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{{Short description|Search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger}}
{{Other uses}}
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{{Use New Zealand English|date = August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
[[File:Canada Search and Rescue.jpg|thumb|upright=1.14|A [[Canadian Forces]] [[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant]] helicopter hoists a man from a [[Canadian Coast Guard]] ship]]
[[File:SAR.Hermann.Marwede.Helgoland.wmt.jpg|thumb|upright=1.14|A [[Lifeboat (rescue)|SAR cruiser]] of the [[German Maritime Search and Rescue Service]]]]
'''Search and rescue''' ('''SAR''') is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger. The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, typically determined by the type of terrain the search is conducted over. These include [[mountain rescue]]; ground search and rescue, including the use of [[search and rescue dog]]s (such as [[Police dog|K9 units]]); [[urban search and rescue]] in cities; [[combat search and rescue]] on the battlefield and [[air-sea rescue]] over water.

[[International Search and Rescue Advisory Group]] (INSARAG) is a UN organisation that promotes the exchange of information between national urban search and rescue organisations. The duty to render assistance is covered by Article 98 of the [[UNCLOS]].

==Definitions==
There are many different definitions of search and rescue, depending on the agency involved and country in question.

*[[Canadian Armed Forces]] and [[Canadian Coast Guard]]: "Search and Rescue comprises the search for, and provision of aid to, persons, ships or other craft which are, or are feared to be, in distress or imminent danger."<ref name="CF">{{cite web|url = http://www.casaraontario.ca/~webmaster1/Manuals/NationalSARmanual_full_english.pdf|title = B–GA–209–001/FP–001 DFO 5449 NATIONAL SAR MANUAL|access-date = 12 July 2008|last = [[Canadian Forces]]|date=May 1998 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080803015913/http://www.casaraontario.ca/~webmaster1/Manuals/NationalSARmanual_full_english.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 3 August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/publications/search-rescue-recherche-sauvetage/sar-canada-res-eng.html|title=Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) in Canada|first=Canadian Coast Guard|last=Government of Canada|date=16 May 2019|website=www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca}}</ref>
*[[United States Coast Guard]]: "The use of available resources to assist persons or property in potential or actual distress."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uscg.mil/international/affairs/Publications/MMSCode/english/Chap9.htm|title=Search and Rescue - Chapter 9|work=uscg.mil|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref>
*[[United States Department of Defense]]: A search is "an operation normally coordinated by a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) or rescue sub-center, using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress" and rescue is "an operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver them to a place of safety".<ref name="DoD">{{cite web|url =http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/DOD%20Support%20to%20Civil%20SAR%203003.pdf|title = U.S. Department of Defense DIRECTIVE NUMBER 3003.01|access-date = 12 July 2008|last = [[U.S. Department of Defense]]|date=January 2006}}</ref>

==History==
{{expand section|date = November 2010}}
One of the world's earliest well-documented SAR efforts ensued following the 1656 wreck of the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] merchant ship ''[[Vergulde Draeck]]'' off the west coast of [[Australia]].  Survivors sought help, and in response three separate SAR missions were conducted, without success.<ref>Major, R. H. (editor) (1859) ''Early Voyages to Terra Australis, Now Called Australia'', The Hakluyt Society, London (2001 facsimile edition on Google Books)</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2021}}

On 29 November 1945, a Sikorsky R-5 performed the first civilian helicopter rescue operation in history, with Sikorsky's chief pilot Dmitry "Jimmy" Viner in the cockpit, using an experimental hoist developed jointly by [[Sikorsky Aircraft|Sikorsky]] and [[Breeze-Eastern|Breeze]].  All five crew members of an oil barge, which had run aground on [[Penfield Reef]], were saved before the barge sank.<ref>Chen, C. Peter (editor), [http://ww2db.com/today/11/29/1945 World War II Database] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081334/http://ww2db.com/today/11/29/1945 |date=4 March 2016 }}, retrieved 8 July 2015</ref>

In 1983, [[Korean Air Lines Flight 007]] with 269 occupants was shot down by a Soviet aircraft near [[Sakhalin Island|Sakhalin]]. The Soviets sent SAR helicopters and boats to Soviet waters, while a search and rescue operation was initiated by U.S., South Korean, and Japanese ships and aircraft in international waters, but no survivors were found.<ref>
Rear Admiral Walter T. Piotti (Photo [7]), Commander of Task Force 71 of U.S. 7th Fleet, stated in his After Action Report (Department of the Navy, Commander, Surface Combat Force Seventh Fleet. CTF75/N32:kpm,4730, Ser 011, 15 November 1983)</ref>

In July 2009, [[Air France Flight 447]] was lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  An international SAR effort was launched, to no avail.  A third effort nearly two years later discovered the crash site and recovered the [[flight recorder]]s.

In early 2014, [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]] crashed under mysterious circumstances.  Many nations contributed to the initial SAR effort, which was fruitless.  In June 2014, the [[Australian Transport Safety Bureau]] commissioned the MV ''[[Fugro]] Equator'' to lead a three-month survey of the ocean bed. {{As of|2014}}, the search for Flight 370 had become the largest SAR to date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/03/17/290890377/search-for-flight-mh370-reportedly-largest-in-history:|title=Search For Flight MH370 Reportedly Largest In History|date=17 March 2014|work=NPR.org|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/03/22/Missing-MH370-search-largest-in-history/|title=Missing MH370: Search is one of the biggest in history, says Hisham - Nation &#124; The Star Online|date=22 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322211512/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/03/22/Missing-MH370-search-largest-in-history/|archive-date=22 March 2014}}</ref>

==Types of search and rescue==
[[Image:Gebirgstrage02 Patient Seilsicherung-2.jpg|thumb|right|Rescue rope training]]
[[File:US Navy 050525-N-1577S-060 Search and Rescue (SAR) students give the I am all right signal to let the SAR instructors know that they are ready for further instructions.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Search and Rescue students give the "I am all right" signal to let the SAR instructors know that they are ready for further instructions at the pool on board [[Naval Station San Diego]].]]

===Ground (lowland) search and rescue===
{{Main|Missing person}}

Ground search and rescue is the search for persons who are lost or in distress on land or inland waterways. People may go missing for a variety of reasons. Some may disappear voluntarily, due to issues like [[domestic abuse]]. Others disappear for involuntary reasons such as mental illness, getting lost, an accident, death in a location where they cannot be found or, less commonly, due to [[Kidnapping|abduction]]. Ground search and rescue missions that occur in urban areas should not be confused with "urban search and rescue", which in many jurisdictions refers to the location and extraction of people from collapsed buildings or other entrapments.<ref name="FEMAUSR">{{cite web|url = http://www.fema.gov/emergency/usr/|title = Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)|access-date = 11 January 2010|last = U.S. Department of Homeland Security|date=May 2009}}</ref>

In some countries, the [[police]] are the primary agency for carrying out searches for a missing person on land. Some places have voluntary search and rescue teams that can be called out to assist these searches.

Search and rescue agencies may contain small specialist teams for executing operations where there are specific environmental risks. Examples include swift water rescue, flood response, technical rope rescue, confined space rescue, over-snow rescue, and thin ice rescue.

===Mountain rescue===
{{Main|Mountain rescue}}

Mountain rescue relates to search and rescue operations specifically in rugged and mountainous terrain.

===Cave rescue===
{{Main|Cave rescue}}

Cave rescue is a highly specialised form of rescue for rescuing injured, trapped or lost [[cave]] explorers.

===Urban search and rescue===
{{Main|Urban search and rescue}}

Urban search and rescue (US&R or USAR), also referred to as Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR), is the location and rescue of persons from collapsed buildings or other urban and industrial entrapments. Due to the specialised nature of the work, most teams are multi-disciplinary and include personnel from police, fire and emergency medical services. Unlike traditional ground search and rescue workers, most US&R responders also have basic training in structural collapse and the dangers associated with live electrical wires, broken natural gas lines and other hazards. While [[earthquake]]s have traditionally been the cause of US&R operations, [[Terrorism|terrorist attacks]] and extreme weather such as [[tornado]]es and [[hurricane]]s have also resulted in the deployment of these resources.<ref name="FEMAAboutUSR">{{cite web|url = http://www.fema.gov/emergency/usr/about.shtm|title = About US&R|access-date = 11 January 2010|last = U.S. Department of Homeland Security|date=May 2009}}</ref>

===Combat search and rescue===
{{Main|Combat search and rescue}}

Combat search and rescue (CSAR) is search and rescue operations that are carried out during war that are within or near combat zones.<ref name="ArmyTech">{{cite web|url = http://www.army-technology.com/glossary/combat-search-and-rescue.html|title = Term: Combat Search and Rescue|access-date = 3 June 2009|year = 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080510152002/http://www.army-technology.com/glossary/combat-search-and-rescue.html|archive-date = 10 May 2008}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}}

===Maritime search and rescue===
{{See also|Air-sea rescue|Maritime safety}}
[[File:Sailor swims toward a civilian in distress aboard a sailboat during a search and rescue mission near Guam. (48380723691).jpg|thumb|A [[United States Navy|US Navy]] rescue swimmer swims toward a stranded boat near [[Guam]] in 2019]]
Maritime search and rescue is carried out at sea to save sailors and passengers in distress, or the survivors of downed aircraft. The type of agency which carries out maritime search and rescue varies by country; it may variously be the [[coast guard]], [[navy]] or voluntary organisations. When a distressed or missing vessel is located, these organisations deploy helicopters, rescue vessels or any other appropriate vessel to return them to land. In some cases, the agencies may carry out an [[air-sea rescue]] (ASR). This refers to the combined use of aircraft (such as [[flying boat]]s, [[floatplane]]s, [[amphibious helicopter]]s and non-amphibious helicopters equipped with hoists) and surface vessels.<ref name=Algeo>Algeo, John. ''Fifty years among the new words: a dictionary of neologisms, 1941–1991'', pp. 39, 106–107. Cambridge University Press, 1993. {{ISBN|0-521-44971-5}}</ref> Another type of Maritime search and rescue is [[Submarine rescue]]. The [[International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue]] (SAR Convention) is the legal framework that applies to international maritime and air-sea rescue.<ref name="UNHCR">{{cite web |url=https://www.unhcr.org/487b47f12.pdf |title=Legal Brief on International Law and Rescue at Sea  |publisher=[[UNHCR]] |access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref>

==By nation==

===Australia===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Ls1 crew.jpg|thumb|right|A rescue air crewman aboard [[Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service]] ''Lifesaver 1'' in action.]] -->
;National
The Australian search and rescue service is provided by three authorities; the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) at the [[Australian Maritime Safety Authority]] (AMSA), the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the State/Territory Police Jurisdictions.  In a very broad sense, the JRCC respond to national and international registered aircraft, off shore marine incidents and beacon activations. The ADF are responsible for Australian and foreign military personnel, vehicles, vessels and aircraft while within the Australian SRR.  Police are responsible for coastal marine incidents, lost persons, unregistered aircraft, inland waterways, ports and identified beacons.<ref name="AusSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.amsa.gov.au/Search_and_Rescue/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040406222552/http://www.amsa.gov.au/Search_and_rescue/|url-status = dead|archive-date = 6 April 2004|title = Search & Rescue|access-date = 4 November 2009|last = Australian Maritime Safety Authority|date = June 2009}}</ref> The JRCC operates a 24-hour Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in [[Canberra]] and is responsible for the national coordination of both maritime and aviation search and rescue. The JRCC is also responsible for the management and operation of the Australian [[ground segment]] of the [[Cospas-Sarsat]] distress beacon detection system. The JRCC's jurisdiction spans Australia and as well as covering 52.8 million square kilometres of the [[Indian Ocean|Indian]], [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] and [[Southern Ocean]]s<ref name="AusSAR"/> constituting about 11% of the Earth's surface.<ref>{{cite web|last =Woolner|first= Derek |date =June 2008 |publisher = Australian Strategic Policy Institute|url = https://ad-aspi.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/import/SI41_Coastguard.pdf?VersionId=IZMYqJrzLORiDd2g6J7ffKqENOrDQuKt |title = Policing our ocean domain: establishing an Australian coast guard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403054900/https://www.aspi.org.au/publications/strategic-insights-41-policing-our-ocean-domain-establishing-an-australian-coast-guard/SI41_Coastguard.pdf |archive-date=3 April 2016}}</ref>

The JRCC is staffed by SAR specialists who have a naval, [[merchant marine]], air force, [[civil aviation]] or police service background. The JRCC also coordinates medical evacuations, broadcasts maritime safety information and operates the Australian Ship Reporting System (AUSREP).<ref name="AusSAR"/> In coordinating search and rescue missions, the JRCC will call on assistance from organisations as appropriate,<ref>The first suggestion made to use helicopters in Australian searches for missing people, sea rescues, and general support during bush-fires, floods, etc. was made in a letter to the editor, written from the Brisbane suburb of [[Balmoral, Queensland|Balmoral]], and published in the Brisbane ''Courier-Mail'' at the end of 1953 ([http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article51094737 Value of Helicopter, (Letter to the Editor, from "Wake Up, Australia"), ''Courier Mail'', (Thursday, 31 December 1953), p.2.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104193941/http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/51094737 |date=4 January 2016 }})</ref> such as the Defence forces, [[Border Protection Command]], trained aviation organisations (Civil SAR Units), emergency medical helicopters, state Police services and trained Air Observers from the [[State Emergency Service]].<ref name="SA-SES_AirObs">{{cite web|url = http://www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/about_us/what_ses_does/air_search_observation.jsp|title = Air Search Observation|access-date = 21 March 2011|archive-date = 27 March 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110327043035/http://www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/about_us/what_ses_does/air_search_observation.jsp|url-status = dead}}</ref> There are also other organisations, such as the non-profit [[Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service]] that is based at a number of sites around Australia and contracted by various authorities to deliver search and rescue services.

