The maritime search and rescue (SAR) training program, supported by the Maritime Search and Rescue Council (MSARC), was held in Mahajanga, Madagascar. This program is designed to strengthen cooperation and professional standards among maritime professionals from eight different countries.
Training Program Details
This course, hosted by the National Maritime Training School (ENEM) in Madagascar, brought together 25 professionals from South Africa, Comoros, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Seychelles. The program was jointly organized by the Regional Institute of Maritime Security and Safety in the Indian Ocean and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).
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The aim of this program was to provide an opportunity for personnel from across the region to train together, share operational experiences, and develop a common understanding of coordination and execution of maritime search and rescue operations.
Course Content and Practical Exercises
Over the course of a week, participants engaged in a combination of theoretical training, field exercises, and practical drills at sea, allowing them to apply maritime search and rescue principles in real operational scenarios. These practical exercises were supported by vessels from the Madagascar Fishery Monitoring Center (CSP) and the Maritime and River Port Agency (APMF).
In-person training was provided by experts from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) of South Africa, and an e-learning module and webinar were supported by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). MSARC was responsible for the independent assessment and certification of participants on behalf of the IOC.
MSARC's presence in this program as an independent assessment and certification process allowed participants to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional standards they had acquired during the course and earn professional recognition.
This program also marks an important milestone for the IOC and ENEM. Alongside the assessment of participants, the coordination course on-site and the training location at ENEM underwent the MSARC quality assurance process, which was conducted by Richie Herd, Vice President of MSARC in Madagascar.
The framework of the accredited training center allows maritime authorities, rescue organizations, and educational institutions to have an independent quality assessment of their SAR training. This process includes reviewing courses, instructors, equipment, and management systems designed to maintain educational standards.
Richie Herd, Vice President of the Maritime Search and Rescue Council, stated: "Search and rescue is not limited to national borders. When someone is in danger at sea, effective coordination between neighboring countries and organizations can truly impact the outcome." Additionally, he emphasized that regional cooperation is invaluable in situations where coordination between multiple countries and organizations may be required.
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