The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) announced the commencement of IMO SAR-GMDSS mission (International Maritime Organisation- Search and Rescue - Global Maritime Distress and Safety System). The existing SAR Maritime and Aeronautical capabilities in the Kingdom were reviewed and adviced on the way forward in order to bring Bahrain’s systems in line with the IMO IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue) standards. The announcement was made at the IMO SAR mission opening meeting held at the GOP’s offices, which was attended by GOP, Bahrain Defence Force, Coast Guard, Civil Defence, Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation Affairs, National Committee for Disaster Management, and Bahrain Radio (Batelco).
The core objectives of the meeting in Bahrain included following up on the recent SAR mission held in Saudi Arabia, taking into consideration the possibility of establishing a Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (RMRCC) for the entire Gulf region. In addition, the possible creation of a regional SAR system by means of bilateral or multilateral agreements with neighbouring countries to provide SAR services in the GCC was explored.
Commenting on the occasion, Hassan Ali AlMajed, Director General of the GOP said, “We take the issue of Search and Rescue very seriously in Bahrain, and are thus very happy to have the chance to evaluate our existing systems and processes relating to SAR and GMDSS in coordination with the relevant authorities in Bahrain and the cooperation of the IMO. We are in the midst of ensuring all our procedures are in line with and meet the recognised international standards, in addition to exploring possible ways of extending the scope of SAR throughout the GCC by way of the establishment of Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres.”
“We have always worked closely with the IMO, and will continue to do so as we look to implement the latest international safety standards and more effective solutions, through refining the current structure of the SAR and GMDSS systems in Bahrain,
Additionally, the IMO SAR-GMDSS mission evaluated the existing SAR structure, taking into account human resources, long term training programmes required for personnel, and proposed some key enhancements to enable Bahrain in carrying out its SAR duties in the future
As Maritime Administration and regulatory authority of the sea ports of Bahrain, the GOP has begun working in cooperation with IMO SAR counterparts throughout the GCC to enhance the marine search and rescue operations throughout the entire Gulf to limit the loss of lives and properties , GOP’s SAR initiatives will ensure a secure environment for the aviation and maritime transport industry, trade, recreation and travel.
It is hoped that IMO SAR mission will pave the way for Bahrain to become a signatory to “The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979” SAR Convention.