scope:

Foreword

The primary purpose of the three volumes of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual) is to assist States in meeting their own search and rescue (SAR) needs, and the obligations they accepted under the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS). These volumes provide guidelines for a common aviation and maritime approach to organizing and providing SAR services. States are encouraged to develop and improve their SAR services, cooperate with neighbouring States and to consider their SAR services to be part of a global SAR system.

Each volume of the IAMSAR Manual is written with specific SAR system duties in mind, and can be used as a stand-alone document, or, in conjunction with the other two volumes, as a means to attain a full view of the SAR system. Depending on the duties assigned, it may be necessary to hold only one or two, or all three volumes.

The Organization and Management volume (volume I) discusses the global SAR system concept, establishment and improvement of national and regional SAR systems, and cooperation with neighbouring States to provide effective and economical SAR services;

The Mission Coordination volume (volume II) assists personnel who plan and coordinate SAR operations and exercises; and

The Mobile Facilities volume (volume III) is intended to be carried aboard rescue units, aircraft and vessels to help with performance of a search, rescue, or on-scene coordinator function and with aspects of SAR that pertain to their own emergencies.