;State
[[Image:BSAR searchers at Mount Dom Dom P3260158.JPG|thumb|right|[[Bush Search and Rescue Victoria|BSAR]] searchers at [[Mount Dom Dom]].]]
[[State police|State Police]] in many states operate state-based search and rescue squads, such as the [[Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad]], which provides specialist expertise, advice and practical assistance in land search and rescue on most terrain including snow and vertical cliff search and rescue.<ref name="VictoriaSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=174|title= Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad| access-date = 4 November 2009|last = State of Victoria|date=June 2007}}</ref> There are also state-based volunteer search and rescue groups such as the [[NSW SES Bush Search and Rescue]] in [[New South Wales]] and [[Bush Search and Rescue Victoria]]<ref name="BSARAus">{{cite web|url = http://www.bsar.org|title = Bush Search and Rescue Victoria|access-date = 4 November 2009|author1=Bush Search |author2=Rescue Victoria |date=October 2009}}</ref> in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]]. These state-based groups draw searchers from bushwalking, mountaineering and specialist rescue clubs within their State.  A few groups respond on horseback as [[mounted search and rescue]]. The [[State Emergency Service]] is a collection of volunteer-based emergency organisations established in each state or territory which are responsible for many rescue efforts in urban and rural areas and in any rescue that results from flood or storm activity. In rural areas the SES conducts most bush search, vertical and road traffic rescues. In urban areas they assist the police and fire services with USAR.<ref name="SESabout">{{cite web|url = http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/about/|title = About the SES|access-date = 4 November 2009|last = State of New South Wales|date=December 2008}}</ref>

===Azerbaijan===
Search and rescue operations in Azerbaijan are managed by the [[Ministry of Emergency Situations (Azerbaijan)|Ministry of Emergency Situations]] onshore in cooperation with the [[State Civil Aviation Administration (Azerbaijan)|State Civil Aviation Administration]] in air and the [[State Maritime Administration (Azerbaijan)|State Maritime Administration]] offshore.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=109991 |title=Azerbaijan State Maritime Administration issues statement on rescuing Russia's cargo ship |publisher=[[Azeri Press Agency]] |author=Rashad Suleymanov |date=27 October 2009 |access-date=28 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706130730/http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=109991 |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}</ref>

===Belgium===
Search and rescue duties along the Belgian part of the [[North Sea]] are executed by the [[Belgian Air Component]]. From its [[Koksijde Air Base]] it operates  [[NH-90]] helicopters.<ref name="MilBE">{{cite web|url = http://www.mil.be/aircomp/units/index.asp?LAN=nl&FILE=&ID=628&MENU=287&PAGE=1|title = Vliegbasis Koksijde (Dutch)|access-date = 4 November 2009|last = Belgische Defensie|year = 2009|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160701161232/http://www.mil.be/nl/luchtcomponent|archive-date =1 July 2016}}</ref>

===Brazil===
Search and rescue duties in [[Brazil]] are the responsibility of the Salvarmar Brasil (MRCC Brazil), of the [[Brazilian Navy]] and Divisão de Busca e Salvamento (D-SAR) (English: Search and Rescue Division), of the [[Brazilian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.decea.gov.br/espaco-aereo/busca-e-salvamento/|title = Busca e Salvamento (in Portuguese)|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121127090549/http://www.decea.gov.br/espaco-aereo/busca-e-salvamento/|archive-date = 27 November 2012}}</ref>

===Canada===
[[Image:DehavillandCC-115Buffalo12.JPG|right|thumb|[[Canadian Forces]] [[CC-115 Buffalo]] fixed wing SAR aircraft from [[No. 442 Squadron RCAF|442 Transport and Rescue Squadron]].]]
[[File:CH-146 Griffon.jpg|thumb|right|[[CH-146 Griffon]] in SAR markings]]
[[File:BoeingVertolCH-113Labrador11301-03.JPG|right|thumb|[[Boeing-Vertol CH-113 Labrador]] SAR helicopter, the predecessor of the CH-149 Cormorant]]
[[Image:Canadian Forces C130.jpg|right|thumb|C-130 are also used by the Canadian Forces for SAR operations]]
{{See also|Canadian Forces Search and Rescue}}

Air and marine Search and rescue duties in Canada are the responsibility of the [[Canadian Forces]] and [[Canadian Coast Guard]] in conjunction with volunteer organisations. The Department of National Defence (DND) has overall responsibility for the coordinated search and rescue system. SAR operations are organised by [[Joint Rescue Coordination Centres]] (JRCC). The JRCC are staffed 24 hours a day by SAR Co-ordinators from the [[Canadian Coast Guard]] and Canadian Forces. Authority for the provision of maritime SAR is assigned to the [[Minister of Fisheries and Oceans]] by the [[Canada Shipping Act]] and the [[Oceans Act (Canada)|Canada Oceans Act]].<ref name="CF" /> Ground and inland water search and rescue (GSAR) is the responsibility of provinces and territories with the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP) and other police forces coordinating operations, often using volunteer GSAR teams operating in specific areas under provincial coordinating bodies.<ref name="RCMPSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/rs-eng.htm|title = RCMP Search and Rescue|access-date = 27 October 2010|last = [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]]|date = December 2006|archive-date = 29 October 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101029161403/http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/rs-eng.htm|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The Canada Shipping Act, most recently passed in 2001, is the framework document that funds international SAR activities.<ref>[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-10.15/FullText.html justice.gc.ca: "Canada Shipping Act, 2001 - S.C. 2001, c. 26"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420051209/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-10.15/FullText.html |date=20 April 2016 }} (s29), retrieved 31 May 2014</ref>

The Canadian Forces have five assigned SAR squadrons:

*[[103 Search and Rescue Squadron]], [[CFB Gander]], [[CH-149 Cormorant]]<ref name="103SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/9w-9e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=502|title = 103 Search and Rescue Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = November 2011|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130517125721/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/9w-9e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=502|archive-date = 17 May 2013}}</ref>
*[[No. 413 Squadron RCAF|413 Transport and Rescue Squadron]], [[CFB Greenwood]], [[CH-149 Cormorant]] & [[CC-130 Hercules]]<ref name="413SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/14w-14e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=428|title = 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = December 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120827123025/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/14w-14e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=428|archive-date = 27 August 2012}}</ref>
*[[No. 424 Squadron RCAF|424 Transport and Rescue Squadron]], [[CFB Trenton]], [[CH-146 Griffon]] & [[CC-130 Hercules]]<ref name="424SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/8w-8e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=664|title = 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = August 2010|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113222603/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/8w-8e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=664|archive-date = 13 November 2012}}</ref>
*[[No. 435 Squadron RCAF|435 Transport and Rescue Squadron]], [[CFB Winnipeg]], [[CC-130 Hercules]]<ref name="435SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/17w-17e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=412|title = 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = December 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120327053205/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/17w-17e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=412|archive-date = 27 March 2012}}</ref>
*[[No. 442 Squadron RCAF|442 Transport and Rescue Squadron]], [[CFB Comox]], [[CH-149 Cormorant]] & [[CC-295 Kingfisher]]<ref name="442SQN">{{cite web|url = https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/aircraft/cc-295.html|title = 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = October 2011|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130517132411/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/19w-19e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=559|archive-date = 17 May 2013}}</ref>

Plus three Combat Support Squadrons with SAR roles:

*[[No. 417 Squadron RCAF|417 Combat Support Squadron]], [[CFB Cold Lake]], [[CH-146 Griffon]]<ref name="417SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/4w-4e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=481|title = 417 Combat Support Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = April 2012|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113222631/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/4w-4e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=481|archive-date = 13 November 2012}}</ref>
*[[No. 439 Squadron RCAF|439 Combat Support Squadron]], [[CFB Bagotville]], [[CH-146 Griffon]]<ref name="439SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/3w-3e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=497|title = 439 Combat Support Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = December 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120511153358/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/3w-3e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=497|archive-date = 11 May 2012}}</ref>
*[[No. 444 Squadron RCAF|444 Combat Support Squadron]], [[CFB Goose Bay]], [[CH-146 Griffon]]<ref name="444SQN">{{cite web|url = http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/5w-5e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=585|title = 444 Combat Support Squadron|access-date = 8 April 2012|last = Air Force Public Affairs / Department of National Defence|date = April 2012|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121113222613/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/5w-5e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=585|archive-date = 13 November 2012}}</ref>

Some municipalities and provinces have their own SAR units:
* [[Halton Regional Police Service]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Lake Ontario]]
* [[Toronto Police Service]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Lake Ontario]]
* [[Peel Regional Police]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Lake Ontario]] and rivers in Peel Region
* [[Ontario Provincial Police]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Great Lakes]] (excluding Lake Michigan) and [[Georgian Bay]]
* [[Durham Regional Police]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Lake Ontario]] and lakes within Durham Region
* [[York Regional Police]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Lake Simcoe]]
* [[Niagara Regional Police]] Marine Unit - using marine craft on [[Niagara River]] and [[Lake Ontario]]
* [[Vancouver Police Department]] - using marine craft on waterways around the City of Vancouver
* [[Heavy Urban Search and Rescue]] ([[Toronto]]) - using land base equipment
* [[Brockville Police Service]] Marine Patrol Unit - using a boat on the [[St. Lawrence River]]
There are also volunteer non-profit associations that conduct SAR in Canada:
* [[British Columbia]], there are 80 community based volunteer Groups in B.C. providing GSAR services within assigned areas in conjunction with Police, ambulance and other agencies. The GSAR Groups are represented by the British Columbia Search and Rescue Association<ref name="BCSARA">{{cite web|url = http://www.bcsara.com |access-date = 6 January 2019|title = British Columbia Search and Rescue Association |year = 2019}}</ref>
* Alberta / BC Cave Rescue, [[Alberta]]/[[British Columbia]]<ref name="ABCCRS">{{cite web|url = https://www.bcsara.com/groups/bc-cave-rescue/|title = Alberta / BC Cave Rescue|access-date = 30 November 2018|last = Alberta / BC Cave Rescue|year = 2018|archive-date = 1 December 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181201051734/https://www.bcsara.com/groups/bc-cave-rescue/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
* Canada Task Force 2, [[Alberta]]<ref name="CanTF2">{{cite web|url = http://www.cantf2.com/|title = Canadian Task Force Two|access-date = 24 July 2011|year = 2010}}</ref>
* [[Civil Air Search and Rescue Association]]<ref name="CASARA">{{cite web|url = http://www.casara.ca/|title = Civil Air Search and Rescue Association National Website|access-date = 11 May 2009|last = [[Civil Air Search and Rescue Association]]|year = 2006}}</ref>
* [[ERT Search and Rescue]]<ref name="ERTSAR" />
* Grande Prairie Technical Search and Rescue Association, [[Alberta]]<ref name="TSR">{{cite web|url = http://www.tsrgp.org/|title = Technical Search and Rescue|access-date = 18 January 2010|last = [[Technical Search and Rescue]]|year = 2010}}</ref>
* [[Halifax Regional Search and Rescue]] - [[Nova Scotia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://halifaxsar.ca/|title=Halifax Regional Search & Rescue|work=halifaxsar.ca|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref>
* [[North Shore Rescue]], [[British Columbia]].<ref name="NSRT">{{cite web|url = http://www.northshorerescue.com/|title = North Shore Rescue|access-date = 21 March 2009|last = [[North Shore Rescue]]|year = 2009}}</ref>
* Pincher Creek Search and Rescue, [[Alberta]]<ref name="PCSAR">{{cite web |url=http://www.pcsar.dyndns.org/ |title=Pincher Creek Search & Rescue |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040613074932/http://pcsar.dyndns.org/ |archive-date=13 June 2004 |access-date=28 July 2012 }}</ref>
* Québec Secours, [[Québec]].<ref name="QS">{{cite web|url = http://www.quebecsecours.qc.ca/|title = Québec Secours|access-date = 8 May 2009|last = [[Québec Secours]]|year = 2009}}</ref>
* River Valley Ground Search and Rescue, [[New Brunswick]]<ref name="RiverValleySAR">{{cite web|url=http://emergencyplanning.ca/rvgsar/ |title=River Valley Ground Search and Rescue |access-date=7 April 2009 |last=Nocturne Communications |year=2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207102409/http://www.emergencyplanning.ca/rvgsar/ |archive-date=7 February 2007 }}</ref>
* Roberts Bank Lifeboat - [[Delta, BC]]<ref name="RBLB">{{cite web|url = http://www.robertsbanklifeboat.ca/|title = Roberts Bank Lifeboat|access-date = 20 January 2010|last = Roberts Bank Lifeboat|date=January 2010}}</ref>
* [[Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue]] (RCM SAR)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rcmsar.com/about-us/about-rcm-sar |title=About RCM-SAR |publisher=Rcmsar.com |access-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531094620/http://www.rcmsar.com/about-us/about-rcm-sar |archive-date=31 May 2012 }}</ref>
* Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais - Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue - [[Ottawa, ON]] and [[Gatineau, QC]]<ref name="SBO-OVSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.sbo-ovsar.ca/|title = Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais - Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue (SBO-OVSAR)|access-date = 29 December 2014|last = Sauvetage Bénévole Outaouais - Ottawa Volunteer Search and Rescue|date=December 2014}}</ref>
* Search and Rescue Manitoba (SARMAN), [[Manitoba]]<ref name="SARMAN">{{cite web|url = http://firecomm.gov.mb.ca/sarman.html|title = Search and Rescue Manitoba|access-date = 13 September 2010|date=September 2010}}</ref>
* Vancouver Urban Search and Rescue (Canadian Task Force One), [[British Columbia]]<ref name="CanTF1">{{cite web|url = http://www.can-tf1.org/|title = Canadian Task Force One|access-date = 18 January 2010|last = [[Canadian Task Force One]]|year = 2010}}</ref>
*York Sunbury Search & Rescue - [[New Brunswick]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yssr.nb.ca/Welcome.html|title=York Sunbury Search and Rescue - Home|work=yssr.nb.ca|access-date=4 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326162121/http://www.yssr.nb.ca/Welcome.html|archive-date=26 March 2012}}</ref>

===Croatia===
[[File:SAR Croatia Trogir.jpg|thumb|right|A boat of the Search and Rescue Service in [[Trogir]], Spring 2014]]
In [[Croatia]] the SAR Service is part of the [[Croatian Navy]] and the [[Croatian Coast Guard]] with their headquarter in [[Rijeka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocean7.at/news,id1902,sar_mehr_einsaetze_kroatien.html |title=OCEAN7 - das österreichische Yachtmagazin &#124; OCEAN7 2013 » News-Archiv: SAR, mehr Einsätze in Kroatien |publisher=Ocean7.at |access-date=28 June 2014}}</ref>

===Cyprus===
[[Image:CY AF AW139 Helicopter.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Cyprus Air Forces|Cyprus Air Force]] [[AgustaWestland AW139|AW139]] SAR helicopter during a search and rescue demonstration]]
The [[Cyprus|Cyprus Republic]] Search and Rescue (SAR) system is organised by the [[Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center]] (JRCC Larnaca).

