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German Maritime Search and Rescue Operational Agreements (Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, UK)

The German Maritime Search and Rescue Organisation (DGzRS), has put in place Operational Agreements with their respective counterparts in Denmark (Admiral Danish Fleet) the Netherlands (the Netherlands Coast Guard), Poland (Polish Ship Salvage), Sweden (Swedish Maritime Administration) and the UK (Her Majesty’s Coast Guard).

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue

Poland-Germany Operational Agreement on SAR Co-operation (1993)

Source: Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Organisation

The operational agreement on Maritime SAR Co-operation was signed in Bremen on 26.04.1993 between Polish Ship Salvage Company and German Lifeboat Institution

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue
Countries involved

Poland-Denmark Operational Agreement on Maritime SAR Co-operation (1994)

Source: Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Organisation

An agreement Maritime SAR Co-operation between Polish Ship Salvage Company and Admiral Danish Fleet.

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue
Countries involved

Greece-Cyprus Agreement Cooperation in the Field of Search and Rescue

Source: Hellenic Coast Guard

Agreement between the government of the Hellenic Republic and the government of Cyprus on Co-operation in the Field of Search and Rescue (2014).

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue
Countries involved

Greece-Italian MOU on Cooperation in Search and Rescue

Source: Hellenic Coast Guard

Memorandum of Understanding between the government of the Hellenic Republic and the government of the Italian Republic on Cooperation in Search and Rescue Operations in the Ionian Sea (2000).

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue
Countries involved

Greece-Malta Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Search and Rescue

Source: Hellenic Coast Guard

Agreement between the government of the Hellenic Republic and the government of Malta on Co-operation in the Field of Search and Rescue (2008).

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue
Countries involved

European Search and Rescue Plan (EUR Doc 039) - International Civil Aviation Organisation

Source: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) UN Agency Website

The Plan aims to identify the status of SAR preparedness of EUR Region States and State SAR arrangements. It also makes recommendations for SAR planning and preparedness enhancements, in terms of compliance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation, Annex 12, the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual guidance, and accepted best international practice. It provides recommendations to IMO for harmonised and interoperable delivery of both aeronautical and maritime SAR services. It requires regular updating to keep current with changes in ICAO Annexes and guidance material, the IAMSAR Manual, regional aviation activity, developments in ATM system, new technology, political considerations, as well as human performance lessons learned from actual SAR responses.

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue

International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)

Source: IMRF Website

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to develop and improve maritime search and rescue (SAR) capacity around the world, improving maritime SAR capability worldwide. The IMRF brings together the world's maritime SAR organisations involving both voluntary and governmental organisations. As well as capacity building, the IMRF also has an advocacy role, providing an international voice for its members. It is the only maritime SAR NGO with consultative status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Search and Rescue

Ireland-UK MOU Between Irish Coast Guard, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the UKs Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Source: Irish Coast Guard

The Irish Coast Guard (ICG), Dept. of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) signed an MOU under the IMO International Convention for Maritime Search and Rescue to cooperate in the case of major disaster or events of exceptional seriousness, assist one another through their search and rescue services. The MOU defines the formal procedures and technical aspects of the request of assistance between the ICG coordination centres and the UK MCA and both parties further recognise that similar support may be possible in the event of maritime casualties within their EEZs.

Coast Guard Functions
Ship Casualty & Maritime Assistance Service
Maritime Search and Rescue
Maritime Accident and Disaster Response
Countries involved

European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF)

Source: ECGFF Website

The European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF) is a self-governing, non-binding, voluntary, independent and non-political forum bringing together the Coast Guard authorities from 25 EU Member States and Schengen associated countries, as well as representatives of the EU institutions and bodies with competencies related to EU CG Functions. Since its establishment in 2009 the European Commission and EU Agencies, have supported the ECGFF. The rotating chair, supported by a secretariat, governs the Forum with responsibility to implement the annual programme. Bringing together over 30 national coastguard authorities from EU countries and associated Schengen countries, it works on collaborative issues i.e. multi-agency, multinational operations and capacity building among CG academies.

Coast Guard Functions
Maritime Safety Including Vessel Traffic Management
Ship Casualty & Maritime Assistance Service
Fisheries Inspection & Control
Maritime Border Control
Maritime Environmental Protection & Response
Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking and Smuggling and Connected Maritime Law Enforcement
Maritime Search and Rescue
Maritime Monitoring and Surveillance
Maritime Customs Activities
Maritime Accident and Disaster Response
Maritime Ship and Port Security

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