Through SARCode, our voluntary Code of Practice (COP) for maritime SAR organisations and SAR vessels, the Maritime Search and Rescue Council offers a certification, inspection, and audit programme designed to ensure that SAR organisations and vessels operate to the highest standards of safety, technical competency, and compliance with international regulations. This programme supports organisations in adhering to best practices and internationally recognised maritime standards, such as the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR 1979), the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manuals, and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). By achieving certification, SAR organisations demonstrate their operational readiness and commitment to excellence in maritime SAR operations.
The certification process comprises two key levels: organisational certification and vessel-specific certification. The first level involves assessing the SAR organisation’s overall safety and risk management, policies and procedures, and compliance with international standards. The second level evaluates individual SAR vessels based on their technical capabilities, safety equipment, crew competence, and operational readiness. Vessels are classified by their search and rescue capacity across different operational environments, from inshore and coastal to offshore and ocean class, ensuring that they meet stringent safety and technical criteria for their respective SAR category.
The audit and inspection process is comprehensive, involving an initial audit, mid-term inspections, and a full renewal every five years to ensure continued compliance. Organisations undergo a rigorous review of their safety management systems, risk mitigation practices, and emergency preparedness measures, while vessels are evaluated for their equipment, maintenance, and operational procedures. By obtaining SARCode certification, SAR organisations gain increased credibility, trust, and access to valuable resources, enhancing their ability to conduct safe and effective maritime search and rescue operations.
Maritime Search and Rescue Council
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