Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this article is to outline past activities of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, methods and technical means used today to search for and rescue people at sea and how the consequences caused by oil spillage, and other threats to the marine environment can be eliminated. Introduction: Maritime transport safety is a complex issue. The factors, which affect the chances of survival and salvage in critical situations include: operating conditions, technical condition of the ship, the training and skill of the crew. The Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR) provides support in situations where accidents or disasters occur at sea. The Service is involved in the search for and rescue of people, and elimination of threats from oil spills or other pollution of the marine environment. SAR was formally created in 2002, although it’s origin and functions stem from the 1930’s, bearing in mind that the first rescue stations were created towards the latter part of the XIX century. Rescue activities performed by SAR involve, in the main, searching for and retrieving shipwrecked people at sea. This is carried out with the use of equipment, such as marine rescue vessels, which can perform tasks regardless of sea conditions and time of day. The SAR Service also assists in firefighting on ships and undertakes emergency towing of sea going vessels. Secondly, the SAR is responsible for the removal from the sea surface of: oil spills, oil derivative products and other hazardous, and noxious substances (HNS) dispersed as a result of sea accidents and onshore industrial catastrophes. The service is responsible for the coordination of operations to overcome threats and pollution of the sea environment. SAR takes a lead in offloading oil and HNS from tankers as well as the conduct of search and recovery of lost hazardous substances and packaged cargoes. SAR is also responsible for the prevention of oil and HNS penetration into the sea environment. These activities are performed with the aid of specialist equipment designed to overcome spillages. Summary: The article provides a historical description of tasks performed by SAR. It illustrates operation methods, equipment used and stages of reorganisation encountered over time. The narrative brings to mind successful achievements on the international arena, but simultaneously reflects on challenges faced by the service over the years. The latter includes political upheavals, post war equipment shortages, problems associated with cooperation between different services and other obstacles. The account, dealing with current day operational activities of The Maritime Search and Rescue Service reveals the legal basis for the undertaking, identifies the deployment of resources, both human and equipment and describes the types of rescue establishments, which are at the disposal of the service.

Authors and Affiliations