LIFE LINE
The Newsletter of the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)
News
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Experience
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Information
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DECEMBER 2019 Development
In this issue The World Maritime Rescue Congress 2019 An Estonian Adventure To The Antarctic New Board Of Trustees Announced ...And So Much More!
The International Maritime Rescue Federation is a registered company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom and registered as a charity in England & Wales - Patron: Efthimios E. Mitropoulos KCMG, IMO Secretary General Emeritus - Registered office: IMRF - West Quay Road - Poole - BH15 1HZ - United Kingdom • Company Registration Number: 4852596 • Charity Registration Number: 1100883 - www.international-maritime-rescue.org
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DECEMBER 2019
EDITORIAL
CONTENTS WELCOME TO THE IMRF NEW MEMBER FOCUS:WHAT3WORDS THE WORLD MARITIME RESCUE CONGRESS 2019 AN ESTONIAN EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC THE IMRF AWARD WINNERS 2019
Welcome to the December Edition of LIFE LINE. 2019 saw the 4th World Maritime Rescue Congress being held in Vancouver. Over 550 people attended the Congress, representing 180 organisations from more than 40 countries in the world! You can read all about WMRC 2019 on page 4. All the presentations and reports from both WMRC and the QGM are available to IMRF Members on the IMRF Website. The IMRF Quadrennial Meeting was also held in Vancouver and a new board of Trustees was elected by IMRF Member Organisations and you can find out who our new board of Trustees is on page 12. The activities did not just stop with WMRC though, a full calendar of events was conducted and this edition of LIFE LINE has extra pages to accommodate it all. As we approach the Festive Season we have time to reflect on everything the IMRF and our members have achieved, and continue to achieve, in our mission of increasing and improving the global maritime SAR capability. The IMRF Secretariat would like to thank you all for your dedication to Maritime Search and Rescue. The 2020 Calendar
is already filling up and we look forward to working with you all in the coming year.
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A FAREWELL FROM DAVID JARDINE-SMITH
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LIFEBOAT CREWS ACROSS EUROPE SWAP PLACES IMRF NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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MESSAGES FROM TRUSTEES
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IMRF SECOND FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLSHARE MEMBERS ASSISTING MEMBERS: DGZRS AND THE URUGUAYAN NAVY IMRF AT THE ICAO/IMO JOINT WORKING GROUP ON SAR
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IMRF DELIVERS TAILORED TRAINING TO BOOST MARITIME SAR CAPABILITIES ACROSS AFRICA THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL MEETING 2019
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Dates for the Diary IMRF Awards 2020 7 October 2019, London, United Kingdom https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/imrf-awards The European Regional Development Meeting For details of these 2020 events, and more, 14-15 October 2020, Reykjavík Iceland please go to w w w. i nte r n at i o n a l Rescue20 maritime-rescue.org/ 16-18 October 2020, Reykjavík, Iceland events. https://www.rescue.is/ ISAR 2020 - 8th International SAR Conference & Exhibition 21-23 July 2020, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia www.isarconference.com
If you are planning a SAR event of international interest please send the details to news@imrf.org.uk.
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DECEMBER 2019
IN 2019 WE HAVE WELCOMED THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS INTO THE IMRF COMMUNITY Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Emergency Response Team Seychelles (ERT) Water Safety New Zealand Incorp (WSN) HamiltonJet The Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Pickering Auxiliary Rescue Association What3Words Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi INC Georgia MTA Marine Offshore Safety Training Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi INC
NEW MEMBER FOCUS BY ASSOCIATE MEMBER WHAT3WORDS Knowing exactly where an incident is taking place helps Emergency Services to respond efficiently and effectively. However, emergencies can happen anywhere, often in places not covered by an accurate or reliable street address - let alone a unique landmark or reliable mobile connection. This means call handlers are frequently provided with inaccurate or unreliable directions from 999 callers, which can limit their ability to dispatch crews efficiently. what3words is providing a solution. By converting GPS coordinates into words, the system has given every 3m square in the world, a 3 word address. This means that unique combinations made of three words can now be used to describe any precise location around the world. For example, ///labels.quiz.bound is a specific entrance to the The Lanes shopping centre in Carlisle, UK. The free what3words app allows members of the public calling Emergency Services to find their current 3 word address and use it as a simple way to communicate exactly where an incident has taken, or is taking, place. Using words makes the passing and sharing of locations more human-friendly and reduces the likelihood for error. For instance, a person reporting a crime along the River Calder is able to tell West Yorkshire Police to dispatch help to “chin asleep pump� and response would know exactly where to go. Services have also deployed the what3words app onto team devices enabling crews to get directions to the precise 3m squares quickly. Over seventy-five Emergency Services in the UK are set-up to use what3words within their control room. Many control room software systems have also use integrated what3words directly into their incident reporting software so 3 word addresses can be typed directly into the computer-aided dispatch system. Many stories are emerging about how 3 word addresses are being used effectively by emergency services. The type of incident varies widely - from locating lost and vulnerable missing persons, to tackling rural fires or getting medical assistance to people with critical injuries. In many scenarios, what3words has been reported to have helped save time and lives, whilst also reducing the need for expensive resources like helicopters and search units to be deployed.
