International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue

Summary

The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention) is a maritime safety convention of the International Maritime Organization.[1][2] It entered into force on 22 June 1985.[1][3] The convention forms part of the legal framework covering Search and rescue at sea.[4]

The SAR Convention covers search and rescue at sea, as seen here in the rescue of shipwrecked survivors

The SAR Convention was adopted on 27 April 1979.[1][5] It entered into force on 22 June 1985.[1]

The Convention has been amended by IMO resolutions MSC.70(69) and MSC.155(78).[6] These respective amendments occurred in 1998 and in 2004 respectively.[7]

Content edit

The SAR Convention covers coordinated Search and rescue at sea, including the organisation of Air-sea rescue services.[1] The aim of the convention was to ensure agreed, standardised procedures for SAR around the world.

It establishes SAR regions (SARR) to allow coastal States to coordinate SAR provision.[6][8] This includes the establishment of 13 distinct SAR areas of the world's oceans.[6][5]

It also sets out the establishment of Rescue coordination centres around the world to control SAR operations.[1][6]

Ratification edit

As of October 2022, 114 countries were party to the Convention.[9]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f "International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)". International Maritime Organization. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  2. ^ Brems, Eva (2013). Human Rights and Civil Liberties in the 21st Century. Springer Netherlands. p. 187. ISBN 978-9400775992.
  3. ^ 21st Century Seamanship. Edinburgh: Witherby Publishing Group. 2015. p. 703. ISBN 9781856096324.
  4. ^ "Legal Brief on International Law and Rescue at Sea" (PDF). UNHCR. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  5. ^ a b Elferink, Alex G. Oude (2021). International Organizations and the Law of the Sea 1998. Brill. p. 40. ISBN 978-9004481459.
  6. ^ a b c d SAR Convention 2006 edition. London: International Maritime Organization. 2006. p. i. ISBN 978-9280142280.
  7. ^ Gallagher, Anne (2014). The International Law of Migrant Smuggling. Cambridge University Press. p. 84. ISBN 978-1107015920.
  8. ^ Roach, J.Ashley (2012). The Law of the Sea Convention. US Accession and Globalization. Brill. p. 398. ISBN 978-9004202320.
  9. ^ "STATUS OF IMO TREATIES" (PDF). International Maritime Organization. Retrieved 12 October 2022.