Techniques and Methods of Marine Search and Rescue Operations Event, 13.Jan.2025

Introduction

We will explore various aspects of marine search and rescue operations, ranging from planning and coordination to specialized techniques and equipment. Participants will gain insights into the challenges faced during rescue operations at sea, learn about the roles of different organizations involved, and develop a solid understanding of the principles and strategies essential for successful search and rescue missions.

Course Objectives

• Understand the principles, challenges, and importance of search and rescue operations in a marine environment.
• Develop effective search and rescue planning strategies, considering risk factors and prioritizing response efforts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of different rescue techniques and equipment and their appropriate application in various marine environments.
• Apply water rescue and survival skills, including techniques for rescuing casualties and personal water survival, in simulated scenarios.
• Demonstrate knowledge of incident response, crisis management, and psychological considerations for responders in search and rescue situations.
• Plan and coordinate mass rescue operations, considering the challenges and requirements of large-scale incidents.
• Analyze past search and rescue incidents, extract lessons learned, and apply best practices to improve future response efforts.
• Understand the international coordination mechanisms and roles of organizations involved in international search and rescue operations.

Course Outlines

Day 1

• Introduction to Marine Search and Rescue Operations
  • Overview of marine search and rescue operations
  • Importance and challenges of search and rescue at sea
  • Role of various organizations and agencies involved in marine search and rescue
• Search and Rescue Planning
  • Principles and Strategies of Search and rescue planning
  • Assessing risk factors and prioritizing response efforts
  • Coordination with other agencies and resources
• Communication and Coordination
  • Effective communication protocols in marine search and rescue
  • Use of communication equipment and technology
  • Interagency coordination and cooperation
• Introduction to Maritime Navigation
  • Basics of navigation at sea
  • Use of nautical charts and electronic navigation systems
  • Understanding navigational aids and markers

Day 2

• Rescue Techniques and Equipment
  • Overview of rescue techniques in different marine environments
  • Understanding the capabilities and limitations of rescue equipment
  • Personal protective equipment for search and rescue operations
• Helicopter Operations in Maritime Search and Rescue
  • Role of helicopters in maritime search and rescue operations
  • Helicopter rescue procedures and protocols
  • Safety considerations and best practices for helicopter operations
• Water Rescue and Survival Skills
  • Techniques for water rescue and retrieval of casualties
  • Basic water survival skills for rescuers
  • Swiftwater rescue and flood response operations
• Introduction to Maritime Medical Care
  • Medical considerations in maritime search and rescue operations
  • Assessment and treatment of common injuries and illnesses at sea
  • Evacuation and medical transportation procedures

Day 3

• Vessel Damage Control and Salvage Operations
  • Techniques for stabilizing and controlling vessel damage
  • Salvage operations and procedures
  • Minimizing environmental impact during salvage operations
• Incident Command System (ICS) in Marine Search and Rescue
  • Overview of the Incident Command System structure and principles
  • Roles and responsibilities of personnel in the ICS
  • Effective incident management and coordination
• Dive Operations in Search and Rescue
  • Dive team organization and equipment requirements
  • Underwater search techniques and procedures
  • Safety considerations and protocols for dive operations
• Night Operations and Low Visibility Search
  • Challenges and considerations for search and rescue operations at night
  • Use of lighting and night vision equipment
  • Strategies for conducting search and rescue in low visibility conditions

Day 4

• Incident Response and Crisis Management
  • Incident response planning and preparation
  • Crisis management strategies for search and rescue incidents
  • Psychological and emotional considerations for responders
• Search and Rescue Drones and Technology
  • Role of drones and technology in marine search and rescue
  • Use of drones for aerial surveillance and search operations
  • Integration of technology in search and rescue planning and response
• Mass Rescue Operations
  • Planning and coordination of mass rescue operations
  • Challenges and considerations in large-scale incidents
  • Multinational cooperation and coordination in mass rescue situations
• Maritime Law and Ethics in Search and Rescue
  • Legal frameworks and obligations in maritime search and rescue
  • Ethical considerations and decision-making in rescue operations
  • Case studies and lessons learned from past incidents

Day 5

• Post-Rescue Operations and Follow-Up
  • Post-rescue medical care and treatment
  • Psychological support for survivors and rescuers
  • Reporting and documentation requirements
• International Search and Rescue Coordination
  • International frameworks and agreements for search and rescue
  • Roles of international organizations in coordinating search and rescue efforts
  • Interoperability and standardization in multinational operations
• Lessons Learned and Case Studies
  • Analysis of past search and rescue incidents
  • Identification of lessons learned and best practices
  • Case studies highlighting successful search and rescue operations
• Course Review and Wrap-Up
  • Recap of key concepts and techniques covered in the course
  • Participant feedback and discussion
  • Certificate distribution and closing remarks