With more Emergency Services rolling out what3words every day these benefits are now being experienced across the country making what3words an everyday part of emergency response in the UK. Page 3
DECEMBER 2019
THE WORLD MARITIME RESCUE CONGRESS 2019 The IMRF’s World Maritime Rescue Congress is held every four years. It’s our flagship event, and among the biggest SAR conferences in the world – and, although this was only the fourth Congress under the IMRF’s flag, it has a long and proud history. We think that this year’s event lived up to that tradition. The 2019 Congress was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in British Columbia, Canada, from 15-17 June, with our Quadrennial General Meeting following on the 18th. This time we were very kindly hosted by Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR), and very ably supported by International Conference Services. From the feedback received we believe that those who were able to attend found it a very worthwhile few days. Some 550 people attended the Congress, representing 180 organisations from over 40 countries. There were more than 80 speakers and presenters, covering a very wide range of maritime search and rescue subjects. 43 organisations had stands in the International SAR Exhibition which accompanied the Congress. The 2019 Congress was the fourth such event conducted by the IMRF, but it continued the long series of quadrennial international lifeboat conferences dating back to 1924. Sharing SAR ideas and experience to the benefit of all is a longstanding tradition, originally of the International Lifeboat Federation and now of its successor, the IMRF. This time we began in grand style, with local SAR services conducting a series of SAR demonstrations and visits in the vicinity of the Congress venue on the opening day. Taking part were units from the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard, RCMSAR, Vancouver Fire Department, Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Port Authority. The IMRF takes this opportunity to thank all the organisations and individuals involved in planning and presenting this excellent day of SAR activity, which gave the Congress such a fine start. The theme of this year’s meeting was ‘learning from the past; looking to the future’. Assistant Commissioner Roger Girouard, Canadian Coast Guard Western Region, took this theme as the subject of his keynote address during the opening ceremony – which also included welcomes from representatives of the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia and the Honourable Janet Austin OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and a video message from Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The main conference segment of the Congress was divided into three work streams under main headings of ‘SAR Operations Today’, ‘Sharing SAR Lessons’ and ‘The Future of SAR’, each sub-divided into themed presentation and discussion sessions. The three-stream format was designed to accommodate the large number of interesting subjects proposed, while enabling attendees to choose which sessions to attend. The opportunity to discuss the subjects raised, and to network generally, was enhanced by a programme that included many breaks and social events.
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DECEMBER 2019 Overall, the aim was to enable people from SAR services all around the world to meet, share, learn and talk about a wide range of subjects of importance to them and to the people they seek to save. The programme therefore included sessions relating to:
SAR in the Pacific Global SAR Development SAR Pressure Points Improving Survival Rates SAR Case Studies The Improvement Cycle Funding and Messaging Working with SAR Data Mass Rescue Operations Technological Developments Future Challenges; and SAR People: Training, Assessment and Support
A particularly important feature of the 2019 Congress, in a year when IMO’s theme for World Maritime Day has been ‘Empowering women in the maritime community’, was a networking lunch on 17 June, open to all, on the subject of ‘Women in SAR’. Attendees heard a number of inspiring addresses on the subject. Following on from this important inaugural event the IMRF has launched the #WomenInSAR campaign and mentoring/support network; the new #WomenInSAR Award was presented at the IMRF Awards on 10 September; we are holding a women-only SAR training event in Africa later in the year; and plans are being prepared for subsequent events. It was, as always, good to meet and talk about SAR, and we hope a good time was had by all who were able to come together in Vancouver. But we know too that SAR can bring great sadness as well as joy. At its opening, Congress attendees stood for a minute’s silence in memory of the three crew of a rescue boat of the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer lost in storm conditions at Les Sables d'Olonne on the coast of France just eight days before, on 7 June, having launched to assist a fishing boat in difficulty; and to honour all those lost at sea while trying to save others. Such loss does not dissuade us from what we do; and of course it should not do so. If anything, in honour of those lost, it makes us the more determined to save lives at sea. By continuing to share our experience and ideas, not just at the World Maritime Rescue Congress every four years but in every way we can, we can put that determination to the best possible effect. The IMRF offers sincerest thanks to all the Congress speakers and presenters, their co-authors, the session chairs, the technicians and other ‘back-room’ staff who all worked hard to make the conference the success it was. Special thanks are due to the SAR crews on day one, the team at International Conference Services, the RCMSAR volunteers who staffed the venue so cheerfully, and to all the exhibitors and sponsors for their vital support. The full Congress report and a selection of presentations, papers and photos may be found on the IMRF website, www.international-maritime-rescue. org in the ‘Members Only’ section.