The JRCC (Greek: Κέντρο Συντονισμού Έρευνας και Διάσωσης) is an independent agency of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus that started its operations on a 24h basis on 7 August 1995 as a unit of the [[Cyprus Air Forces|Cyprus Air Force Command]].<ref name="cjrcc06">[http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc06_en/cjrcc06_en?OpenDocument "JRCC Larnaca History"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016234802/http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc06_en/cjrcc06_en?OpenDocument |date=16 October 2015 }} Retrieved on 2 July 2013</ref>

On 1 March 2002, the JRCC took full responsibility for investigating, organising, coordinating and executing every SAR incident-operation in the Republic of Cyprus Search & Rescue Region (SRR).<ref name="cjrcc06" /> JRCC Larnaca operated as a military unit until 26 July 2010, when JRCC was transformed to an independent agency under the Ministry of Defence with the Minister being responsible for its operational aspects. Logistic and technical support is the responsibility of the Ministry of Communications & Works.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc02_en/cjrcc02_en?OpenDocument "JRCC Larnaca Subordination-Base"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130146/http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc02_en/cjrcc02_en?OpenDocument |date=4 March 2016 }} Retrieved on 2 July 2013</ref> Its primary mission is to organise the Cyprus Republic Search And Rescue system, to co-ordinate, control and direct SAR operations in its area of responsibility (which is identical to the Nicosia [[Flight information region|FIR]]), in order to find and rescue people whose lives are at risk, as a result of an air or naval accident, in the least possible time.<ref>[http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc01_en/cjrcc01_en?OpenDocument "JRCC Larnaca Mission"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134243/http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc01_en/cjrcc01_en?OpenDocument |date=4 March 2016 }} Retrieved on 2 July 2013</ref> This is achieved by coordinating all the different agencies involved such as the Cyprus Police Aviation Unit, the [[Cyprus Port and Marine Police|Cyprus Port and Naval Police]], the [[Cyprus National Guard]] [[Cyprus Navy|Naval Command]], the [[Cyprus National Guard]] [[Cyprus Air Forces|Air Force Command]], the [[Cyprus Civil Defence]] and other secondary units.<ref>[http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc07_en/cjrcc07_en?OpenDocument "JRCC Larnaca Secondary Units"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201447/http://www.mod.gov.cy/mod/cjrcc.nsf/cjrcc07_en/cjrcc07_en?OpenDocument |date=4 March 2016 }} Retrieved on 2 July 2013</ref>

The JRCC reports directly to the operational control of the Ministry of Defence and it is staffed by qualified personnel of the [[Cyprus National Guard]], mainly from the branches of the [[Cyprus Navy|Navy]] and the [[Cyprus Air Forces|Air Force]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

==== Northern Cyprus ====
There are also search and rescue teams in [[Northern Cyprus]]. Search and rescue operators in [[Turkish Republic of North Cyprus]] are primarily:

* SSTB Civil Defence Organisation Presidency  (Turkish : ''Sivil Savunma Teşkilat Başkanlığı'')<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sivil Savunma Teşkilatı Başkanlığı|url=http://sivilsavunma.gov.ct.tr/|access-date=4 November 2020|website=sivilsavunma.gov.ct.tr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=ERATEL PTT Telsiz sistemi ile KKTC SSTB ekipleri daha güçlü…|url=https://www.erabilisim.net/referans/eratel-ptt-telsiz-sstb/|access-date=4 November 2020|website=ERAGPS|language=tr}}</ref>
** Emergency Management Committee
* DAK Search and Rescue in Natural Disasters (Turkish : ''Doğal Afetlerde Arama Kurtarma)''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Türkiye ve KKTC'den Ortak Arama Kurtarma Tatbikatı|url=https://www.haberler.com/turkiye-ve-kktc-den-ortak-arama-kurtarma-tatbikati-12049308-haberi/|access-date=4 November 2020|website=Haberler.com|date=15 May 2019|language=tr}}</ref>
* AKUT [[TRNC]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=KKTC Arama Kurtarma Teşkilatı (@kktc_akut) • Instagram photos and videos|url=https://www.instagram.com/kktc_akut/|access-date=4 November 2020|website=www.instagram.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=26 April 2019|title=17 üniversite, arama kurtarmada yarışıyor|url=https://www.halkinsesikibris.com/guncel/17-universite-arama-kurtarmada-yarisiyor-h114884.html|access-date=4 November 2020|website=Halkın Sesi|language=tr}}</ref>

Military

* [[TRNC Coast Guard Command]] 
* [[TRNC]] Coastal Safety (police)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kıbrıs Türk Kıyı Emniyeti ve Gemi Kurtarma|url=http://www.ktgemikurtarma.org/|access-date=4 November 2020|language=tr-TR}}</ref>
* [[Security Forces Command]] Search and rescue teams.

===Denmark===
[[Image:Danish air force U-277.jpg|thumb|right|[[Royal Danish Air Force]] [[SH-3 Sea King|S-61A]] with its rescue swimmer]]
Search and rescue operators in [[Denmark]] are primarily: [[Royal Danish Air Force|Danish air force]] Squadron 722, [[Danish Navy Air Squadron|Danish navy air squadron]], naval home guard and the [[Danish Maritime Safety Administration]], coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, operated by the navy and air force in the [[Admiral Danish Fleet|Danish Naval Commands]] facilities near [[Aarhus]]. Internationally the Danish works mainly with [[Germany]], [[Norway]] and [[Sweden]]. With the two latter, the annual exercises ''Baltic SAREX''<ref name="SAREX07">{{cite web|url=http://forsvaret.dk/BHM/Nyt+og+Presse/Sarex.htm |title=Bornholms Marinedistrikt: SAREX '07 |access-date=7 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927183822/http://forsvaret.dk/BHM/Nyt+og+Presse/Sarex.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |language=da}}</ref> and
''Scan-SAR''<ref name="SCANSAR06">{{cite web|url=http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt+og+Presse/Nyhedsarkiv/Pressemeddelelser/2006/f%C3%A6lles+%C3%B8velse.htm |title=Flyvertaktisk kommando: Scan-SAR '06 |access-date=7 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927184705/http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt+og+Presse/Nyhedsarkiv/Pressemeddelelser/2006/f%C3%A6lles+%C3%B8velse.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |language=da}}</ref> are conducted.

SAR services in Denmark started in 1957 with seven [[Sikorsky H-19|Sikorsky S-55s]]. Their [[piston engine]]s produced only {{convert|550|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and they had limited fuel capacity, so their operational range was short. To increase the operational area, [[Percival Pembroke|Pembroke]] twin-engined fixed-wing aircraft were employed for search. These aircraft would localise the distressed person(s) and the S-55s would then rescue them. The SAR service was started for respond to fighter-plane crashes as 79 aircraft crashed, with 62 dead, in the period 1950–1955.,<ref name="DAFHIS">{{cite web|url=http://www.flv.dk/flyvevaabnet/historie_flyvevaabnet.htm |title=Flyvevåbnets historie |access-date=9 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213105/http://www.flv.dk/flyvevaabnet/historie_flyvevaabnet.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |language=da}}</ref> but civilian SAR duties are also conducted.

In 1962, eight ship-based [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]]s were received. These were primarily meant for the ships patrolling the North Atlantic, but also supported the S-55s. In 1964{{ndash}}1965 the seven S-55s were replaced with eight Sikorsky [[SH-3 Sea King|S-61A]] helicopters.<ref name="DAFS61">{{cite web|url = http://forsvaret.dk/NR/rdonlyres/C605235C-4851-457B-BFDA-75C3473573CF/0/HS61ASEAKING.pdf|title = Danish air force S-61A fact sheet|access-date = 9 July 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080803015913/http://forsvaret.dk/NR/rdonlyres/C605235C-4851-457B-BFDA-75C3473573CF/0/HS61ASEAKING.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 3 August 2008|language=da}}</ref>

{{Commons category|Rescue helicopters in Denmark}}

In 2007, the [[Danish Defence]] held a public display in [[Horsens]], to raise awareness about rescue services and maritime safety. Maritime SAR is important because Denmark has a relative long coast line to its land mass.<ref name="DAPD1">{{cite web|url=http://forsvaret.dk/SOK/Nyt+og+Presse/2007-07-04.htm |title=Temadag om søredning og badesikkerhed |access-date=9 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927184910/http://forsvaret.dk/SOK/Nyt+og+Presse/2007-07-04.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |language=da}}</ref><ref name="DAPD2">{{cite web|url=http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt+og+Presse/Billeder+fra+s%C3%B8redningsdagen+2007.htm |title=Pictures from the public display |access-date=9 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927184957/http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt+og+Presse/Billeder+fra+s%C3%B8redningsdagen+2007.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref>

In 2008, the SAR forces in Denmark were equipped with eight EH-101, one or two Lynx, 34 naval home guard vessels and 21 rescue vessels,<ref name="DAPD3">{{cite web|url = http://www.fomfrv.dk/om_frv/hovedopgaver/kystredning.htm|title = Kystredning i Danmark|access-date = 9 July 2008|language = da|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511163004/http://www.fomfrv.dk/om_frv/hovedopgaver/kystredning.htm|archive-date = 11 May 2008}}</ref> as well as the naval vessels at sea. The EH-101s operate from bases in [[Aalborg Airport|Aalborg]], [[Skrydstrup]] and [[Roskilde Airport|Roskilde]]. When the sea water temperatures are low a helicopter is also deployed to the island of [[Bornholm Airport|Bornholm]] in the [[Baltic Sea]]. The Lynx operates from [[Karup Airport|Karup]]. Maritime vessels are spread out through the entire coastline and on islands. The S-61s and EH-101s have a crew of six: two [[Aviator|pilots]], a [[navigator]], a [[flight engineer]], a [[physician]] and a [[Rescue swimmer#Denmark|rescue swimmer]].

===Estonia===
[[File:SAR õppus.jpg|thumb|SAR training by the Estonian Border Guard.]]
The [[Estonian Border Guard]] (Piirivalve) is the Estonian security authority responsible for the border security. It is the main support organisation for search and rescue missions in Estonia, and operates a small fleet of SAR vessels and helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |url =http://www.pv.ee/laane/index.php?page=316 |title =Piirivalve ajalugu ja sümboolika (in Estonian) |url-status =dead |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070610110136/http://www.pv.ee/laane/index.php?page=316 |archive-date =10 June 2007 }}</ref>

===Finland===
In Finland local rescue services (i.e. fire departments) are responsible for land and inland water SAR, the Border Guard is responsible for maritime areas. These organisations alert and decide on the most suitable response for the location and situation.  The country also has several volunteer organisations such as the volunteer fire department (VPK),<ref name="VPK">{{cite web|url = http://www.spek.fi|title = Turvalliseen huomiseen (Finnish)|access-date = 21 September 2009|last =  Suomen Pelastusalan Keskusjärjestö}}</ref> the Finnish Lifeboat Institution (SMPS)<ref name="SMPS">{{cite web|url = http://www.meripelastus.fi/fi/main.html|title = SAR - Search and rescue (Finnish)|access-date = 21 September 2009|last = Suomen Meripelastusseura Ry|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090903233606/http://www.meripelastus.fi/fi/main.html|archive-date = 3 September 2009|url-status = dead}}</ref> and the Red Cross Finland (SPR).<ref name="SPR">{{cite web|url = http://www.redcross.fi/en_GB/etusivu/|title = Finnish Red Cross|access-date = 21 September 2009|last = Punainen Risti|date = n.d.|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090519055632/http://www.redcross.fi/en_GB/etusivu/|archive-date = 19 May 2009}}</ref>

===France===
[[Image:Le canot tous temps de la SNSM Madeleine Dassault (1).JPG|thumb|right|A French all-weather lifeboat from the [[SNSM]].]]
The [[Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer]] (SNSM) provides sea rescue on the French coast and at seas. In 2016, they helped 7,500 people in 5,200 rescues. The service has 41 all-weather rescue boats, 34 first-class rescue boats and 76 second-class lifeboats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snsm.org/les-canots-tous-temps|title=Les canots tous temps|website=Les Sauveteurs en Mer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snsm.org/la-flotte-de-la-snsm-en-perpetuelle-evolution|title = Les bateaux de sauvetage de la SNSM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.snsm.org/les-differents-modeles-de-vedettes|title = Les différents modèles de vedettes}}</ref>
In France, Search and rescue operations are led by different entities according to the rescue area. For sea rescue, the French navy use airborne unit (e.g. Flottille 33F in Brittany) and specialised boats (e.g. "L'abeille Bourbon"). In Mountains, French gendarmerie is equipped with EC-145 'chouka'. In the other areas, French civil protection agency "Securité Civile" works with paramedics, fire unit and hospital mobile unit using EC-145 'Dragon'.

===Germany===
[[Image:050625-Kiel-x42-600.jpg|thumb|right|A cruiser of the [[German Maritime Search and Rescue Service|DGzRS]] and a SeaKing helicopter of the [[German Navy]]]]
Search and Rescue in German waters is conducted by the [[German Maritime Search and Rescue Service]] with air support by the [[German Navy]], the [[Federal Police (Germany)|Federal Police]] and the [[German Army Aviation]]. All incoming requests are coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in [[Bremen]]. The DGzRS is a non-governmental organisation entirely supported by donations.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.dgzrs.de/index.php?id=265|title = German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS)|access-date = 27 August 2008|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080913090322/http://www.dgzrs.de/index.php?id=265|archive-date = 13 September 2008}}</ref>

Besides the offshore Search And Rescue services, the German Army Aviation provides 3 SAR Command Posts on a 24/7 basis at Holzdorf Air Base with the Airbus H145 LUH SAR (Light Utility Helikopter Search and Rescue) and at Nörvenich Air Base and 2 at Niederstetten Army Airfield. 
<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.rth.info/betreiber/betreiber.php?show=bw|title = Bundeswehr (in German)|access-date = 22 May 2008|last = rth.info|year = 2002}}</ref>

Further, the [[Technisches Hilfswerk]] is a key component of the German disaster relief framework. It is, among other things, regularly involved in  urban search and rescue efforts abroad.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.thw.bund.de/cln_036/nn_942466/EN/content/news/international/missions/2005/11/news__001.html|archive-url = https://archive.today/20070504193203/http://www.thw.bund.de/cln_036/nn_942466/EN/content/news/international/missions/2005/11/news__001.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 4 May 2007|title=Search and rescue | access-date = 21 January 2010}}</ref>

===Hong Kong===
[[File:GFS Super Puma on USS Mobile Bay.jpg|right|thumb|[[Government Flying Service (Hong Kong)|Hong Kong GFS]] AS332 L2 Super Puma SAR helicopter]]
[[File:B-HRV.jpg|right|thumb|[[Government Flying Service (Hong Kong)|HK GFS]] [[Eurocopter EC155|EC155]] helicopter]]
[[File:WessexHC2 28Sqn 1983.jpeg|right|thumb|Royal Air Force Westland Wessex HC2 SAR helicopter off Hong Kong]]
[[File:RHKAAF Aerospatiale Dauphin 1982.JPG|right|thumb|[[Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force]] [[Aérospatiale SA 360 Dauphin]] SAR helicopter]] 
SAR operations are conducted by the [[Government Flying Service]] (GFS) and before 1993 by the [[Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force]]. The GFS conducts maritime SAR within the {{convert|400|nmi|km|adj=on}} radius of the Hong Kong Flight Information Region (FIR).<ref name="hksar_gfs">{{cite web|title=The Government Flying Service|url=http://www.gfs.gov.hk/eng/aboutgfs.htm|publisher=Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government|access-date=15 May 2010|date=14 August 2008|archive-date=20 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320052934/http://www.gfs.gov.hk/eng/aboutgfs.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

As of 2020, the GFS fleet consists of nine aircraft including:<ref name="hksar_gfs" />
* 2 [[Bombardier Challenger 605]] - for aerial SAR surveillance
* 7 [[Airbus Helicopters H175]]  - for inshore and offshore SAR

Other civilian search and rescue units in Hong Kong include:

* [[Civil Aid Service]] - works in conjunction with the Hong Kong Fire Services Dept and the air support from the [[Government Flying Service]], also provides [[mountain rescue]] service<ref name="hksar_cas">{{cite web|title=Civil Aid Service Hong Kong|url=http://www.cas.gov.hk/eng/info/info_trainsafe.html|work=Safety Training|publisher=Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region|access-date=15 May 2010|year=2010|archive-date=3 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203025206/http://www.cas.gov.hk/eng/info/info_trainsafe.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Hong Kong Fire Services]]/[[Hong Kong Marine Police]] - various vessels and rescue divers  - with air support from the GFS
* [[Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre]] is responsible for coordinating other civil agencies in regards to marine SAR operations in waters around [[Hong Kong]]
* Countryside Volunteer Search Team

===Iceland===
[[Image:AS-365N Dauphin 2 of The Iceland Coast Guard.JPEG|thumb|[[Irish Coast Guard|Icelandic Coast Guard]] [[Eurocopter Dauphin|Eurocopter AS-365N Dauphin 2]] helicopter]]

The Icelandic Coast Guard is responsible for coordinating all maritime and aviation search and rescue activities in the Icelandic Search and Rescue Region (SRR), that has the sise of 1.9 million square kilometres. The Icelandic Coast Guard operates JRCC ICELAND in combination with the Coast Guard's operation centre, the maritime traffic service and the coastal radio stations. If aircraft crash site is located on land the control of the rescue operations is diverted to the Icelandic Police, which is responsible for SAR operations on land. The Icelandic Coast Guard (JRCC ICELAND) is the Cospas-Sarsat SAR Point of Contact. ISAVIA, which operates the Air Traffic Control in Iceland, is responsible for the aviation alerting services. The [[Icelandic Coast Guard]] operates maritime patrol aircraft, SAR helicopters and patrol vessels.<ref name="ICG1">{{cite web|url = http://www.lhg.is/english|title = The Icelandic Coast Guard|access-date = 7 March 2008|last = Icelandic Coast Guard|date = n.d.}}</ref>

