Search & Rescue (SAR)

Role of the Coastguard:

© hmcoastguard.uk
© hmcoastguard.uk
HM Coastguard, the UK's national maritime emergency service, is responsible for coordinating maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations in the UK. Their role includes: 

 

Responding to incidents

HM Coastguard responds to a variety of incidents, including missing people, climbers stuck on cliffs, and vessels missing at sea. They receive requests for assistance through 999 calls, mayday and pan pan broadcasts, and satellite distress calls. 

 

Deploying resources

HM Coastguard deploys a range of resources to respond to incidents, including coastguard rescue helicopters, coastguard rescue teams, and lifeboats. 

 

Supporting other emergency services

HM Coastguard provides support to other blue light emergency services, as well as other government departments and agencies. 

 

Preventing pollution

HM Coastguard prevents maritime pollution and responds to pollution events. 

 

Monitoring vessel movement

HM Coastguard monitors vessel movement in UK waters and further offshore. 

UK and International SAR Organisations:

There are several organisations in the UK and internationally involved in search and rescue, including: 
  • HM Coastguard: The UK government agency that represents the UK in international search and rescue organizations, such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). 
  • United Kingdom International Search and Rescue Team (UK-ISAR): A 24/7 search and rescue team that responds to humanitarian disasters and accidents around the world. The UN classifies the UK-ISAR as a "Heavy USAR Team" (urban Search and Rescue). 
  • London Fire Brigade: Has Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and International Search and Rescue (ISAR) teams that specialize in finding and freeing trapped people during major incidents. 
  • Serve On Search: A volunteer organization that includes a dog team. 
  • London Search & Rescue: A volunteer organization that requires a Search Technician Course to join. 
  • UK SAR Operators Group: Has standing and ad hoc Working Groups that perform detailed work for the Operators Group

Here are some international search and rescue (SAR) organisations: 

  • International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF): A global organization that connects maritime SAR organizations and provides resources and training. The IMRF was founded in 1924 by the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution and the RNLI. The IMRF is the only maritime SAR NGO with consultative status at the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO). 
  • Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI): An organization with over 190 years of SAR experience that works with SAR teams around the world to share training and ideas. The RNLI also offers a Maritime Search and Rescue intervention to help organizations develop and plan their own SAR services. 
  • International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation: An organisation that uses search and rescue dogs.