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DECEMBER 2019
AN ESTONIAN EXPEDITION TO THE ANTARCTIC Baltic German Admiral Fabian Gottlieb Thaddeus von Bellingshausen was born in Saaremaa island in Estonia 1778.
He was a leader of the first Russian Antarctic expedition that discovered the continent of Antarctica. To commemorate this discovery of Antarctica the Estonian Maritime Museum has organised a maritime expedition from Kronstadt to Antarctic peninsula by 24 meter S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen. There will be twelve crew members on board at all times. Almost a hundred people in total will take turns in joining the crew on different legs during the expedition.
A TV documentary is even going to be produced on the expedition. Almost twenty scientists sail along to share their knowledge of different maritime, climatic and ecological issues. There are several maritime professionals and voluntary maritime rescuers on board to propagate safety at sea.
The majority of the crew of Admiral Bellingshausen have participated in cooperation with Estonian Volunteer Rescue Association in sea safety training at Reval Marine & Offshore Training centre in Tallinn. We have also turned to all IMRF members on route to be in contact with us and help to make the expedition as safe as possible.
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On 11 July 2019, the expedition ship Admiral Bellingshausen set sail from Kronstadt, bound for Antarctica. The route will largely retrace the one taken by Bellingshausen and Lazarev’s ships the Vostok and Mirny, but this time many more ports are going to be visited. The expedition will culminate in late January 2020, when the bicentenary of the discovery of the frozen continent will be celebrated near the Antarctic Peninsula. Fifty years of Soviet rule drove a wedge between Estonian seafaring nation and the world ocean. The Soviet border guard kept even coastal fishers away from the sea, not to mention those who wanted to sail to distant lands, beyond the horizon, to discover new and different worlds. This was despite the fact that over the centuries, Estonia has produced many seafarers who have left an
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES: AN ADVENTURE INTO TH
On 11 July 2019 Estonian S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen set the sail from Kronstad was born in Saaremaa, Estonia. The lifeboats of the Estonian Volunteer Rescue territorial waters. The co-operation had started already in the preparatory phas
S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen crossed the Atlantic and reached Brazil in mid-Nove to the success of the expedition.
We hope this expedition will help to remind people of our distinguished seafaring history and draw attention to the ecologically precarious situation of the world’s seas.
One of the most memorable partners has been the IMRF and its member org actually spoilt us in the most beautiful way. We felt safe and supported. Joint t very special type of people, with tough exteriors and hearts of gold. People wh When our yacht arrived in Helsinki, Finland, she was escorted by Suomen Merip powerful and versatile SAR equipment giving us a real performance! In Bergen each other’s boats and liked everything we saw so much that even discussed th
After having crossed the North Sea the bright orange boats of Shetland and Or fresh clams as a gourmet prize for our crew. We left behind good friends when
A French SAR helicopter took care of us from above and took also some beauti safety at sea. The majority of the crew of Admiral Bellingshausen have particip further learning and practicing.
We would like to thank all IMRF members on route for their support and enco organized all the events that Admiral Bellingshausen was proud and grateful to
Our special gratitude to Mr. Rait Killandi, president of the Estonian Volunteer Rescue Associatio network of IMRF really mean. We have been honoured to get to
The expedition is not over yet. From Rio de Janeiro Admiral Bellingshausen proceeds to Uru https://www.faceboo Page 6
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indelible mark on the history of global exploration.
DECEMBER 2019
The Estonian-born Baltic German Gottlieb von Fabian Gottlieb Bellingshausen among them. When Estonia became independent again in 1991, all the old traditions had to be revived. The first round the world trip under the Estonian flag in 1999 was the first big step in raising the selfconfidence as a maritime country. S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen’s voyage from Kronstadt to Antarctica will take approximately eight months. During that time, more than 100 crew members will take turns on board researchers, sea-safety and nautical experts among them. The Estonian Maritime Museum and Thetis Expeditions – a non-profit representing Estonian business people and public figures – are launching our ship not for entertainment purposes, but with a clear mission: to remind people of our distinguished seafaring history and draw attention to the ecologically precarious situation of the world’s seas.