The [[Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue]] (Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg) (ICESAR) is a volunteer organisation with about 100 rescue teams located all around the island. ICESAR is a great support to SAR operations both on land and sea.  All the rescue teams contain groups of specially trained individuals.<ref name="Slysavarnafélaginu">{{cite web|url = http://www.landsbjorg.is/category.aspx?catID=250|title = ICE-SAR A Tale of Great Achievements|access-date = 7 March 2008|last = Slysavarnafélaginu Landsbjörg|date = n.d.|archive-date = 16 February 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080216193242/http://www.landsbjorg.is/category.aspx?catID=250|url-status = dead}}</ref>

A specialised INSARAG External Classification certified rubble rescue squad operates under the Icelandic Association of Search and Rescue. It was the first rescue squad to arrive in [[Haiti]] following the [[2010 Haiti earthquake|earthquake of 2010]].<ref name="ICESAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.icesar.com/|title = Reports from Haiti|access-date = 23 January 2010|last = Skógarhlíð|date=January 2010}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=October 2021}}

===Indonesia===
The [[National Search and Rescue Agency|National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia]] known in Indonesian as ''Badan Nasional Pencarian dan Pertolongan'' abbreviated "BASARNAS", is a government agency responsible for conducting search and rescue duties nationally in [[Indonesia]]. BASARNAS may also be assisted in conducting SAR in Indonesia by the [[Indonesian National Armed Forces|TNI]], [[Mobile Brigade Corps]], and local [[Fire brigade]] units.<ref>"[http://www.basarnas.go.id/ Home]." ([https://web.archive.org/web/20120618210903/http://www.basarnas.go.id/ Archive]) National Search and Rescue Agency. Retrieved on 10 May 2012. "Jl. Angkasa Blok B.15 KAV 2-3 Kemayoran - Jakarta Pusat Jakarta - Indonesia 10720"</ref>

===Ireland===
[[Image:Irish-Coast-Guard-Helicopter-2012.JPG|right|thumb|Irish Coast Guard [[Sikorsky S-61]]N SAR helicopter]]
[[File:Irish Coastguard Helicopter RNLI Rescue Demonstartion.jpg|thumb|A search and rescue demonstration by an [[Irish Coast Guard]] [[Sikorsky S-61]] helicopter and a [[RNLI]] lifeboat.]]

Maritime SAR services are provided by two civilian bodies - the [[Irish Coast Guard]]<ref name="IRCG1">{{cite web|url = http://www.dttas.ie/maritime/english/irish-coast-guard-ircg |title = Irish Coast Guard IRCG|access-date = 20 February 2015|last = Department of Transport}}</ref> and the [[RNLI]]. The Coast Guard has responsibility for the Irish Search and Rescue Region.<ref name="IRCG2">{{cite web|url =http://www.dttas.ie/maritime/ircg/searchrescue|title = The Irish Search and Rescue Region|access-date = 20 February 2015|last = Department of Transport}}</ref> The [[RNLI|Royal National Lifeboat Institution]] has 43 lifeboat stations including inland stations at Enniskillen and Lough Derg,<ref>{{cite web |title=RNLI Lifeboat Stations in Ireland |url=http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/out_on_a_shout/ireland |publisher=Royal National Lifeboat Institution |access-date=6 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722083049/http://www.rnli.org.uk/rnli_near_you/out_on_a_shout/ireland/ |archive-date=22 July 2009 }}</ref>  the coastguard inshore rescue boats,<ref>{{cite web |title=Coastguard Teams |url=http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=8648&lang=ENG&loc=2121 |publisher=Irish Coast Guard |access-date=6 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721132648/http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=8648&lang=ENG&loc=2121 |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}</ref> and community rescue boats at fifteen stations: Ballinskelligs, County Kerry; Ballybunion, County Kerry; Ballyheigue, County Kerry; Banna, County Kerry; Bantry, County Cork; Bunmahon, County Waterford; Cahore, County Wexford; Carna, County Galway; Corrib/Mask Lakes, County Galway; Derrynane, County Kerry; Limerick City (River Shannon); Mallow Search and Rescue, County Cork; Schull, County Cork; Tramore, County Waterford; Waterford City River Rescue; Waterford Marine Search and Rescue.<ref name = iws>{{cite web |title=Community Rescue Boats Ireland |url= http://www.iws.ie/rescue-services/community-rescue-boats-ireland-crbi.302.html |date=2 April 2014 |publisher=Irish Water Safety |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref> There are some 25 other [[Independent lifeboats in Britain and Ireland|independent]] rescue services.<ref name = iws/>

Mountain Rescue in Ireland is provided by 12 voluntary teams based in different regions of the country.<ref name="IrelandMtn">{{cite web|url = http://www.mountainrescue.ie/TeamInformation|title = Team Information|access-date = 5 January 2010|last = Mountain Rescue Ireland|year = 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091225165927/http://www.mountainrescue.ie/TeamInformation|archive-date = 25 December 2009}}</ref>

The IRCG operate a number of contracted Sikorsky Search and Rescue helicopters from bases in Dublin, Waterford, Shannon and Sligo under the €500 million contract, from 2010, a previous fleet of [[Sikorsky S-61N]] helicopters were replaced with five newer [[Sikorsky S-92]] helicopters.<ref name="itimes">{{cite web|author=Lorna Siggins |url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/irish-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-fleet-renewal-extended-1.1430873 |title=Irish Coast Guard search and rescue fleet renewal extended |publisher=The Irish Times |date=17 June 2013 |access-date=6 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Irish Search and Rescue Contract Signed |url=http://www.chc.ca/news/2010/09/new-irish-search-and-rescue-contract-signed.aspx |work=20 September 2010 |publisher=CHC Helicopter |access-date=6 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413140356/http://www.chc.ca/news/2010/09/new-irish-search-and-rescue-contract-signed.aspx |archive-date=13 April 2014 }}</ref> One of the new S-92 helicopters is located at each of the four IRCG bases, with one spare replacement aircraft being rotated between bases.<ref name="herald">{{cite web|url=http://www.clareherald.com/2013/06/new-search-and-rescue-sar-helicopters.html |title=New Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters arrive into Shannon |publisher=The Clare Herald |date=13 June 2013 |access-date=6 September 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131017143255/http://www.clareherald.com/2013/06/new-search-and-rescue-sar-helicopters.html| archive-date= 17 October 2013}}</ref>

The Irish Coast Guard are launching a tender for a future SAR Aviation Contract,<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ed653-irish-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-sar-aviation-project/ | publisher = DTTAS | title = Irish Coast Guard: Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation Project | date = 11 August 2020 | access-date = 5 September 2020 }}</ref> which is one of several tenders for similar services.<ref name="Aerossurance">{{cite web|url = http://aerossurance.com/helicopters/european-sar-competitions/ | publisher = Aerossurance | title = European Search and Rescue (SAR) Competition Bonanza: Northern Norway SAR, Netherlands SARHC, Ireland SAR Aviation and UK's UKSAR2G | date = 11 May 2020 | access-date = 5 September 2020 }}</ref>

The [[Irish Air Corps]] provide top cover for search and rescue over land or sea<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/aircorps/roles/index.htm|title=Organisation|work=military.ie|access-date=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126062553/http://military.ie/aircorps/roles/index.htm|archive-date=26 November 2010}}</ref> and is available for maritime and mountain rescue if needed. The [[Irish Naval Service]] frequently assists the other agencies in search and rescue. Its patrol ships at sea and the communications centre at [[Haulbowline]] maintain a 24-hour watch on all distress frequencies.

Civil Defence Ireland also operates a range of land and inland water search and rescue services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.military.ie/naval/roles/index.htm|title=Organisation - Naval Service - Defence Forces|work=military.ie|access-date=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015085737/http://www.military.ie/naval/roles/index.htm|archive-date=15 October 2007}}</ref>

===Israel===
[[File:HeIicopter MADAIS.jpg|thumb|Helicopter of [[Magen David Adom]]]]

SAR in Israel is the responsibility of the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]] [[Home Front Command]] ''Search and Rescue'' (SAR). The unit was established at its current strength in 1984, combining all the specialist units that were involved with SAR until that time.<ref name="IsraelSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.oref.org.il/496-en/PAKAR.aspx|title = Combat SAR battalions Shahar and Kedem|access-date = 18 May 2011|last = The Home Front Command|date = n.d.|archive-date = 5 May 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110505030045/http://www.oref.org.il/496-en/PAKAR.aspx|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The SAR unit is a rapid mobilisation force and has an airborne transport and deployment capability for its personnel and equipment. The unit is composed of reserve personnel, with a regular cadre based at the [[Bahad 16]] Unit training facility. With a focus on urban SAR, the unit operates specialised equipment, including a locally developed device for locating persons trapped under rubble by detecting seismic and acoustic emissions given off by the victims. The SAR unit also uses [[Search and rescue dog]]s specially trained to locate people buried under debris.

'''Israeli SAR resources'''
*[[Israel Defense Forces]]
**[[Medical Corps (Israel)]]
**[[Home Front Command]]
**[[Bahad 16]]
**[[Oketz Unit]]
*[[Israel Police]]
*[[IsraAid]]
*[[Magen David Adom]]
*[[ZAKA]]

===Italy===
[[Image:Guardia Costiera AW139.jpg|thumb|right|Italian [[AgustaWestland AW139]] for sea rescue.]]
[[Image:Trento-I-PATE air ambulance on simulated mission.jpg|thumb|right|Italian [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin|AS365 Dauphin]] rescue helicopter]]
Italian SAR operations are carried out by the [[Corps of the Port Captaincies - Coast Guard|Guardia Costiera]],<ref name="Costiera">{{cite web|url = http://www.guardiacostiera.it/en/|title = Capitanerie di porto - Guardia Costiera |access-date = 11 November 2008|last = Capitanerie di porto - Guardia Costiera|year = 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080729220245/http://www.guardiacostiera.it/en/ |archive-date = 29 July 2008}}</ref> backed up by naval aviation and the air force, including Aeronautica Militare Comando 15° Stormo (15th Wing),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeronautica.difesa.it/Organizzazione/Reparti/Repartivolo/Pagine/15Stormo.aspx|title=Il portale dell'Aeronautica Militare - 15° Stormo|work=difesa.it|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> the [[Italian Red Cross]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cri.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/1|title=Croce Rossa Italiana - Home|author=Croce Rossa Italiana|work=www.cri.it|access-date=26 February 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150207053344/http://www.cri.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/1 |archive-date = 7 February 2015}}</ref> and other organisations.

===Jordan===
Jordan's Civil Defense Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR) has achieved the UN classification as a heavy USAR team. The team's role mainly earthquake rescue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swiss-cooperation.admin.ch/syria/en/Home/News/News_Detail?itemID=221772 |title=SDC Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria - News Detail |publisher=Swiss-cooperation.admin.ch |date=23 May 2013 |access-date=21 July 2013}}</ref>

===Kenya===
The Kenya Maritime Authority and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority are responsible for Aeronautical SAR within Kenya's waterways and aerospace respectively.<ref name="Kenya Maritime SAR">{{cite web|url = https://kma.go.ke/overview/|title = Overview|access-date = 12 October 2021|last = |website = Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)| date=13 August 2021 }}</ref><ref name="Kenya Air Traffic SAR">{{cite web|url = https://sarcontacts.info/countries/kenya/ |title = Aeronautical Services|access-date = 30 August 2018|last = Civil Aerospace Administration |date = n.d.}}</ref>

===Macau===
Macau's maritime SAR is conducted by two units:

The Macau Marine Department and responsible for maritime SAR within Macau's waterways. The Macau Search and Rescue Coordination Centre is under the Vessel Traffic Control Centre of Macao of the Maritime Administration of Macau.<ref name="MacauSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.marine.gov.mo/serv/index_e.html|title = Maritime Services|access-date = 11 January 2010|last = Maritime Administration|date = n.d.|archive-date = 19 December 2012|archive-url = https://archive.today/20121219202700/http://www.marine.gov.mo/serv/index_e.html|url-status = dead}}</ref>

=== Malaysia ===
[[File:M70-02 (8231200851).jpg|thumb|right|[[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency|MMEA]]'s [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin|Eurocopter AS365 N3 Dauphin]] used for SAR and surveillance.]]
For land rescue, Malaysia has two primary SAR units: the [[SMART (Malaysia)|Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team]] (SMART), which reports to the [[National Security Council (Malaysia)|National Security Council]], and the [[Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia|Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department]]'s (FRDM) [[STORM (Malaysian rescue squad)|Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia]] (STORM) unit. They are sometimes aided by the jungle experts, the [[Orang Asli|aboriginal]] police unit named [[Senoi Praaq]], [[Royal Malaysia Police|Royal Malaysian Police]] (RMP) [[VAT 69 Commando]], the [[Malaysian Armed Forces]]' [[Elite Forces of Malaysia|special operations force]], and the [[Malaysia Civil Defence Force|Malaysian Civil Defence Force]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search team for missing Irish teen boosted by VAT 69 commandos |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/08/10/search-team-for-missing-irish-teen-boosted-by-vat-69-commandos/1779396 |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=Malay Mail |date=10 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Both SMART and STORM, as with other FRDM's [[Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia#Special Operations|special operations]], often participate in international SAR missions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sinarharian.com.my/mobile/edisi/utara/bomba-sedia-hantar-anggota-storm-ke-nepal-1.386953|title=Bomba sedia hantar anggota Storm ke Nepal|access-date=30 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Harian |first=Wartawan Sinar |title=Berjuang di bumi berasap |url=http://www.sinarharian.com.my/mobile/wawancara/berjuang-di-bumi-berasap-1.177473 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906052504/https://www.sinarharian.com.my/mobile/wawancara/berjuang-di-bumi-berasap-1.177473 |archive-date=6 September 2018 |access-date=30 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bharian.com.my/node/86364|title=Bomba Malaysia sedia bantu Indonesia padam kebakaran hutan|date=4 October 2015|work=BH Online|access-date=30 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.adrc.asia/countryreport/MYS/MYSeng99/Malaysia99.htm#_Toc495479697|title=Malaysia Country Report 1999: Forest Fire And Severe Haze|website=www.adrc.asia|access-date=30 April 2017|archive-date=5 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605012454/http://www.adrc.asia/countryreport/MYS/MYSeng99/Malaysia99.htm#_Toc495479697|url-status=dead}}</ref>

For maritime SAR, it is the responsibility of [[Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency|Malaysia Coast Guard]] and FRDM, along with support from the RMP's [[Marine Operations Force]] and the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]'s [[PASKAU]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mmea-search-and-rescue-for-six-missing-victims-in-capsized-catamaran-contin|title=MMEA: Search and rescue for six missing victims in capsized catamaran continues|date=30 January 2017|access-date=30 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/mmea-to-review-sar-ops-after-rescue-team-missed-survivors-by-minutes|title=MMEA to review SAR ops after rescue team missed survivors by 'minutes'|date=13 May 2016|access-date=30 April 2017}}</ref>

===Malta===
[[File:Malta - Sliema (Valletta Ferry harbour) 01 ies.jpg|thumb|The AFM's search and rescue launches ''Melita I'' and ''Melita II'' have been used for search and rescue operations since 1999.]]

