Description
Published jointly by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the three-volume IAMSAR Manual provides guidelines for a common aviation and maritime approach to organizing and providing search and rescue (SAR) services. Each volume can be used as a standalone document or, in conjunction with the other two volumes, as a means to attain a full view of the SAR system.
The IAMSAR manual is divided into three volumes:
- Volume I, Organization and Management – Discusses the global SAR system concept, establishment and improvement of national and regional SAR systems and co-operation with neighbouring States to provide effective and economical SAR services
- Volume II, Mission Coordination – Assists personnel who plan and co- ordinate SAR operations and exercises.
- Volume III, Mobile Facilities – Is intended to be carried aboard rescue units, aircraft and vessels to help with performance of a search, rescue or on-scene co-ordinator function, and with aspects of SAR that pertain to their own emergencies.
IMO MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2 stipulates that IAMSAR Manual Volume III is for emergency use and should always be available onboard ships in the form of hard copy.
