rescue unit

29 Sep 2026 The Navigator

Roland McKie from the International Maritime Rescue Federation outlines the maritime industry’s role in SAR and the importance of preparing your vessel and crew well in advance.

by Roland McKie Adviser at the International Maritime Rescue Federation

It is one of the oldest and most fundamental moral and humanitarian principles of the sea that those in danger must be assisted. Modern international law has transformed this long-standing maritime tradition into a binding global obligation.

Every merchant ship, passenger ship, fishing vessel and other seagoing vessel forms part of the worldwide Search and Rescue (SAR) system. In many sea areas, ships can reach a casualty long before dedicated rescue vessels or helicopters can. In some regions, they may even be the only resources available. This means that effectively, a ship can be regarded as part-time SAR unit. All ships are legally and operationally integrated into the international SAR framework and are expected to respond when safe to do so.

A legal obligation

Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) requires flag States to ensure that Masters of ships flying their flag:

  • Render assistance to persons found at sea in danger of being lost.
  • Proceed with all possible speed to assist and rescue persons in distress when informed of their need for assistance.
  • Render assistance following a collision, where possible and safe to do so.

UNCLOS also requires coastal States to promote and maintain adequate and effective SAR services and to cooperate regionally where necessary. Similarly, the SOLAS Convention places a direct obligation on a ship’s Master to proceed with all speed to assist persons in distress upon receiving information from any source, unless they are unable to do so or if assistance is unnecessary. This applies regardless of the nationality, status or circumstances of those requiring rescue.

How the SAR system works

The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention) established standardised procedures for coordinating maritime rescue operations. It divides the world’s oceans into Search and Rescue Regions (SRRs). Each individual area is covered by Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), which are in control of all SAR operations in the area, and can task individual vessels to participate in SAR operations.

The system is designed so that no matter where an incident occurs, responsibility for coordinating the response falls to an RCC responsible for that SAR Region. When a distress situation develops, the coordinating RCC gathers and analyses information, plans the response, identifies and tasks available resources, develops search plans (where required) and coordinates participating units until the incident is resolved.

When life is at risk, that usually calls for immediate help. It is a fundamental principle of SAR response to react as quickly as possible. That means RCCs are trained to make use of the nearest suitable vessel to an incident location, even if they are also tasking a dedicated rescue asset from shore, for example a lifeboat or helicopter.

RCCs will take into account the type of vessel being requested – a deep-draft tanker would not be asked to proceed into shallow water, for example. The Master of any vessel may decline such a request if they consider the situation will endanger their vessel or crew and/ or passengers.

SAR means you!

The global SAR system depends heavily on merchant ships. While RCCs coordinate operations and governments maintain SAR infrastructure, the reality is that ships are frequently the first and sometimes the only rescue units available. International law through UNCLOS, SOLAS and the SAR Convention place clear obligations on Masters and States to render assistance and cooperate in rescue operations. Every ship, therefore, is more than a transport platform. It is a vital component of the international search and rescue network – a professional maritime asset capable of responding to distress, conducting searches, recovering survivors and, when required, assuming the duties of an On-Scene Coordinator. Proper preparedness, training and familiarity with IAMSAR Volume III, and other IMO guidance on rescue and recovery, ensures that when the call comes, the ship and its crew are ready to save lives at sea.

Where can I find more information?

Have a look on your ship’s bookshelf!

Under SOLAS requirements, ships are required to carry the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual Volume III – Mobile Facilities.

Volume III is specifically designed for use aboard vessels and provides practical guidance for:

  • Distress response
  • Search planning
  • Search patterns
  • Survivor recovery
  • Communications procedures
  • On-Scene Coordinator duties
  • Man overboard emergencies
  • Aircraft assistance
  • Coordination with RCCs

The manual contains ready-reference checklists, search planning tools, rescue procedures and communication formats, allowing a ship’s bridge team to rapidly organise and conduct SAR operations even when they have little prior experience of coordinating a rescue. It effectively serves as the operational handbook for ships participating in SAR incidents.

Find out more at here.

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