HE SPIRIT OF THE IMRF- An update by Crew Member MARIS PRUULI
dt to Antarctica to celebrate 200 years from the discovery of Antarctica by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, who e Association, member of IMRF, were escorting the yacht from the very first moment until the end of the Estonian se of the expedition as marine safety is one of the subjects the expedition wishes to focus on.
ember. A slightly longer stop in Rio de Janeiro allowed time to look back and remember those who have contributed
ganizations. Those gorgeous men and women who daily risk their lives to save others escorted us to the ports and training days gave our crew valuable knowledge about rescue issues. We decided unanimously that rescuers were a ho have faced so much trauma are able to distinguish between significance and insignificance in life. pelastus (Finnish Lifeboat Institution) boats. In Gothenburg Swedish rescuers (Sjöräddningssällskapet) demonstrated it rained and rained, but we felt as warm as sunshine as the Norwegians (Redningsselskapet) hosted us. We visited he idea that what if... the Norwegians accompanied S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen until Antarctica!
rkney rescuers from Royal National Lifeboat Institution welcomed us! Training days on the boats and a huge bag of we sailed further.
tiful photos of our yacht. We have had Estonian voluntary maritime rescuers on board to instruct us and propagate pated in sea safety training at Reval Marine & Offshore Training center in Tallinn and that has been an ideal base for
ouragement! We wish to thank all the key persons of the regional branches who devoted their time and effort and o be part of.
on who together with his colleagues made us realise what the global presence and members’ o know the trustworthy and powerful organization more closely.
uguay and Argentina. Come on the adventure with us and follow the Newsfeed in English: ok.com/antarctica200 Page 7
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DECEMBER 2019
THE IMRF AWARDS 2019 WINNERS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED Exceptional search and rescue teams, outstanding individuals and innovative technology from around the world have been recognised in the annual IMRF Award. The daughter of Vladimir Maksimov, presenting the IMRF Award for lifetime achievement in her father’s memory, described his life being dedicated to the service of others, a dedication shared by maritime SAR professionals around the world who together create a legacy that defines what it is to be human. CEO, Theresa Crossley added: “Natalie Maksimov’s heartfelt tribute to her father and this years’ IMRF Award winners acknowledges the dedication shown by SAR professionals worldwide. I would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists in this year’s awards. They are an inspiration to us all and demonstrate the incredible skill and expertise of so many SAR professionals around the world, who every day show extraordinary skill and courage in their actions to save lives at sea in all kinds of conditions and weather.” All the search and rescue (SAR) winners and finalists were presented with their awards by Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence KCVO CB ADC at a presentation ceremony held on HQS Wellington, on the second day of London International Shipping Week (Tuesday, 10 September 2019).
The Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Maritime SAR Operations
The Award for Outstanding Team Contribution to Maritime SAR Operations Awarded to Marine Rescue Port Macquarie in Australia for their successful multiagency rescue which took place when a 10m motor cruiser hit rocks at speed, resulting in severe injuries to all three passengers.
Captain HUANG Zhibin who led a complex helicopter rescue in a super typhoon, involving a cargo ship with nine crew stranded onboard.
The Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime SAR Sector Awarded to Arthur Allen of the US Coast Guard for his work over the last 35 years advising the US Coast Guard on the impact of ocean currents and winds on the location of people, vessels or aircraft in distress. The results of his research are used for training around the world and has helped to save countless lives at sea.
The Inaugural IMRF’s Women in SAR Award This was launched this year in support of the IMO’s Empowering Women in Maritime campaign, has been presented to Isobel Tugwell, a young crew member at the RNLI Shoreham Lifeboat Station in the UK. Page 8
The Innovation and Technology Award in the Field of Maritime SAR Presented to Phillip Hanson and the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency for the agency’s work using drones and other remotely controlled assets to improve future search and rescue operations.
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The IMRF’s People’s Choice Award This award went to the nomination securing the most votes from the public on Facebook and Sina Weibo was presented to Coastguard New Zealand, Surf Life Saving Kariotahi, New Zealand Police, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust, recognising their successful completion of a large, complex multi-agency search and rescue operation to save a man, woman and a child thrown into freezing water when their small boat flipped over.
The IMRF Special Recognition Award. presented to David Jardine-Smith. See Page 10
The Judges The judges of the IMRF Awards 2019 were: Michael Vlasto (Former IMRF Chair and Chair of the Awards Judging Panel); Pat Quealey (immediate past CEO, Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue); Nigel Clifford (General Manager Safety and Response, Maritime New Zealand); Jared Blows (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Chief, MRCC Cape Town, South Africa); Stein Solberg (formerly of JRCC Stavanger, Norway). The judges for the Women in SAR Award were: Alison Horrocks (Chief Corporate Affairs & Company Secretary, Inmarsat), Frances Baskerville (Secretary General, Comité International Radio Maritime CIRM), Peter Broadhurst (Vice President Yachting, Passenger & Safety, Inmarsat).
The IMRF is Grateful for the Kind Support of its Sponsors Inmarsat, the global satellite owner and operator providing mobile and fixed communications services to the maritime industry, is sponsoring the Vladimir Maksimov Lifetime Achievement Award and the Women In SAR Award www.inmarsat.com CM Hammar, whose vision is to substantially reduce loss of life at sea by creating better solutions for safety at sea is sponsoring the Team Award. www.cmhammar.com Pole Star, which has been proudly serving the maritime sector by increasing safety and security at sea for 20 years, is sponsoring the Innovation and Technology Award. www.polestarglobal.com Navigate PR sponsored The People’s Choice Award. www.navigatepr.com Page 9
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DECEMBER 2019
A FAREWELL FROM DAVID JARDINE-SMITH As of the end of September I have retired from the IMRF so our Editor has asked me for a few words of farewell.