The responsibility for SAR at sea in the Malta Search and Rescue Region falls under the [[Armed Forces of Malta]] (AFM). It is carried out by maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and vessels under the co-ordination, command and control of the Rescue Co-ordination Centre.<ref name="MaltaSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.sarmalta.gov.mt/sar_in_Malta.htm|title = Search and Rescue (SAR) in Malta|access-date = 13 March 2008|last = Search and Rescue Training Centre - Armed Forces of Malta|year = 2004|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120141203/http://www.sarmalta.gov.mt/sar_in_Malta.htm|archive-date = 20 November 2008}}</ref>

The AFM, in close collaboration with the US Coast Guard, also runs a Search and Rescue Training Centre for International Students<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL7oPxdqvbM | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211107/fL7oPxdqvbM| archive-date=7 November 2021 | url-status=live|title=Search and Rescue training |publisher=YouTube |date=29 November 2007 |access-date=8 April 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> in Maritime SAR Mission Co-ordination and Planning.<ref name="MaltaSARtrg">{{cite web|url = http://www.sarmalta.gov.mt/sar_training_centre_malta.htm|title = Search and Rescue Training Centre - AFM|access-date = 13 March 2008|last = Search and Rescue Training Centre - Armed Forces of Malta|year = 2004|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120140948/http://www.sarmalta.gov.mt/sar_training_centre_malta.htm|archive-date = 20 November 2008}}</ref> To date more than 30 foreign students from 15 countries including Albania, Cameroon, Croatia, Equatorial Guinea and Kenya have attended these courses.<ref name="USEmbassyMalta">{{cite web|url=http://malta.usembassy.gov/saramb.html |title=AFM SAR TC Graduation |access-date=13 March 2008 |last=U.S. Department of State. |date=November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225105545/http://malta.usembassy.gov/saramb.html |archive-date=25 December 2007 }}</ref><ref name="Brincat">{{cite web|url = http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61285|title = Search and rescue training certificates awarded|access-date = 13 March 2008|last = Brincat|first = Erika F.|date = n.d.|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722222837/http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61285|archive-date = 22 July 2011}}</ref>

Malta is also in talks with [[Libya]] about enhancing SAR cooperation between the two countries.<ref name="MaltaMedia">{{cite web|url = http://www.maltamedia.com/artman2/publish/govt_politics/article_4810.shtml|title = Search & Rescue meeting between Libya and Malta|access-date = 15 March 2008|last = MaltaMedia News.|date=January 2008}}</ref>{{Update after|2015|3|2}}

===Netherlands===
SAR responsibility in the Netherlands is held by the [[Netherlands Coastguard]], carried out by vessels and aircraft from various organisations among which mostly the [[Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij|Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution]], the [[Dutch Lifeguard Association]], the [[Ministry of Transport and Water Management]] and the [[Ministry of Defence (Netherlands)]].

===New Zealand===
[[New Zealand]]'s Search and Rescue Region extends from the [[South Pole]] to the southern border of the [[Honolulu]] region, including Norfolk, Tonga, Samoa, and [[Cook Islands]].<ref name="NZAIP">{{cite web|url = http://www.aip.net.nz/|title = AIPA New Zealand GEN 3.6 Search and Rescue|access-date = 24 February 2008|last = Civil Aviation Auithority of New Zealand|date = n.d.}}</ref>

Smaller searches known as Category one searches are controlled by the [[New Zealand Police]] Search and Rescue, who call on LandSAR and often the Police Dog Section for land-based operations, such as for lost [[hiking|hikers]] known as [[tramping in New Zealand]], police also call on the [[Royal New Zealand Coastguard]] for coastal maritime incidents within 12 nautical miles of the shore. Larger maritime search and rescue events known as Category two searches, such as searches for emergency beacons, reports of overdue aircraft, etc, fall under the control of the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), based in [[Avalon, New Zealand|Avalon]], which coordinates response from local coastguard, helicopter operators, merchant marine, [[New Zealand Air Force|air force]] and [[New Zealand Navy|naval]] resources.<ref name="NZAIP"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/About-us/RCCNZ-profile.asp|title=About our Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ)|date=n.d.|publisher=Maritime New Zealand|access-date=30 May 2010|archive-date=1 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601224643/http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/About-us/RCCNZ-profile.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NZRCCcontact">{{cite web|url = http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Commercial/Shipping-safety/Search-and-rescue/Contact-RCCNZ.asp|title = Contact RCCNZ|access-date = 30 May 2010|last = Maritime New Zealand|date = n.d.|archive-date = 1 June 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100601225439/http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Commercial/Shipping-safety/Search-and-rescue/Contact-RCCNZ.asp|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Search and Rescue |url=https://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/structure/teams-units/search-rescue |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=New Zealand Police |language=en}}</ref>

[[Urban Search and Rescue]] falls primarily within the domain of the [[Fire and Emergency New Zealand]], particularly the three USAR Taskforce groups based in [[Palmerston North]], [[Christchurch]], and [[Auckland]]. These teams draw together numerous specialists and organisations to achieve an integrated multi-agency response.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fire.org.nz/About-Us/Our-Organisation/Pages/UrbanSearchandRescue.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702183728/http://www.fire.org.nz/About-Us/Our-Organisation/Pages/UrbanSearchandRescue.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 July 2012 |title=New Zealand Fire Service - Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) |publisher=Fire.org.nz |access-date=8 April 2012 }}</ref>

Among those organisations that act in a support capacity for FENZ are Response Teams (NZRTs). These are regional rescue groups of professional volunteers that train to a minimum industry standard of USAR Category 1R (USAR Responder), which is also standard for FENZ firefighters. Response Teams are registered with the [[Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (New Zealand)|Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management]] (MCDEM), and assist their local MCDEM Groups and communities in emergencies to supplement full-time emergency services. Their additional capabilities, which vary among different teams, include: high angle rope rescue, storm response, swift water response, medics, welfare, and rural fire support.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/For-the-CDEM-Sector-NZ-Response-Teams-Index |title=The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management: NZ Response Teams |publisher=Civildefence.govt.nz |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=8 April 2012}}</ref> Many Response Teams were deployed to assist in the rescue and recovery effort of the [[2011 Christchurch earthquake]].

Other resources:
*[[Westpac Rescue Helicopter (New Zealand)]] - charitable organisation
*[[Life Flight (New Zealand)]] - charitable organisation
*[[New Zealand Land SAR Search Dogs]] - the official NZ search dogs group providing land search & rescue services under NZ Land SAR, wilderness and avalanche rescue dogs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://searchdogs.co.nz/|title=Search Dogs New Zealand Official Search & Rescue Dogs NZ Land SAR Search Dogs|work=searchdogs.co.nz|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref>

===Norway===
On a national level and on sea, two agencies maintain the responsibility of leading search and rescue missions: the [[Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Southern Norway]] and the [[Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of Northern Norway]].

In case of local search and rescue missions, particularly on land and usually missing person cases, each of Norway's [[List of police districts in Norway|police districts]] are responsible of leading search and rescue missions on behalf of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centres. The police can call in both civilian, military and voluntary units with various and specialised competencies for carrying out the search and rescue mission, such as:

Professionals:

* [[Norwegian Civil Defence]]
* [[Norwegian Home Guard]]
* [[No. 330 Squadron RNoAF|No. 330 Squadron of the Royal Norwegian Air Force]]
* [[Norwegian Police Service|Police Helicopter Service]]
* [[Norwegian Air Ambulance|Norwegian Air Ambulance Service]]
* [[Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue]] (professional crew)
Volunteers:

* [[Norwegian Red Cross Search and Rescue Corps]]
* [[Norwegian People's Aid]]
* [[Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue]] (voluntary crew)
* [[Norwegian Radio Relay League]]
* [[List of caving organizations#Norway|Norwegian Speleological Society]]
* [[The Guides and Scouts of Norway|Norwegian Scouts' Emergency Response Teams]]
* Norwegian Search and Rescue Dogs
* Norwegian Air Sports Federation's Air Service

All voluntary organisations associated with search and rescue in Norway that are recognised by the JRCC's and the police, are members of the Voluntary Organizations' Rescue Forum (''Frivillige Organisasjoners Redningsfaglige Forum''; ''FORF'').

Although the voluntary organisations are represented on a national level, the organisations are usually independent on local levels. They're governed like [[Confederation|confederacies]] or [[chain store]]s – e.g. [[Sandefjord]] Red Cross is an independent organisation, but is still a subject to the regional [[Vestfold]] Red Cross and thereafter the national [[Norwegian Red Cross]].

Depending on each local organisation's needs and budgets, the voluntary organisations may have specialised equipment for carrying out missions effectively, such as [[boat]]s, [[all-terrain vehicle]]s, [[snowmobile]]s, [[ambulance]]s, and [[quadcopter]]s with thermal cameras. Depending on geography and other local circumstances, the local voluntary organisations tend to course their volunteers in fields that are relevant to the local and surrounding areas. Some local voluntary organisations have blue [[Emergency vehicle lighting|emergency lights]] and sirens on their vehicles, though orange and white lights without sirens are more common.

The [[No. 330 Squadron RNoAF|No. 330 Squadron]] of the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] is the only dedicated search and rescue unit operated by the Norwegian government. The squadron operates a total of 16 [[AgustaWestland AW101]], codenamed ''SAR Queen''. Until 2023, the RNoAF used 16 [[Westland Sea King]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/presse/pressemeldinger/orland-er-operative-med-sar-queen|title=Ørland er operative med SAR Queen|website=Forsvaret}}</ref> There have been issues with the phasing in the ''SAR Queen'', due to landing sites across the country not being sized for the increased downwash.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrk.no/nordland/kraftig-ut-mot-aw101-sar-queen-nye-redningshelikopter-1.15241717|title = Redningshelikoptrene kan ikke lande på mange sykehus: – Katastrofalt|date = 12 November 2020}}</ref>

All organisations, either professional or voluntary, have access to the [[Norwegian Public Safety Network|Public Safety Network]].<gallery widths="150" mode="packed">
File:EH-101 SAR Queen (53877191188).jpg|The ''SAR Queen'', Norway's dedicated search and rescue helicopter
File:Norwegian police helicopter LN-ORA.jpg|The police helicopters are also used in search and rescue missions, particularly around the [[Greater Oslo Region]]
File:Røde Kors.jpg|Various volunteers from the Red Cross, People's Aid and Rescue Dogs
File:Skredkurs2017-44 (39871023245).jpg|Norwegian People's Aid volunteers participating in a course, specialising in avalanche search and rescue
File:Lokallaget Moelv og omegn (40723905422).jpg|A snowmobile from Norwegian People's Aid
File:Rescue dog from Norske Redningshunder.jpg|A dog from Norwegian Search and Rescue Dogs
File:RS Uni Kragerø i Risør februar 2018.jpg|RS ''Uni Kragerø'', operated by a voluntary crew
File:Redningsskøyta Idar ulstein wiki.jpg|RS ''Idar Ulstein'', operated by a professional crew
</gallery>

===Philippines===
The agencies responsible for Search and Rescue activities in the [[Philippines]] are:

* [[Office of Civil Defense (Philippines)|Office of Civil Defense]]
* [[National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council]]
* [[Philippine Air Force]]
* [[Philippine Army]]
* [[Philippine Coast Guard]]
* [[Bureau of Fire Protection]]

=== Portugal ===
[[Image:Portuguese Search and Rescue Area.gif|thumb|200px|Portuguese Search and Rescue Area]]

Three different agencies are responsible for providing search and rescue in [[Portugal]]. The [[Portuguese Navy]] is responsible for all sea rescues, the [[Portuguese Air Force]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emfa.pt/|title=Força Aérea Portuguesa|work=emfa.pt|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> for all the rescues originating within the airspace, including aircraft crashes and the [[Autoridade Nacional de Protecção Civil]] (ANPC) for all inland rescues. All of the above coordinate closely with each other providing a comprehensive search and rescue service.

The Portuguese area of responsibility comprises the Lisbon and Santa Maria [[Flight information region|Flight Information Region]]s (FIR).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.portugal-vacc.org/lppo/index.php|title=Santa Maria Oceanic FIR - Portugal vACC|work=portugal-vacc.org|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref>

===Poland===
[[Image:W-3 RM Anakonda 01.jpg|thumb|A [[Polish Navy]] [[PZL W-3 Sokół|W-3 Sokół]] SAR helicopter hoists a crew member]]
In Poland most search and rescue operations are undertaken by the airborne units of the [[Polish Armed Forces]]. The Navy currently has the largest SAR fleet of helicopters and also operates a number of small vessels for the purpose of rescuing crewmen of stricken ships. There is also, however a semi-governmental organisation known as the 'Morska Służba Poszukiwania i Ratownictwa' (''Maritime Search and Rescue Service'')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sar.gov.pl/|title=Morska Służba Poszukiwania i Ratownictwa|work=sar.gov.pl|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> which provides the vast majority of seaborne services to vessels in distress; the service is currently (as of 2010) in the process of overhauling and replacing a large portion of its fleet of [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]]s.

Other civilian search and rescue units in Poland include:

* [[Górskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe]], GOPR (Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue)
* [[Tatrzańskie Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe]], TOPR (Tatra Mountains Volunteer Search and Rescue)
* Wodne Ochotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe, WOPR (Water Volunteer Search and Rescue) - operating on inland and coastal waters

=== South Africa ===
Search and Rescue services are offered by various government departments, non governmental organisations, commercial/private organisations and voluntary  organisations in South Africa. There is no single organisation responsible for urban, wilderness, swift water, aviation or maritime/sea rescue.

