Who needs to plan for a mass rescue? You do!

If you're looking for an example why organizations like the United States Coast Guard have a Mass Rescue Operations program you don't need to look much further than this story from Korea. According to  the Jeju Weekly, a Korean ferry caught fire sending all the passengers into the water. Twenty three Korean Coast Guard and Navy vessels, along with helicopters, rescued 128 passengers. 

The IMO also recognized the need for a robust mass rescue program in COMSAR Circular 31. There are several other mass rescue related documents you may find useful, including:

• Guidelines for Plans of Cooperation between SAR services and Passenger Vessels.
• Enhanced Contingency Planning Guidance for Passenger Ships Operating in Areas Remote From Facilities.
• Guidelines on Voyage Planning for Passenger Ships Operating in Remote Areas

Finally, the National SAR Supplement has guidance on mass rescue operations which could prove a useful planning tool. 

Are you prepared to assist in a mass rescue? 

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