“You are among the best of humanity; lights in the dark!”
I have been in SAR for some 36 years now. I was at sea in general cargo ships for nine years before that; then I was with the Coastguard in the UK for 25 years, in rescue coordination centres, and training and management roles. After that came a little consultancy, and I have been working for the IMRF for the last ten years. My SAR, then, has been in coordination and back-offices: in 36 years I have only pulled three people from the water myself. But SAR is SAR, whatever part you play in it. It gets into your blood. Retiring from the IMRF I naturally think of the international work it has been my privilege to be a part of. This began when I was still with the Coastguard: for a while I was the UK’s maritime member on the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on SAR, and I attended meetings at the IMO in London. Some of this work related to major incident planning, which was also a part of my ‘day job’. It was this focus that first involved me in work for the IMRF, helping to arrange the first of our Gothenburg mass rescue operations conferences. I’ve been able to do a few things for the IMRF since, but our MRO project has given particular satisfaction. I will take many SAR memories into my retirement – not all of them happy ones, for that’s the nature of SAR too. But the happiest memories are of the many SAR friends it has been my great good fortune to have made down the years – people from all over the world. In these rather dark days when narrow-minded nationalism seems resurgent it is a comfort to remember how SAR cuts across all such boundaries. You meet another SAR person from whatever background and place and immediately there’s a common bond. I remember a Maltese colleague saying to me once: “David – SAR is my religion. I believe in it!” Well: amen to that. I believe in the IMRF too – what it stands for. It makes obvious sense to share experience and ideas around the SAR community. It makes obvious sense to develop SAR, especially in regions where far too many people still die at sea. It also makes obvious sense to have a clear, and respected, ‘voice of SAR’ at the IMO. And this is what the IMRF is for, advocacy and global SAR development. I’d like to thank everyone it has been my pleasure to work with for all your help and support – and, quite often, patience! Here I must make special mention of secretariat colleagues over the last ten years: Gerry and Ann, Jill and Wendy, Bruce, Rebecca, Caroline and Theresa. I must also add the two Board Chairs in my time; Michael and Udo. But if I start to expand this list any further, I’d go on for pages – which our Editor would not like. Suffice it to say: thanks to you all. You know who you are. Finally, my very best wishes to everyone in the SAR family. You are among the best of humanity; lights in the dark! I hope to see some of you again here and there (for no-one leaves SAR completely) but, for now, fair winds to you all.
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IMRF Awards 2019 To thank Dave for his contribution to the development of international SAR he was presented with a special recognition award t the IMRF Awards. As the IMRF’s expert on mass rescue operations he has been the organisations special representative at the IMO. David joined the IMRF in 2010, following a career at sea and many years ashore working with the UK Coastguard, ultimately as the national organisation’s head of search and rescue.
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LIFEBOAT CREWS ACROSS EUROPE SWAP PLACES The 8th annual European Lifeboat Crew Exchange, where crew members swap places to learn about different equipment and gain experience in new locations, took place in September this year. With 72 maritime search and rescue professionals from 14 countries across Europe taking part, the programme which was launched in 2012 and runs each September. It brings volunteers from lifeboat organisations together to train, share best practice and learn from each other, hosted by the participating groups. Each year the number of maritime SAR volunteers and organisations taking part in the crew exchange has grown, and every year the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, describing it as an incredibly useful and productive exercise. The European Lifeboat Crew Exchange builds close and extremely collaborative bonds between SAR organisations. It also offers a very cost-effective way to develop team’s skills and expertise, not least because we all share the same common aim – to save more lives at sea. Maritime SAR professionals as you would expect, complete thorough, intensive and ongoing training and yet many lifeboat organisations around the world are voluntary and charitable organisations, as a result this cooperation maximises the shared benefits and will significantly help to develop rescue capability across Europe. Lifeboat organisations from Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, the UK, the Netherlands, France, Estonia, Portugal and Croatia both sent teams to other locations and hosted teams from other countries. While crew members from Latvia, Russia and Canada, travelled across Europe to experience active duty with hosting organisations. During the week-long exercise (21-28 September 2019) the crew members took part in simulated exercises, shared personal experiences of complex rescue situations and learnt new techniques and skills. All of the participants rated the week-long exchange as excellent or very good, with the most important benefits being the opportunity to learn new techniques and try out different resources. Shawn Burchett from Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue spoke for many of the crew members when he said that his biggest takeaway was the participants shared passion to improve maritime SAR wherever they are in the world, and their excitement and energy which transcends borders and language barriers.