Aviation and maritime incidents are the responsibility of the South African Search and Rescue Organisation (SASAR). SASAR is a voluntary organisation that functions under the auspices of the Department of Transport. Its main role is to search for, assist and carry out rescue operations for the survivors of aircraft or vessel accidents. Depending on the nature of the accident, the RCCs (Aeronatautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) or Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)) coordinate the search and rescue missions. These operations are carried out by other government departments, non governmental organisations, commercial/private organisations and voluntary organisations.<ref name="SASAR">{{cite web |url=http://www.sasar.gov.za/ |title=Who are we? |access-date=13 November 2008 |author=SASAR |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914012934/http://www.sasar.gov.za/ |archive-date=14 September 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.sasar.gov.za/web/search-and-rescue/structure|title= SASAR Structures|access-date= 13 April 2023|author= SASAR|work= www.sasar.gov.za|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190418062437/http://www.sasar.gov.za/web/search-and-rescue/structure|archive-date= 18 April 2019|url-status= dead}}</ref>

Local resources:
* [[National Sea Rescue Institute]]
* [[Wilderness Search and Rescue]] [[Cape Town]]<ref name="SAWildernessSAR">{{cite web |url=http://wsar.hypermart.net/ |title=Wilderness Search and Rescue, Western Cape |access-date=6 November 2009 |author1=Wilderness Search |author2=Rescue, Western Cape |date=n.d. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040127111141/http://wsar.hypermart.net/ |archive-date=27 January 2004 }}</ref>
* [[The Mountain Club of South Africa]] Search and Rescue
* [[Search and Rescue South Africa]]<ref name="SARZA">{{cite web|url = https://www.sarza.co.za/|title = Search and Rescue South Africa|access-date = 20 February 2022|last = Search and Rescue South Africa |date = n.d.}}</ref>
* [[Rescue South Africa]]<ref name="RSA">{{cite web|url = http://www.rescue-sa.co.za/|title = Rescue South Africa|access-date = 26 August 2011|last = Rescue South Africa |date = n.d.}}</ref>
* [[K9 Search and Rescue]]<ref name="K9SARA">{{cite web|url = http://www.k9sara.co.za/|title = K9 Search and Rescue|access-date = 11 September 2014 |date = n.d.}}</ref>
* [[Metro Search and Rescue]]<ref name="MetroSAR">{{cite web|url = https://ecsearchandrescue.co.za/|title = Metro Search and Rescue|access-date = 11 September 2014|last = Search and Rescue |date = n.d.}}</ref>

===Spain===
[[File:CN-235 Salvamento Marítimo.JPG|thumb|[[CASA CN-235]] Maritime Patrol aircraft of the [[Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Maritima]].]]
[[Image:AW-139 SASEMAR.jpg|right|thumb|[[Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Maritima]] [[AgustaWestland AW139]] SAR helicopter]]

Search and rescue duties in Spain are the responsibility of the national government, in conjunction with regional and municipal governments. The [[Sociedad de Salvamento y Seguridad Marítima]] is the main organisation, and has overall responsibility for the maritime search and rescue, that also coordinates the SAR efforts with other agencies:<ref name="SpainSAR">{{cite web|url=http://www.salvamentomaritimo.es/index.asp?lan=SP&menu=A1&open=1 |title=Salvamento Marítimo (Spanish) |access-date=18 May 2011 |last=Salvamento Marítimo |date=n.d. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330060834/http://www.salvamentomaritimo.es/index.asp?lan=SP&menu=A1&open=1 |archive-date=30 March 2010 }}</ref>

* [[Spanish Navy]]
* [[Spanish Air and Space Force]]
* [[Servicio de Vigilancia Aduanera]]
* [[Servicio Marítimo de la Guardia Civil]]

=== Sweden ===
[[File:MS Drottning Silvia framför slottet.JPG|thumb|Swedish rescue vessel ''Drottning Silvia (Queen Silvia)'' in front of the [[Stockholm Palace|Royal Castle]] in [[Stockholm]], Sweden]]
The [[Swedish Maritime Administration]] is responsible for maritime SAR in Swedish waters, and operate seven [[AgustaWestland AW139]] SAR helicopters from five bases along the coast of Sweden.<ref name="SwedishMA">{{cite web |url = http://www.sjofartsverket.se/en/Our-Activities/Maritime-Search-and-Rescue/ |title = Maritime Search and Rescue |access-date = 29 April 2011 |last = [[Swedish Maritime Administration]] |date = January 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611063539/http://www.sjofartsverket.se/en/Our-Activities/Maritime-Search-and-Rescue/ |archive-date = 11 June 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.sjofartsverket.se/sv/sjo--och-flygraddning/helikopterverksamhet/|title = Sjöfartsverket: Helikopterverksamhet}}</ref> Together with the [[Swedish Sea Rescue Society]] and the [[Swedish Coast Guard]]  they are carrying out Sar in Swedish waters. The Coast guard has 31 larger Ships and 3 [[De Havilland Canada Dash 8]] aeroplanes  for SAR.  The [[Swedish Sea Rescue Society]] is an organisation aiming at saving lives and recovering property at sea. The society operates 68 search and rescue stations and some 185 ships crewed by 2100 volunteers, of those more than 300 are on call at any time, and can respond within 15 minutes. In 2011, the volunteers turned out to an emergency 3274 times. The Swedish Sea Rescue Society is involved 70% of the number SAR missions in Swedish waters.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.sjoraddning.se/detta-gor-vi/ | title = Vi räddar liv till sjöss | access-date = 9 March 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120228140809/http://www.sjoraddning.se/detta-gor-vi/ | archive-date = 28 February 2012 }}</ref>

===Switzerland===
[[Image:REGA-Negative0-38-36A(1).jpg|thumb|[[Rega (air rescue)|REGA]] [[Agusta A109|Agusta A109 K2]].]]
[[Rega (air rescue)|REGA]] (Schweizerische '''RE'''ttungsflugwacht / '''G'''arde '''A'''érienne / '''G'''uardia '''A'''erea) is the air rescue service which provides emergency medical assistance in [[Switzerland]], notably in mountains but also in cases of life-threatening emergencies elsewhere. They will also return a citizen to Switzerland from a foreign country if they are in need of urgent medical care. Rega was established on 27 April 1952 by Dr. Rudolf Bucher, who thought that the Swiss rescue organisation needed a specialised air sub-section.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rega.ch/en/start_en.aspx|title=Error 404; Seite nicht gefunden|work=rega.ch|access-date=26 February 2015|archive-date=30 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730053256/http://www.rega.ch/en/start_en.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Taiwan===
[[National Airborne Service Corps]] ('''NASC'''; {{lang-zh|c=內政部空中勤務總隊|p=Nèizhèngbù Kōngzhōng Qínwù Zǒngduì}}) is the agency of the [[Ministry of the Interior (Republic of China)|Ministry of the Interior]] of the [[Republic of China]] responsible for executing and providing support for search and rescue, disaster relief, emergency medical service, transportation, monitoring, reconnaissance and patrol in [[Taiwan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moi.gov.tw/outline/en/en-10.html |title=AN OUTLINE OF INTERIOR AFFAIRS. REPUBLIC OF CHINA 2013-National Airborne Service |publisher=Moi.gov.tw |date=3 December 2013 |access-date=22 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201170707/http://www.moi.gov.tw/outline/en/en-10.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}</ref>

[[Coast Guard Administration (Taiwan)|Coast Guard Administration]] ('''CGA'''; {{lang-zh|c=行政院海岸巡防署|p=Xíngzhèngyuàn Hǎi'àn Xúnfáng Shǔ}}) is charged with maintaining coastal waters and the pelagic zone patrols, smuggling and stowaway crackdowns, maritime rescues, natural resource conservation, and public services. The CGA is considered a civilian law enforcement agency under the administration of the [[Executive Yuan]], though during emergencies it may be incorporated as part of the [[Republic of China Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cga.gov.tw/GipOpen/wSite/ct?xItem=75936&ctNode=2355&mp=eng|title=Coast Guard Administration, Executive Yuan-Our Minister-A Word from the Minister|work=cga.gov.tw|date=5 December 2014 |access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref>

=== Turkey ===
[[File:AFAD Van kurtarma.JPG|thumb|[[Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency]]  (AFAD) teams in search and rescue mission [[2011 Van earthquakes]].]]
Search and Rescue operators in [[Turkey]] are primarily:

Civil governmental and non-governmental organisations

* [[Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency]]; also known as '''AFAD'''
* [[AKUT Search and Rescue Association|'''AKUT''' Search and Rescue Association]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.akut.org.tr/eng/historical.asp|title=About AKUT|date=29 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029171856/http://www.akut.org.tr/eng/historical.asp|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=29 October 2011}}</ref>
*National Medical Rescue Team ([[National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE)|UMKE]])<ref>{{Cite web|title=Haber, Gündem, Acil, Afet, Eğitim, sağlık|url=https://www.umke.org/|access-date=17 November 2019|website=www.umke.org|language=tr}}</ref>
* GEA Search and Rescue Association is a group of search and rescue, ecology and social campaigners, founded in 1994, made up of volunteer members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gea.org.tr/?page_id=3289&lang=en|title=ABOUT GEA {{!}} GEA Arama Kurtarma|language=en-US|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806223433/https://www.gea.org.tr/?page_id=3289&lang=en|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*AKDF Search and Rescue Associations Federation was established in nineteen different districts.
* AKA<ref>{{Cite web|title=~ AKA Arama Kurtarma Araştırma Derneği ~|url=http://www.devletkurumlari.net/detay-721/aka-arama-kurtarma-arastirma-dernegi.aspx|access-date=3 November 2020|website=www.devletkurumlari.net}}</ref>
* Search and Rescue and Emergency Aid Association (AKAY)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.akay.org.tr/|title=Akay – Akay.org.tr|language=tr|access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>
*AKUT <ref>{{Cite web|title=About AKUT {{!}} AKUT Search and Rescue Association {{!}} Turkish USAR Team|url=https://www.akut.org.tr/en/about-akut|access-date=3 November 2020|website=AKUT - Arama Kurtarma Derneği|language=en}}</ref>
* Middle East Search and Rescue, Mountaineering and Outdoor Sports Association (ORDOS)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ordos.org.tr/|title=ORDOS|website=ordos.org.tr|access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>
* NAK<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nak.org.tr/|title=Bursa Merkezli En Aktif Gönüllü Arama Kurtarma Derneği.|website=www.nak.org.tr|access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>
* National Emergency Search and Rescue Association (NESAR)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nesar.org.tr/12-kasim-afet-egitimi-hazirlik-gunu/|title=NESAR Ulusal Acil Durum Arama ve Kurtarma Derneği|website=NESAR Ulusal Acil Durum Arama ve Kurtarma Derneği|date=12 November 2019 |language=tr-TR|access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>
Military

* [[Gendarmerie Search and Rescue Battalion Command]] ('''JAK''')<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last1=Netherl|first1=Royal|last2=Marechaussee|first2=s|title=Turkish Gendarmerie|url=http://www.fiep.org/member-forces/turkish-gendarmerie/|access-date=3 November 2020|website=FIEP {{!}} International Association of Gendarmeries and Police Forces with Military Statues|date=16 May 2011 |language=en-US}}</ref>
*Gendarmerie Underwater Search and Rescue Teams ('''SAK''')<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.raillynews.com/2020/09/about-the-gendarmerie-search-and-rescue/|access-date=3 November 2020|website=www.raillynews.com|title=About Gendarmerie Search and Rescue|date=26 September 2020}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
* [[Diving, Safety, Security, Search and Rescue Team]]
* [[Air Force Search and Rescue]]
*[[Coast Guard Command (Turkey)]]  Turkish Coast Guard is also the main Search and Rescue Coordination Authority in Turkish SAR Zone

===Ukraine===
In [[Ukraine]] search and rescue is conducted by the ''State Search and Rescue Aviation Service'' of the [[Ministry of Emergencies (Ukraine)|Ministry of Emergencies of Ukraine]] Ukraviaposhuk.<ref>{{in lang|uk}}[http://www.mns.gov.ua/content/ukraviaposhukvstrukturi.html The page of the Ukrainian Search and Rescue at the Ministry of Emergencies website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102022807/http://www.mns.gov.ua/content/ukraviaposhukvstrukturi.html |date=2 January 2011 }}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
[[Image:Sea.king.northdevon.arp.750pix.jpg|thumb|right|[[Royal Air Force]] [[Westland Sea King]]]]
[[Image:Coastguard Helicopter at Portree - geograph.org.uk - 802391.jpg|thumb|right|HM Coastguard [[Sikorsky S-92]] SAR helicopter]]
In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], land-based searches for a [[missing person]] are usually coordinated by the local [[Policing in the United Kingdom|police]]. There is a network of local volunteer agencies that can be called out to assist these searches, which are part of the [[Association of Lowland Search And Rescue]]. Other voluntary agencies exist to provide specialist search and rescue services, such as the [[Cave Rescue Organisation]] and [[Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland]]. These organisations are usually called out indirectly by the police. For example, the [[British Cave Rescue Council]] advises that if someone goes missing in a cave, callers should contact the local police who will then summon cave rescue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caverescue.org.uk/about-cave-rescue/how-cave-rescue-works/|title=How Cave Rescue Works – British Cave Rescue Council}}</ref> [[Urban search and rescue]] units are run by the [[Fire services in the United Kingdom|fire services]].

[[His Majesty's Coastguard]] are in charge of maritime search and rescue missions. The Coastguard is one of the four emergency services that can be contacted on [[999 (emergency telephone number)|999]]. Their role is to initiate and coordinate the searches. [[Lifeboat (rescue)|Lifeboats]] are provided by volunteer agencies, most often by the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution]], but also by many [[Independent lifeboats in Britain and Ireland|Independent Lifeboats]]. Aircraft for an [[air-sea rescue]] were originally provided by the [[Royal Navy]] and [[Royal Air Force]]. Under the programme [[UK-SAR]], they are now operated under contract by [[Bristow Helicopters]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/search-and-rescue-helicopters--5/ |title=Search and rescue helicopters| publisher=Department for Transport |date=26 March 2013 |access-date=31 March 2013}}</ref>  The Maritime & Coastguard Agency are launching a tender for their second generation UK search and rescue aviation programme (UKSAR2G),<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/second-generation-uk-search-and-rescue-aviation-programme-uksar2g | publisher = MCA | title = Second generation UK search and rescue aviation programme (UKSAR2G) | access-date = 5 September 2020 }}</ref> which is one of several tenders for similar services.<ref name="Aerossurance"/>

Examples of local resources include:
*[[Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue]]<ref name="Sebev">{{cite web |last=SEBEV Search & Rescue |date=November 2009 |title=SEBEV Search and Rescue |url=http://www.sebev.co.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216003614/http://www.sebev.co.uk/ |archive-date=16 February 2023 |access-date=18 October 2009}}</ref>
*[[Cardiff and Vale Rescue Association]]
*[[Cave Rescue Organisation]]
*[[Emergency Response Team Search and Rescue]]<ref name="ERTSAR">{{cite web|url = http://www.ert-sar.org.uk|title = ERT Search and Rescue}}</ref>
*[[Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue]]
*[[Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team]]
*[[Surrey Search and Rescue]]<ref name="Sursar">{{cite web|url = http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/Volunteers-needed-aid-search-rescue/story-12667451-detail/story.html|title = Volunteers needed to aid search and rescue|access-date = 20 June 2011|last = Surrey Today|date = January 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723214625/http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/Volunteers-needed-aid-search-rescue/story-12667451-detail/story.html|archive-date = 23 July 2011|url-status = dead}}</ref>
*[[Severn Area Rescue Association]]
*[[Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association]]
*[[West Mercia Search and Rescue]]

=== United States ===
{{Main|Search and rescue in the United States}}

[[Image:US Navy 091108-N-5812W-004 The U.S. Coast Guard demonstrates how they conduct a search and rescue during the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular.jpg|right|thumb|US Coast Guard [[Eurocopter HH-65 Dolphin]] SAR helicopter]]
[[Image:US Coast Guard helicopter rescue demonstration.jpg|right|thumb|US Coast Guard [[Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk]] SAR helicopter]]

In the United States there are many organisations with SAR responsibilities at the national, state and local level. Most day-to-day SAR missions in the US are run by the County Sheriffs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sccssar.org/resources/faq|website=Santa Clara County Sheriff Search and Rescue|title = Frequently Asked Questions}}</ref> except in states like [[Alaska]], where the State Highway Patrol oversees SAR, or in other areas where SAR services are part of [[Fire department|fire/rescue]], [[Emergency medical services|EMS]], or a wholly separate, [[Nonprofit organization|non-profit]] organisation. They in turn, can request help from other departments, as well as state and national resources if they think they need them. A typical Sheriff's Office has a volunteer SAR team that matches the terrain and population of that county. SAR members are typically trained in the Incident Command System (ICS),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mra.org/ics-training/|title=Incident Command System (ICS) Training|website = Mountain Rescue Association}}</ref> first aid, and the outdoor skills needed in that terrain and climate. Most of this article is about the federal response to assist large complicated SAR missions.

