Introduction: Why Maritime Search and Rescue Is a Global Lifesaving System
Every year, thousands of people are rescued at sea thanks to coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. These rescues involve merchant ships, fishing vessels, passenger ships, naval units, aircraft, coast guards, and rescue coordination centres working together—often across national boundaries.
Maritime emergencies do not respect borders. A distress incident may involve:
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A ship registered in one country
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Crew of many nationalities
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An accident occurring far from shore
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Rescue assets from several States
Without a clear international framework, lives would be lost due to confusion, delayed response, or lack of coordination.
To prevent this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention). To support transparency and coordination, information related to SAR services is made available through the “Search and Rescue (SAR)” module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
This article provides a comprehensive introduction and practical guide to the SAR option in GISIS. It explains the SAR system, the legal framework, what information is available in GISIS, and why this module is essential for administrations, ship operators, seafarers, educators, and maritime safety professionals worldwide.
Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Emergency Preparedness
What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System?
The IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is an online platform managed by the International Maritime Organization that provides transparent and reliable data on ships, companies, flag States, and maritime compliance. It brings together information on safety, security, pollution prevention, port State control, and casualty reports in one place. For seafarers, maritime professionals, researchers, and regulators, IMO GISIS is a trusted tool to check vessel records, track compliance with IMO conventions, and understand global shipping performance. Its free public access supports safer seas, better regulation, and informed decision-making across the maritime industry.
The Search and Rescue (SAR) module focuses specifically on life-saving emergency response at sea.
What Is Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)?
Definition of Maritime SAR
Maritime Search and Rescue refers to:
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The search for persons in distress at sea
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The rescue of survivors
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The provision of initial medical or safety assistance
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The delivery of survivors to a place of safety
SAR applies to incidents such as:
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Ship collisions and groundings
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Fires and explosions
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Man overboard situations
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Capsizing and sinking
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Aircraft accidents at sea
Why SAR Requires International Coordination
Ships operate globally, often far from their flag State. Therefore:
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No single country can manage all rescues alone
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Cooperation between States is essential
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Clear responsibility zones are required
The SAR Convention provides this structure.
Legal Framework: The SAR Convention
Overview of the SAR Convention
The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue establishes a global system for:
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Organising SAR services
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Defining geographical SAR regions
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Coordinating rescue efforts between States
The Convention’s main objective is:
To ensure that assistance is provided to any person in distress at sea, regardless of nationality or circumstances.
SAR Regions (SRRs)
Under the SAR Convention:
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The world’s oceans are divided into Search and Rescue Regions (SRRs)
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Each SRR is coordinated by a designated State
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The responsible State establishes a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC)
SRRs are about coordination responsibility, not sovereignty.
Purpose of the SAR Module in GISIS
Core Objectives
The Search and Rescue module in GISIS aims to:
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Provide information on national SAR services
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Identify SAR regions and coordination centres
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Support cooperation between States
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Improve awareness and preparedness
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Assist maritime professionals and educators
It is an information and coordination reference tool, not an operational distress system.
What Information Is Available in the GISIS SAR Module?
Types of Information Provided
Depending on Member State submissions, the SAR module may include:
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Details of national Search and Rescue services
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Contact information for Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs)
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Geographic scope of SAR regions
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Administrative information supporting SAR cooperation
Operational distress alerts are not transmitted through GISIS.
Who Submits SAR Information to GISIS?
Role of IMO Member States
SAR information is:
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Submitted by IMO Member States
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Based on national SAR organization and responsibilities
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Updated as coordination arrangements change
The IMO provides the platform but does not conduct rescues.
Role of Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs)
RCCs are responsible for:
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Receiving distress alerts
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Coordinating rescue assets
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Communicating with ships and aircraft
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Cooperating with neighbouring RCCs
GISIS helps make RCC information globally accessible.
How to Access the SAR Module in GISIS
Step 1: Access the GISIS Platform
Users access GISIS via the IMO website.
Step 2: Select “Search and Rescue (SAR)”
From the list of GISIS modules, users select Search and Rescue (SAR).
Step 3: Review SAR Information
Users can:
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Identify SAR coordination responsibilities
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Locate RCC contact details
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Understand global SAR coverage
Importance of the SAR Module for Seafarers and Ship Operators
Emergency Preparedness
Ship operators and masters benefit from:
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Knowing which RCC is responsible in a given area
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Understanding SAR coordination structures
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Improving emergency response planning
This knowledge can save lives during critical situations.
Compliance with SOLAS Obligations
Under SOLAS, shipmasters are obliged to:
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Render assistance to persons in distress at sea
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Respond to distress alerts when possible
Clear SAR information supports lawful and effective action.
Role of SAR in Mass Rescue Operations (MROs)
Passenger Ships and Offshore Installations
SAR systems are critical during:
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Cruise ship emergencies
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Ferry accidents
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Offshore platform incidents
Mass rescue operations require:
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Extensive coordination
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Multiple assets
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International cooperation
GISIS supports preparedness through information transparency.
SAR and Humanitarian Responsibilities
Saving Lives at Sea
SAR applies regardless of:
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Nationality
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Legal status
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Type of vessel
This principle is central to maritime tradition and international law.
SAR and Migrant Rescue
While politically sensitive, SAR obligations:
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Are humanitarian and non-discriminatory
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Exist independently of migration policy
GISIS focuses strictly on coordination and safety, not enforcement.
Relationship with Other GISIS Modules
The SAR module complements:
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Maritime Security – emergency response coordination
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Marine Casualties and Incidents – accident outcomes
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Ship and Company Particulars – vessel identification
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Port State Control – post-incident inspections
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Contact Points – authority coordination
Together, these modules support prevention, response, and accountability.
Common Misunderstandings About Maritime SAR
SAR Regions Are Not Territorial Claims
SRRs do not define sovereignty or maritime boundaries.
GISIS Is Not a Distress Alert System
Distress alerts must be sent via:
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GMDSS
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VHF/MF/HF radio
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Satellite systems
GISIS provides reference information only.
Best Practices for Using the GISIS SAR Module
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Use it as an official reference for SAR coordination
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Integrate SAR awareness into bridge and emergency training
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Ensure RCC contact information is known onboard
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Use GISIS alongside GMDSS and voyage planning systems
Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia
For maritime education, the SAR module provides:
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Insight into global lifesaving coordination
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Understanding of SAR legal obligations
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Real-world context for emergency response training
It is especially useful in courses on:
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Maritime safety
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Bridge resource management
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Emergency preparedness
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Maritime law and humanitarian obligations
SAR in the Future of Global Shipping
Increasing Traffic and Risk
With growing:
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Ship traffic density
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Cruise tourism
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Offshore activities
SAR systems must adapt and strengthen coordination.
Digitalisation and Cooperation
Future developments may include:
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Improved digital SAR mapping
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Enhanced data sharing between RCCs
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Stronger integration with satellite systems
GISIS provides a foundation for these improvements.
Conclusion: Saving Lives through Information and Cooperation
The Search and Rescue (SAR) option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System reflects one of the most fundamental principles of maritime tradition: no one in distress at sea should be left unaided.
By providing transparent, accessible information on SAR services, coordination centres, and regional responsibilities, the GISIS SAR module supports effective emergency response, international cooperation, and lifesaving action.
For seafarers, ship operators, administrations, educators, researchers, and students, this module offers a trusted and authoritative gateway to understanding how the global maritime community works together when lives are at risk.
In an industry driven by technology, regulation, and commerce, maritime SAR remains a powerful reminder that human life is always the highest priority at sea.