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DECEMBER 2019
IMRF NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES
IMRF members elected their new Board of Trustees on the 18 June 2019) at their Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) in Vancouver. The meeting followed on from the 4th World Maritime Rescue Congress, which brought together maritime search and rescue specialists and equipment providers from around the globe. The new Trustees, who will serve a four year term, then held an initial meeting to elect a new Board Chair. The newly elected Trustees are: Dean Lawrence (Chair) (Coastguard New Zealand) Jorge Diena (ADES Uruguay) Mohammed Drissi (Ocean Fisheries Department, Morocco) Cia Sjรถstedt (Swedish Sea Rescue Society) Nicolaus Stadeler (German Maritime Search and Rescue Service) James Vaughan (RNLI) Zhang Rongjun (China Rescue and Salvage) At the same meeting, members also showed their appreciation for outgoing IMRF Chairman Captain Udo Helge Fox by awarding him honorary life membership of the organisation. His term of office came to an end after more than 12 years of involvement with IMRF. Captain Fox first joined the Board of Trustees in 2007 and has been its Chairman since the last Quadrennial General Meeting in Bremerhaven in 2015. Udo is a Master Mariner and has been Executive Director of the German Maritime SAR Service (DGzRS) since 2001. Before that, he was Head of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Bremen. He has also been a visiting lecturer at the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden and has personally made a huge contribution to improving maritime SAR around the globe, working on behalf of the German Government, the IMRF, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union. Earlier this year, Udo was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of his work. Theresa Crossley said: "Udo is passionate about maritime SAR and he has been tireless in his efforts to improve global SAR capability and prevent loss of life. He has also been an tireless advocate, not only raising awareness of the importance of having an effective maritime SAR service, but also recognising those who risk their own lives to save others in SAR operations. Although we will miss Udo's wise counsel at the IMRF Board meetings, he will always be part of the wider IMRF family - his many friends around the world will make sure of that." Page 12
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MESSAGES FROM TRUSTEES Dean Lawrence - Chair I am looking forward to my second term on the IMRF Board. I found the first four years a positive and enlightening experience and very rewarding albeit there were a few challenges along the way. Helping to improve the global SAR capability and working with our members to achieve that is an important and significant contribution we can make to ensure the waters of the world are a safer place. James Vaughan - Trustee Personally, I’m really excited to be part of the Trustee team again for the next four years and play my role in supporting the wonderful IMRF team to connect SAR people and influence better global capacity and capability. Simply put, too many people still drown and I believe the IMRF has a key role in tackling this issue and therefore my hope for the next four years is that the IMRF can make a real impact on these objectives by mobilising the SAR community to share, learn and speak up the risk of drowning which is often neglected policy makers and funders around the world.
Nicolaus Stadeler - Trustee Although more than 70% of the earth is covered with water, I believe that people do not know enough about the risk of drowning. All Rescue Organisations worldwide share the same issue, which is preventing people from drowning and rescue lives at sea. As a Trustee, I would like to inform more people about our work to get them involved.
DECEMBER 2019
IMRF SECOND FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLSHARE “It was two very productive days in keeping our skills current. Tacit and explicit knowledge (information, skills, or expertise) was exchanged among experts of our organizations. Skill-sharing not only bolstered our understanding, but helped create an archive of accessible knowledge. It helped us be more agile and adaptable in the face of change, and to ensure continued growth and survival. Nothing would be possible without the excellent organisation by the IMRF and the outstanding hospitality of the Swedish Sea Rescue Society. Thanks for everything, looking forward to the next meeting." Rigas Tsitas, Secretary General, Hellenic Rescue Team After the success of our first Fundraising and Communication Skills-Share hosted by KNRM in 2017, we held our second Fundraising and Communication Skills-Share, hosted by SSRS, in Gothenburg, Sweden, on the 17th-19th September 2019. Nine SAR organisations from across Europe took part, spending 2 days sharing and learnings from each other. This year’s theme was “Engagement, How do we engage people, donors, members and volunteers to help save more lives at sea.” The keynote speech was delivered by Gustav Martner, a leading digital expert in Sweden who gave a thoughtful and insightful overview on creating engagement in the digital era. After this, fundraising and communication specialists from different SAR organisations across Europe gave presentations. This included topics such as Crisis Communication, presented by Hellenic Search and Rescue and case studies of successful and in some cases not so successful fundraising campaigns delivered by each attending SAR organisation. Integrated into the two days were group discussions, where delegates had the opportunity to discuss in-depth a range of topics, such as working with agencies to the management of social media platforms. Like the first Skills-Share held two years ago, every delegate went away with new learnings to apply in their own SAR organisations. The presentations, papers and photos will shortly be made available on the IMRF website, www.internationalmaritime-rescue.org, in the 'Members Only' section.