In January 2008, the [[United States Department of Homeland Security]] (DHS) released the [[National Response Framework]] which serves as the guiding document for a federal response during a national emergency.  Search and Rescue is divided into four primary elements, while assigning a federal agency with the lead role for each of the four elements.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-annexes-all.pdf,|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211072903/http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-annexes-all.pdf|url-status = dead|title=Section ESF #9-1|archive-date=11 December 2013}}</ref>
* Structural Collapse-USAR: [[Department of Homeland Security]] [[Federal Emergency Management Agency]]
* Waterborne: [[United States Coast Guard]], [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary]]
* Inland-wilderness: [[United States Department of Interior]], [[National Park Service]]
* Aeronautical: [[United States Air Force]] via the [[Air Force Rescue Coordination Center]] and USAF rescue wings, groups and squadrons in the [[Air Combat Command]], [[Pacific Air Forces]] (for Alaska and Hawaii), [[Air Education and Training Command]], [[Air Force Reserve Command]] and the [[Air National Guard]]; the [[Civil Air Patrol]] in its role as the USAF Auxiliary; and the [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps]], both Active and Reserve (secondary missions for land-based USN maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons and land-based and sea-based USN/USMC helicopter squadrons)

SAR standards adopted by agencies having jurisdiction are developed primarily by non-governmental organisations, including [[ASTM International]] and [[National Fire Protection Association]].  These standards are adopted also by training and certification organisations such as [[Mountain Rescue Association]] and [[National Association for Search and Rescue]] to develop training that will meet or exceed those standards.<ref name="ASTM">{{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/F32.htm?L+memberstore+ooef3203+1171348303|title = Committee F32 on Search and Rescue|access-date = 24 February 2008|last = O'Toole|first = Thomas F.|date = n.d.}}</ref> Within ASTM International, standards specific to SAR are developed by Technical Committee F32 on Search and Rescue. Formed in 1988, the committee had 85 current members and jurisdiction of 38 approved standards.<ref name="ASTM"/>

===Vietnam===
Under command of the Central Government:
* National Committee of Search and Rescue is responsible for searching, rescuing and disaster relief.<ref>[http://www.vpa.org.vn/vn/regulations/tailieu/780-TTg.htm CỦA THỦ TƯỚNG CHÍNH PHỦ Số 780/TTg NGÀY 23 THÁNG 10 NĂM 1996 VỀ VIỆC THÀNH LẬP ỦY BAN QUỐC GIA TÌM KIẾM - CỨU NẠN TRÊN KHÔNG VÀ TRÊN BIỂN] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032511/http://www.vpa.org.vn/vn/regulations/tailieu/780-TTg.htm |date=4 March 2016 }} (Vietnamese)</ref>
* Central Committee of Prevention of Natural Disasters is responsible for analysing information and monitoring disaster relief processes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moj.gov.vn/vbpq/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=28721|title=Hệ thống thông tin VBQPPL|work=moj.gov.vn|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref>

Under command of local People's Committee:
* Each province and municipality has a Provincial or City Committee of Prevention of Natural Disaster

Under command of the [[Ministry of Defense (Vietnam)|Ministry of Defense]]:
* [[General Staff of Vietnam People's Army|General Staff]]: Department of Rescue of [[Vietnam People's Army]] is responsible for coordinating all military rescue activities (including ground force rescue activities).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vov.vn/chinh-tri/xay-dung-luc-luong-cuu-hocuu-nan-chinh-quy-va-hien-dai-344481.vov|title=Xây dựng lực lượng cứu hộ-cứu nạn chính quy và hiện đại|work=VOV - ĐÀI TIẾNG NÓI VIỆT NAM|access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref>
* [[Vietnam People's Navy|Navy]]: Office of Rescue of [[Vietnam People's Navy]] is responsible for coordinating naval rescue activities.
* [[Vietnam People's Air Force|Air Force]]: Office of Rescue of [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] is responsible for coordinating air force rescue activities. 
* [[Vietnam Coast Guard|Coast Guard]]: Office of Rescue of [[Vietnam Coast Guard]] is responsible for coordinating coastal rescue activities.
* [[Vietnam Border Defense Force|Border Guard]]: Office of Rescue of [[Vietnam Border Defense Force]] is responsible for coordinating border rescue activities.

Under command of the [[Ministry of Public Security (Vietnam)|Ministry of Public Security]]:
* Vietnam Fire and Rescue Police Department is responsible for fire fighting activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pccc.canhsat.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=222:t-chc-b-may-lc-lng-cnh-sat-phong-chay-va-cha-chay-&catid=90:t-chc-lc-lng&Itemid=297|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030141614/http://pccc.canhsat.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=222:t-chc-b-may-lc-lng-cnh-sat-phong-chay-va-cha-chay-&catid=90:t-chc-lc-lng&Itemid=297|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 October 2012|title=Tรกยปย• chรกยปยฉc bรกยปย mรยกy lรกยปยฑc lรยฐรกยปยฃng Cรกยบยฃnh sรยกt phรยฒng chรยกy vร chรกยปยฏa chรยกy|author=Administrator|work=canhsat.vn|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref>

Under command of the [[Ministry of Transport (Vietnam)|Ministry of Transport]]:
* Department of Maritime Administration: Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VMRCC) is responsible for maritime rescue activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vinamarine.gov.vn/Index.aspx?page%3Dabout%26tab%3Dsn |title=Cục Hàng hải Việt Nam |access-date=26 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014074848/http://vinamarine.gov.vn/Index.aspx?page=about&tab=sn |archive-date=14 October 2016 }}</ref> VMRCC is divided into 4 Rescue Regions:
** Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Region I: operate in Tonkin Gulf 
** Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Region II: operate in North Central sea
** Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Region III: operate in Gulf of Thailand and Southern sea
** Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Region IV: operate in South Central sea
* Corporation of Air Traffic Management: Vietnam Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center (VARCC) is responsible for air rescue activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vatm.vn/S%E1%BA%A3nph%E1%BA%A9mD%E1%BB%8Bchv%E1%BB%A5/T%C3%ACmki%E1%BA%BFmc%E1%BB%A9un%E1%BA%A1nSAR/tabid/225/aid/99/language/vi-VN/Default.aspx|title=Tìm kiếm cứu nạn (SAR)|work=vatm.vn|access-date=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226160439/http://www.vatm.vn/S%E1%BA%A3nph%E1%BA%A9mD%E1%BB%8Bchv%E1%BB%A5/T%C3%ACmki%E1%BA%BFmc%E1%BB%A9un%E1%BA%A1nSAR/tabid/225/aid/99/language/vi-VN/Default.aspx|archive-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> VARCC is divided into 3 Rescue Regions:
** Vietnam Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Northern Vietnam: operate in Northern region
** Vietnam Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Central Vietnam: operate in Central region
** Vietnam Aviation Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Southern Vietnam: operate in Southern region
** Vietnam Railway Rescue and Natural Calamity Response Center of Northern Vietnam: operates in Northern region
** Vietnam Railway Rescue and Natural Calamity Response Center of Central Vietnam: operates in Central region
** Vietnam Railway Rescue and Natural Calamity Response Center of Southern Vietnam: operates in Southern region

==Legitimacy of Search and Rescue==
{{Unreferenced section|date=June 2024}}
The legitimacy of sea rescue refers to the ethical, legal, and moral justification for acceptance of the act of rescuing individuals or groups of people who are in distress at sea. Sea rescue operations are conducted to save lives, prevent accidents, and offer assistance to those in peril on the water.

Legitimacy in this context encompasses various aspects:

'''1.	Legal Legitimacy''': This refers to compliance with international, regional, and national laws and regulations governing maritime safety, search and rescue operations, and the treatment of individuals in distress. These legal frameworks establish a clear foundation for the authority and duty to conduct sea rescue operations.

'''2.	Ethical Legitimacy:''' Ethical legitimacy pertains to the moral principles and values associated with rescuing people in distress at sea. The duty to save lives, the principle of non-refoulement (not returning individuals to places where they might face persecution), and the broader humanitarian imperative underpin ethical legitimacy.

'''3.	Moral Legitimacy:''' Moral legitimacy extends beyond legal and ethical considerations and involves public perception and societal acceptance. It is related to how society views and supports rescue efforts. The moral legitimacy of sea rescue operations is often influenced by the belief that saving human lives is a fundamental moral duty.

'''4.	Operational Legitimacy:''' This aspect concerns the practical and operational effectiveness of sea rescue operations. Ensuring that rescues are conducted efficiently, safely, and with the appropriate resources and expertise contributes to their operational legitimacy.

'''5.	Stakeholder Acceptance:''' The legitimacy of sea rescue operations also depends on the acceptance and cooperation of various stakeholders, including coastal states, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, and local communities. The involvement and support of these actors can enhance the overall legitimacy of rescue efforts.

In the context of the Mediterranean migration crisis, discussions about the legitimacy of sea rescue operations often revolve around these dimensions. Challenges and controversies related to legal ambiguities, accusations against NGOs, pushback practices by some states, and public opinion can all affect the perceived legitimacy of these operations. Balancing legal obligations, ethical imperatives, and the practical challenges of sea rescue remains a complex and ongoing issue, but many argue that the fundamental duty to save lives at sea should be the guiding principle that legitimises these operations.

The Mediterranean Sea has, for many years, been a major route for migration, hosting numerous asylum seekers, refugees, and economic migrants seeking a better life in Europe. This region is known for its perilous journey, often undertaken in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels, leading to frequent humanitarian crises at sea. As a result, the question of the legal legitimacy of sea rescue operations in the Mediterranean has emerged as a central concern.

==2. International Law of the Sea==

International law establishes a clear foundation for the legitimacy of sea rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
 
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international conventions like the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) obligate states to render assistance to those in distress at sea. These conventions provide a solid legal basis for sea rescue operations, emphasising the duty to save lives.

==2.1 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)==

[[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea|The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)]] provides a legal framework for various maritime activities, including sea rescue operations. This framework can be introduced as a two-step process. First, states are sorted into groups depending on activity and typical interest in the sea, principally coastal states and flag states. Second, the sea is divided into different zones (the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf, and the high seas) where different categories of states have different authority.

UNCLOS does establish the legal basis for conducting such operations by outlining key principles and obligations related to maritime safety and search and rescue at sea. These principles contribute to the legitimacy of sea rescue efforts:

'''1.	Duty to Render Assistance''': UNCLOS, under its article 98,<ref>{{cite web |title=United Nations. |url=https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf. |website=United Nations. |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref> places an obligation on all vessels and aircraft to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost and to inform the appropriate authorities. This duty underscores the moral and legal imperative to provide assistance to those in distress at sea.

[[Non-refoulement|2. Non-refoulment principle]]: While UNCLOS doesn't explicitly mention the principle of non-refoulement, it is a fundamental aspect of international refugee law and human rights law, which plays a significant role in the legitimacy of sea rescue. Non-refoulement prohibits returning individuals to places where their lives or freedoms might be threatened.

'''3.	SAR Regions and Coordination:''' UNCLOS encourages the establishment of search and rescue (SAR) regions and coordination centres. These provisions promote efficient and effective responses to maritime distress situations, enhancing the legitimacy of rescue efforts.

==2.1.1 Duty to Render Assistance==

The duty to render assistance at sea is set out by '''Article 98''' of the UNCLOS, as follows:

‘''1. Every State shall require the master of a ship flying its flag, in so far as he can do so without serious danger to the ship, the crew or the passengers:''
''(a) to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost;''
''(b) to proceed with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress, if informed of their need of assistance, in so far as such action may reasonably be expected of him; (…)''’

It imposes a general duty on state parties to require their vessels “''to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost”'' and “''to proceed with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress, if informed of their need of assistance, in so far as such action may reasonably be expected”''. Where ships collide, each ship’s master is to be obliged “to render assistance to the other ship, its crew and its passengers and, where possible, to inform the other ship of the name of his own ship, its port of registry and the nearest port at which it will call”. No immigration or other exceptions apply.

UNCLOS also at Article 98(2) imposes a duty on state parties to “promote the establishment, operation and maintenance of an adequate and effective search and rescue service regarding safety on and over the sea and, where circumstances so require, by way of mutual regional arrangements cooperate with neighbouring States for this purpose".

On the face of it, UNCLOS Article 98 obliges state parties, including the United Kingdom, to rescue refugees in distress at sea and also to operate a search and rescue system. There is an argument that Article 98 falls within the part of UNCLOS addressed only to the high seas and therefore the obligation does not apply within territorial waters or the contiguous zone (see Article 86). The words of Article 98 itself do not support this approach.
Article 18 seems to imply a duty of rescue in territorial waters and the contiguous zone; and, in any event, other conventions apply similar obligations without any similar restriction.

==2.1.2 Non-refoulement Principle==
The principle of non-refoulement refers to the obligation on states not to send individuals to territories in which they may be persecuted, or in which they are at risk of torture or other serious harm. It may not immediately correlate with the right of every one to seek asylum, but it does clearly place limits on what states may lawfully do.

This rule is solidly grounded in international human rights and refugee law, in treaty, in doctrine, and in customary international law. It is an inherent aspect of the absolute prohibition of torture, even sharing perhaps in some of the latter's jus cogens character. It applies independently of any formal recognition of refugee status or entitlement to other forms of protection, and it applies to the actions of states, wherever undertaken, whether at the land border, or in maritime zones, including the high seas.

Its essential characteristics are acts attributable to the state or other international actor, which have the foreseeable effect of exposing the individual to a serious risk of irreversible harm, contrary to international law.
UNHCR's Executive Committee, indeed, has particularly emphasised the importance of fully respecting the principle of non-refoulement in the context of maritime operations:

''‘… interception measures should not result in asylum-seekers and refugees being denied access to international protection, or in those in need of international protection being returned, directly or indirectly, to the frontiers of territories where their life or freedom would be threatened on account of a Convention ground, or where the person has other grounds for protection based on international law.’''

==2.2 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR)==

UNCLOS has been described as a “quasi-constitution for the oceans”. Three (or maybe four) further conventions set out the details of search and rescue obligations.
 
The first of these is the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), which was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1979 and came into force in 1985. The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue aims to enhance the effectiveness of search and rescue operations at sea by establishing a framework for coordination, cooperation, and the provision of assistance to persons in distress. It aims to create an international system for coordinating rescue operations that guarantees their efficiency and safety. States parties are thus invited to conclude SAR agreements with neighbouring states to regulate and coordinate SAR operations and services in the agreed maritime zone. Such agreements technically and operationally implement the obligation set out in Article 98 (2) of the UNCLOS, which provides that, where needed, neighbouring states shall cooperate through regional agreements to promote and maintain adequate and effective SAR services.

Following an amendment taking effect in 2004 for all parties except Malta, which formally objected, the obligation to provide assistance to a person at distress at sea expressly applies “regardless of the nationality or status of such a person or the circumstances in which that person is found” (para 2.1.10). Once a person has been rescued, they must be delivered to a “place of safety” (para 1.3.2 and 3.1.9).  In particular, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted two resolutions that amended SAR Convention (and SOLAS Convention), and which entered into force 1 July 2006. Consequently, Article 3 (1) (9) of the SAR Convention now provides:

‘Parties shall co-ordinate and co-operate to ensure that masters of ships providing assistance by embarking persons in distress at sea are released from their obligations with minimum further deviation from the ships’ intended voyage (…). The Party responsible for the search and rescue region in which such assistance is rendered shall exercise primary responsibilityfor ensuring such co-ordination and co-operation occurs, so that survivors assisted are disembarked from the assisting ship and delivered to a place of safety (…). In these cases, the relevant Parties shall arrange for such disembarkation to be effective as soon as reasonably practicable’.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Colin |first1=Yeo |title=Briefing: the duty of refugee sea rescue in international law |url=https://freemovement.org.uk/refugee-sea-rescue-in-international-law-and-uk-law/ |website=freemovement.org |date=5 October 2021 |access-date=20 October 2023}}</ref>

According to the MSC Guidelines, a ‘place of safety’ means a location where the rescue operations can be considered as completed. In accordance with Principle 6.14 of the Guidelines, the rescue unit can be the place of safety, but only provisionally. In fact, the text insists on the role that the flag state and the coastal state should play in substituting for the master of the rescuing vessel (Principle 6.13).
Moreover, pursuant to the same guidelines, the state in whose SAR zone the operation took place has the duty to provide or, at least, to secure a place of safety for the rescued persons (Principle 2.5). This Principle simply requires that the coastal state carries out the SAR operations and brings them effectively to an end, i.e., not leaving the rescued persons (whatever their status) at sea. Considering that the MSC Guidelines are not binding, Principle 2.5 suggests that the coastal state has a ‘residual obligation’ to allow disembarkation on its own territory when it has not been possible to do so safely anywhere else.[16] This has been clarified by the IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL), which adopted the ‘Principles relating to administrative procedures for disembarking persons rescued at sea’.

