We support commercial organisations operating where preparedness, emergency response and operational assurance are critical: shipping companies, offshore operators, maritime service providers and organisations responsible for specialist response capability.
How we support commercial operators
- Emergency preparedness and response planning
- SAR capability development
- Safety management systems and operational assurance, including ISM
- Audits, inspections and vessel readiness reviews
- Command and leadership development
- Training programmes and exercises
- Standards development
- Independent technical advice
Case study
Strengthening commercial maritime SAR capability in Iraq
The Maritime Search and Rescue Council has supported JAK Maritime in developing maritime search and rescue capability for the delivery of SAR services on behalf of the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). Working closely with JAK Maritime’s leadership and operational teams, the Council has delivered bespoke training for Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) personnel and SAR vessel crews, strengthening operational coordination, search planning, on-scene command, communications and practical rescue capability. The programme has been specifically tailored to support the unique challenges of delivering a national SAR service within a commercial operating environment, balancing operational requirements with compliance with international SAR conventions and recognised good practice.
Alongside operational training, the Council has supported the organisational development of JAK Maritime through the review and development of RCC standard operating procedures (SOPs), operational guidance and response processes. This has been complemented by the design and delivery of bespoke SAR exercises that validate coordination arrangements, test operational procedures and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Together, these activities have strengthened the organisation’s ability to provide an effective, resilient and internationally aligned maritime search and rescue service in support of Iraq’s maritime safety responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
What is a maritime emergency response plan?
A maritime emergency response plan sets out how an organisation will detect, escalate and respond to an emergency at sea, including man overboard, fire, collision, grounding, pollution and mass rescue. It defines roles, communications, escalation thresholds and the interface with the relevant Rescue Coordination Centre.