Matthew Fader - Outgoing Trustee The past four years as an IMRF Trustee has been extremely meaningful and a humbling experience to be part of such a wonderful organization promoting collaboration and improvement of global SAR capabilities. Working side by side with Operations in difficult situations highlighted the importance of the need for increased teamwork across borders in order to save more lives at sea. It´s amazing what we can accomplish together and I hope that member cooperation and support continues to grow. Page 13
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MEMBERS ASSISTING MEMBERS: CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DGzRS HANDOVER OF TWO RESCUE VESSELS TO THE URUGUAYAN NAVY In 2018 the Uruguayan Navy, who are responsible for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Uruguayan maritime search and rescue region, purchased two rescue vessels of 27m and 23m of length from the German Maritime SAR Service (DGzRS). Shipped as heavy lifts to Montevideo they were recommissioned by a German team of two mechanical engineers, one electro master and one mariner. Together with the new crew the two ships were brought back to life. Quickly people with different cultural background joint together targeting for uniting the “new” ships and their new crews. Back to duty the ships sailed with mixed crew 120 nautical miles eastward towards the coastal Naval base in La Paloma. At the mouth of the Rio De La Plata training took place in all weather conditions. This proved ideal for further familiarisation and training of the Uruguayan crews. Step by step technical and safety systems, nautical equipment, recovery and rescue equipment were introduced and handling was trained. Quickly the crews shared their knowledge on rescue operations faced, rescue techniques s well as insights on family and hobbies. During their long period of operations in German waters the rescue vessels individually had undergone numerous modifications and modernisations which required explaining the specific peculiarities of both units. Technical non-compatibles like shore based power supply were jointly resolved. Existing language barriers were solved successfully with sign language, or Google Translator. Preparation, training and debriefing filled up to 14 hours every day as instructors were aware that the given 14 days would be a tight schedule for providing the new crews with the required knowledge, skills and self-confidence to master the challenge of handling technically demanding vessels. To assure the Uruguayan colleagues an “after sale service” a 24 hours WhatsApp hotline was established which is still used frequently. It is not only a big help for the new crews but also a tool making us feeling to be a backbone for colleagues. After being in service for some time a number of staff was redeployed within the Uruguayan Navy. That led to a significant loss of required knowledge and experience on board and consequently led to technical problems. DGzRS therefore decided to undertake a second mission to assist during the first planned dry-docking and maintenance in Uruguay. That proved to be very useful. Now there was sufficient time to explain shipbuilding details like piping and cooling systems, how to overhaul a rudder or the required replacement of anodes. All the relevant things which could not be explained in the first course were now described in full and forgotten knowledge was refreshed. The DGzRS crew were also able to answer questions which popped up when crews gained experience with the rescue vessels. A lot of the uncertainties could be resolved. Taking on this responsibility the trainers’ team perceived themselves as “patrons” of not only the new crews but also the two rescue vessels. It is impossible to transfer the knowledge of decades of handling, operating and maintaining highly special vessels in just a fortnight of intensive training and so they are ready to assist all involved. Page 14
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IMRF AT THE ICAO/IMO JOINT WORKING GROUP ON SAR The Joint Working Group (JWG) of the UN technical agencies the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization meets to discuss detailed SAR matters every year. Among other responsibilities the JWG acts as the editorial body overseeing updates to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual. This year’s meeting was held in Viña del Mar, Chile, 9-13 September 2019. The IMRF was kindly represented at the meeting by Mr Jared Blows, of MRCC Cape Town and the JWG’s South African maritime member. The IMRF submitted two papers to the meeting: a brief report on the 2019 World Maritime Rescue Congress and a paper describing the IMRF’s improved arrangements for sharing information of use to SAR providers. The paper asked JWG members and observers, and the wider SAR community, to provide input. We cannot share information unless it is provided to us first! The JWG commended the IMRF for our continued efforts in providing a service to the SAR community and for our continued support to the JWG and IMO via our various interactions. The updated IMRF website was agreed to be a good place to share SAR information, and a number of JWG delegations said that they would be submitting material. The JWG further discussed how the IMRF website could provide additional value to the SAR community. It was suggested that it may also serve as a repository for ‘historic’ documents such as previous versions of the IAMSAR manuals, along with the rationale around changes made to updated versions. The IMRF will consider this proposal.