Another issue concerns the identification of the beneficiary of the obligation: is the duty to render assistance a purely inter-state obligation or does it entail a right to be rescued for people in distress at sea? The law of the sea is a field of international law where individuals or more generally private actors have little involvement. The main aim of the law of the sea consists of allocating obligations and rights in different maritime zones to states. However, the multiplication of activities at sea and the increased human presence led to the question of the protection of the human element, in particular of the application of human rights at sea. Many scholars have already discussed the application of the relevant human rights treaties at sea, pointing out that the law of the sea, specifically the LOSC, pursues some community interests, among which the protection of human rights. Building on this scholarship, the duty to render assistance can be considered to be the operational obligation deriving from the application of the human right to life at sea.

==2.3 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)==

The second one is [[SOLAS https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLAS Convention|the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974]] ('''SOLAS'''), which is primarily concerned with the seaworthiness of ships. This convention is also widely ratified, including by the United Kingdom. It is a very substantial and detailed document, the first version of which was adopted in 1914 in response to the sinking of the Titanic. 
SOLAS imposes a duty on the master of a ship at sea, on receiving information from any source that persons are in distress at sea, “to proceed with all speed to their assistance” (Chapter V, regulation 33-1 as amended). While the wording appears directed to the master in person, the obligation is probably better read as being on the state party to ensure that a master of a ship acts in the required way. 
The convention also imposes on state parties an obligation “to ensure that necessary arrangements are made for distress communication and co-ordination in their area of responsibility and for the rescue of persons in distress at sea around its coasts” (Chapter V, regulation 7). These duties apply to “all ships on all voyages” other than ships of war and ships in the Great Lakes and tributaries (Chapter V, regulation 1).
Mirroring the 2004 adjustments to SAR, SOLAS was also amended explicitly to state that the duty to provide assistance “applies regardless of the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which they are found”. It further provides that a rescued person should be treated “with humanity” while on board a rescue ship and then delivered to a place of safety.

==2.4 Salvage conventions==

Finally, there are two international conventions on salvage, both of which impose a requirement to render assistance at sea. The reason the salvage conventions impose this obligation is to ensure that priority is given to saving lives rather than property in a salvage situation.

The first is '''[[Brussels Convention on Assistance and Salvage at Sea|the Brussel Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules with Respect to Assistance and Salvage at Sea of 1910]]''', or simply the Brussels Convention. '''Article 11''' provides that:
 
''‘Every master is bound, so far as he can do so without serious danger to his vessel, her crew and her passengers, to render assistance to everybody, even though an enemy, found at sea in danger of being lost.''

The second is the International Convention on Salvage of 1989 (the Salvage Convention). Article 10 requires every ship’s master, ''“so far as he can do so without serious danger to his vessel and persons thereon, to render assistance to any person in danger of being lost at sea”'' and imposes a duty on state parties to adopt the measures necessary to enforce that duty.

==3. European Union Law==
[[European Union|The European Union (EU)]] has played a significant role in shaping the legal framework for sea rescue in the Mediterranean. 
First of all, it has established the [[European Border and Coast Guard Agency]] ('''Frontex''') to coordinate and support member states in border and maritime security.

==3.1 Frontex==
Frontex is the European Union agency responsible for “European integrated border management” (EU, 2016). Its mission is to “ensure safe and well-functioning external borders providing security” (Frontex, 2019).

Frontex was founded by a Council Regulation in 2004 as the “European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders” and became operational a year later. The founding regulation was amended several times, until it was replaced by a new Regulation in 2016, establishing a “European Border and Coast Guard” (European Commission, 2004; EU, 2016). These repeated legal revisions are mirrored by a rapid organisational growth of the agency. Frontex, currently, has a budget of over 300 million euros and will dispose of 11.3 billion euros in 2021–2027, with which it aims to finance a 10,000 standing corps of operational staff and acquire its own ships, vehicles and planes (European Commission, 2018).Frontex plays a central role in managing and regulating sea rescue operations within the EU. EU law, particularly regulations related to Frontex, outlines the responsibilities, actions, and legal parameters for Frontex-coordinated rescue operations.

Ten studies (14 per cent) shed light on the nature and implementation of Frontex’ activities. The Frontex Regulation has been repeatedly revised to expand the agency’s mandate. In fact, Article 8 of the EU Regulation establishing the European Border and Coast Guard identified no less than 21 tasks that Frontex is mandated to carry out. Beyond merely listing these responsibilities, these studies describe how such official tasks are translated into practice.
                                           
Frontex can be viewed as the EU’s attempt to implement “integrated border management” (IBM), which aims to introduce non-arrival measures and curb illegal migration. This requires cooperation of Frontex with various partners, such as Member States, third countries and relevant other agencies (e.g. Europol) (Demmelhuber, 2011). Frontex is primarily preoccupied with joint operations to reinforce border control, many of which focus on the Mediterranean (Üstübici and Içduygu, 2018). To this end, Frontex coordinates the deployment of border officials, who participate in border patrol, thereby contributing to the arrest of suspected facilitators and setting in motion a continuous decline in the number of migrants crossing (Tryfon, 2012). An analysis of hot spot “Moria” on Lesbos, Greece, demonstrates that Frontex personnel not only monitors the border but also engages in migrant identification and registration. As migrants arrive in the camp, they access a “registration street”, in which Frontex screeners identify the nationality of migrants, while advanced-level document officers check the veracity of their identification papers. Fingerprinters take fingerprints and enter these into databases, after which Frontex’ partners begin the asylum process and provide humanitarian aid.<ref name="Frontex: A Literature Review">{{cite book |last1=Kalkman |first1=Jori Pascal |title=Frontex: A Literature Review |date=17 June 2020}}</ref>

To facilitate the effective and efficient deployment of personnel and capabilities, Frontex also gathers intelligence and produces its own risk analyses, which address the (expected) situation at the EU external borders. As its intelligence role is growing, the agency collects data from cross-border movements inside the EU and from entrance information that Member States and the various organisational partners provide (Den Boer, 2015; Takle, 2017).<ref name="Frontex: A Literature Review"/> Some of this information is also retrieved from third countries, with which Frontex has concluded working arrangements. This is beneficial for Frontex as it ensures continuous data exchange on relevant migration trends and the sharing of best practices (Coman-Kund, 2018). In turn, representatives of these third countries have been participant observers in Frontex operations (Sagrera, 2014). To what extent these agreements are binding remains subject to debate (cf. Sagrera, 2014; Coman-Kund, 2018).
Finally, Frontex also mediates between the Member States to coordinate joint returns when multiple Member States have nationals of the same country to be sent back. The agency makes sure that returnees are gathered in one Member State from where a collective return flight departs. A Frontex staff member monitors compliance with its Code of Conduct when it organises the return flight (Pirjola, 2015).
It is striking how rapid Frontex’ responsibilities have expanded. Frontex’ tasks, first of all, horizontally expanded with its mandate to set up rapid response teams that can be deployed on short notice. Frontex’ tasks have also deepened as existing responsibilities were elaborated. For instance, Frontex received the authority to organise return flights. At this moment, Frontex could even contribute to the reintroduction of border controls when a Member State does not comply with the recommendations that follow its vulnerability assessments (Scipioni, 2017).
Current studies on Frontex display strong links to the field of critical theory, migration law research and literature on EU public administration. This has provided many insightful publications. Yet, there are very few connections with organisation and management literature, crisis studies and policing scholarship, even though these disciplines may improve our understanding of Frontex’ agency characteristics, how it operates during joint operations and how Frontex negotiates tensions between providing care and exercising control. Likewise, EU studies can shed light on the relations between EU agencies and other European actors and what this means for their relative autonomy (e.g. Egeberg and Trondal, 2011). Next, while there are some links between the five themes, these connections can be reinforced in the interest of theory-building. For instance, there is a suggestion that Frontex’ autonomy (in line with neo-institutionalist explanations) reduces its accountability (Carrera et al., 2013). Likewise, Frontex’ limited accountability and transparency may help to explain its continuing struggles with human rights. In general, as Frontex continues to expand, new theory-building is needed to further assess and understand the agency and its impact.

==3.2 Common European Asylum System==
The European Union has established a [[Common European Asylum System|Common European Asylum System (CEAS).]]

It is a legal and policy framework developed to guarantee harmonised and uniform standards for people seeking international protection in the EU. It is based on an understanding that the EU, an area of open borders and freedom of movement where countries share the same fundamental values, needs to have a common approach to implement transparent, effective and equitable procedures.

CEAS emphasises a shared responsibility to process applicants for international protection in a dignified manner, ensuring fair treatment and similar procedures in examining cases, irrelevant of the country where the application is lodged. At its core, CEAS aims to achieve: a clear functional process to determine which country is responsible for examining an application for protection; a set of common standards to inform fair and efficient asylum procedures; a set of common minimum conditions for the dignified reception of applicants for protection and convergence on the criteria for granting protection associated with those statuses.

Within the context of CEAS, the [[Tampere Convention|Tampere Declaration]] set out the foundation for a comprehensive approach to migration by addressing political, human rights and developmental issues in countries and regions of origin and transit.68 Through this agreement with governments, legislative and policy measures were adopted at the EU level to set a framework to manage high influxes of displaced persons by accommodating persons in need of protection while supporting Member States experiencing pressure on their asylum systems.
After the first phase (from 1999 to 2005), Member States reflected on the functioning of CEAS and implemented improvements to the five legislations that govern the minimum standards of the European asylum system.<ref>{{cite web |title=European Union |url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/common-european-asylum-system_en |website=European Union |access-date=20 October 2023}}</ref>
The increased – and often uneven – pressure that national asylum and reception systems in EU+ countries faced since 2015 presented both a challenge and an opportunity for EU+ countries to take bold steps toward systemic and commonly-agreed solutions for further harmonisation, on the basis of solidarity and responsibility-sharing. Above all, it underlined the importance of the very existence of CEAS and a common migration policy – to have an EU-wide framework to manage mixed migratory flows, iv including border management, international protection and the return of rejected applicants. In the EU context, mixed migratory flows are defined as "complex migratory population movements, including refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants and other types of migrants as opposed to migratory population movements that consist entirely of one category of migrants".

==3.3 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union==
EU law is bound by the [[Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union]], which brings together the most important personal freedoms and rights enjoyed by citizens of the EU into one legally binding document.

The Charter was declared in 2000, and came into force in December 2009 along with the Treaty of Lisbon. It includes provisions related to human dignity, non-discrimination, and asylum. The Convention is divided into 6 chapters (Dignity, Freedoms, Equality, Solidarity, Citizen’s rights, Justice) and articles.  These rights and principles are instrumental in shaping the legitimacy of sea rescue operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=EU Charter of Fundamental Rights |url=https://commission.europa.eu/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/your-rights-eu/eu-charter-fundamental-rights_en |website=EU Charter of Fundamental Rights |access-date=15 October 2023}}</ref>

==3.4 Schengen Area==
Moreover, for EU member states participating in the [[Schengen Area]], there are legal obligations and responsibilities for border control and management, including responding to situations at sea that may require rescue operations.

The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 400 million EU citizens, along with non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes (anyone legally present in the EU). Free movement of persons enables every EU citizen to travel, work and live in an EU country without special formalities. Schengen underpins this freedom by enabling citizens to move around the Schengen Area without being subject to border checks.
Today, the Schengen Area encompasses most EU countries, except for Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania. However, Bulgaria and Romania are currently in the process of joining the Schengen Area and already applying the Schengen acquis to a large extent. On 1 January 2023 Croatia became the newest member state to join the Schengen area. Additionally, also the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have joined the Schengen Area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Schengen Area |url=https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-area_en |website=Schengen Area |access-date=20 October 2023}}</ref>

==Aircraft==
[[File:Aerospatiale SA 330J Puma (3737048031).jpg|alt=Spanish Air Force Aérospatiale SA330J Puma of 801 Squadron flying in an airshow. It is lifting a stretcher with a hoist. On the side of the helicopter is lettering reading "SAR", in yellow against the military grey colour scheme.|thumb|260x260px|[[Spanish Air Force]] [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Aérospatiale SA330J Puma]] of the 801 Squadron of the Air Force. Note the lettering reading "SAR".]]
Rotary and fixed wing aircraft are used for air and sea rescue. A list of common aircraft used:

* [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Aérospatiale SA330 Puma]]
* [[Aérospatiale SA 360 Dauphin|Aérospatiale SA360 Dauphin]]
* [[Airbus Helicopters H175]]
* [[AgustaWestland AW109]]
* [[AgustaWestland AW139]]
* [[AgustaWestland AW101]]
**[[AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant]]
* [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]]
**[[Bell CH-146 Griffon]]
* [[Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight]]
** [[Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador|CH-113 Labrador and 113A Voyageur]]
* [[Eurocopter Dauphin]] - variant of [[Aérospatiale SA 360 Dauphin]]
**[[HH-65 Dolphin|Eurocopter Dolphin HH-65]]
**[[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin|Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin 2]]
* [[Eurocopter Super Puma|Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma]]
**[[Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma]]
**[[Eurocopter AS532 Cougar]]
* [[Lockheed HC-130 Hercules]]
* [[Lockheed P-3 Orion]]
* [[Sikorsky S-61]]
* [[Sikorsky S-70|Sikorsky S-70 Blackhawk]]
**[[Sikorsky HH-60 Jayhawk]]
**[[Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk]]
**[[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk]]
* [[Sikorsky S-76]]
* [[Sikorsky S-92]]
** [[Sikorsky S-92|Sikorsky H-92 Superhawk]]
** [[Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone]]
* [[Westland Sea King]]
* [[Westland Wessex|Westland Wessex HC2]]

== See also ==
*[[Air-sea rescue]]
*[[Bayesian search theory]]
*[[Cave rescue]]
*[[Coast guard]]
*[[Combat search and rescue]]
*[[Crash boats of World War 2]]
*[[Emergency locator beacon]]
*[[Emergency management]]
*[[Emergency position-indicating radiobeacon station]] (EPIRS)
*[[Firefighter]]
*[[Firefighting]]
*[[International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual]]
*[[International Cospas-Sarsat Programme]]
*[[International Search and Rescue Competition]]
*[[Maritime search and rescue]]
*[[Mountain rescue]]
*[[Pars robot]], an Iranian drone designed for sea rescue
*[[Personal locator beacon]]
*[[Rescue robot]]
*[[Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS)]]
*[[Self rescue (climbing)]]
*[[Ski patrol]]
*[[Urban search and rescue]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Search and rescue}}

{{Emergency medical services}}
{{Civil defence}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Search And Rescue}}
[[Category:Rescue]]
[[Category:Search and rescue| ]]