IMRF Members and other SAR organisations are strongly urged to use the facility provided by the IMRF to share information, ideas and experience that may be of use to colleagues around the world, and which will contribute to the saving of lives at sea. Submissions should be e-mailed to info@imrf.org.uk. Page 15
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IMRF DELIVERS TAILORED TRAINING TO BOOST MARITIME SAR CAPABILITIES ACROSS AFRICA The International Maritime Rescue Federation has held a basic rescue boat operating course, in conjunction with the RNLI, specifically tailored and structured for maritime SAR (search and rescue) professionals from Africa. The teaching is designed to be a ‘train the trainer’ course, so the participants will return home and share the learnings with their organisations and colleagues. Eleven SAR professionals from across Africa attended the course which was co-hosted by the IMRF and the RNLI, and ran from 14-18 October at the RNLI training college in Poole. The attendees represented maritime SAR organisations in Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Morocco. Theresa Crossley, CEO IMRF said: “Every year the IMRF organises a programme of maritime SAR capacity building events across Africa in conjunction with the International Maritime Organisation and our members. These events focus on giving the participants the skills and knowledge they need to build capacity at home in their own countries.” “This is the first time we have run this course to focus on Africa and we’re deeply grateful to the RNLI for sharing its facilities, knowledge and skills for this ongoing project. This kind of training has proved very effective, creating a ripple effect of knowledge which is then applied in practical situations locally and regionally.” David Whiddon, International Programmes Manager, RNLI added: “It’s been a real pleasure to spend time with the search and rescue professionals from across Africa this week. The RNLI’s maritime lifesaving expertise has been built up over 195 years and we are proud to help others in the international lifesaving community to improve their services and tackle drowning.” The course has been developed to teach the students the best SAR techniques and rescue boat handling operations in challenging conditions, all based on the IMASAR Manual Volume III. The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual is the UN’s international guide for maritime and aviation search and rescue worldwide. Several of the participants are already IMRF trainers responsible for training in their respective organisations. A shortage of appropriate materials can be an issue in different places around the world, as a result the course has been designed to include a training manual and set of training cards, to help with the dissemination of information. The training has been a mix of theory based learning and practical exercise, on the sea and in a simulator. It has included personal protective equipment, key water safety messages, personal recovery, human factors in conjunction with weather and tides, seamanship, navigation, towing and slow speed manoeuvres.
The training resources developed for the course are recommended as best practice materials for any organisation introducing training in basic rescue boat SAR operations. They will be available for any IMRF member wanting to undertake similar training for its crew or organisation.
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THE EUROPEAN REGIONAL MEETING 2019 In October delegates from IMRF member organisations across Europe attended the annual European Regional Development Meeting. This year it was hosted by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport & Infrastructure - Maritime Safety Directorate, Croatia and held at the Valamar Lacroma hotel in Dubrovnik on the 15th October 2019. All delegates were also invited to attend an additional International Search and Rescue Conference, which took place on the 14th October. As always this meeting was a great opportunity for members of the IMRF to network and to discuss the topics that are of importance to them and they were welcomed to Croatia by the Keynote speaker, Mrs Maja Markovčić Kostelac, Executive Director of EMSA who spoke at length about EMSA’s role in support of Search and Rescue activities. The International Search and Rescue Conference on the first day gave the delegates a thorough insight into the operations of Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) in Croatia, including the new SAR Development plan for SAR Assets in Croatia which was presented by Assistant Minister, Siniša Orlić. The topic of SAR Assets in Croatia was further discussed by the delegates at the Development Meeting as the Croatian plan focusses on the introduction of Volunteers to the Croatian SAR infrastructure and this was a key element of the Agenda. The following areas were discussed at the meeting and all delegates were able to participate in workshops and discussions, as well as get updates on the activities of IMRF panels.
EMSA in Support of Search and Rescue activities Annual Reports from Panels and Projects Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme Future Technology Panel Fundraising Skill-Share Working with Volunteers and Paid Staff - Finding the Balance DevelopingVolunteer work: Rural Versus Urban Communities The Croatian Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure’s Outlook on Volunteers Communicating a Precise Location in an Emergency The IMRF - A Summary Women in SAR New Associate Member, what3words, also presented a summary of their innovative free public app (See page 3) which enables the communication of a precise location in an emergency by using just a smart phone as well as the professional integrated system (which is available free to IMRF Members) that can be used alongside it. This workshop emphasised the theme of the Meeting, Resilience in a Changing World, as did the discussions regarding Volunteers and the future of the IMRF. The Women in SAR presentation by Harbour Master, Dolores Branko and the subsequent workshop also raised some key points about the progression of equality within the SAR world as well as the barriers to progression that women still face. A key part of this annual meeting is gain an insight into the needs and developments of IMRF Members and all participants were encouraged to submit their feedback to the IMRF, this survey is still available at https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XSYQJL9 All presentations and summaries are available to members by logging in to the Members Only section of the website. https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/members-only-area We are also delighted to announce that the European Regional Development Meeting 2020 will be hosted by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue and held in Reykjavik, Iceland next year. The Proposed dates are 14-15th October 2020 and full details will be announced soon. If you are interested in registering for the 2020 ERM please email us at events@imrf.org.uk
The European Regional Development Meeting 2020 will be hosted by Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR) 14-15 October 2020 - Reykjavik, Iceland Page 17
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