International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue

The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention) is a maritime safety convention of the International Maritime Organization.^[1][2] It entered into force on 22 June 1985.^[1][3] The convention forms part of the legal framework covering Search and rescue at sea.^[4]

The SAR Convention covers search and rescue at sea, as seen here in the rescue of shipwrecked survivors

The SAR Convention was adopted on 27 April 1979.^[1][5] It entered into force on 22 June 1985.^[1]

The Convention has been amended by IMO resolutions MSC.70(69) and MSC.155(78).^[6] These respective amendments occurred in 1998 and in 2004 respectively.^[7]

Content

The SAR Convention covers coordinated Search and rescue at sea, including the organisation of Air-sea rescue services.^[1] The aim of the convention was to ensure agreed, standardised procedures for SAR around the world.

It establishes SAR regions (SARR) to allow coastal States to coordinate SAR provision.^[6][8] This includes the establishment of 13 distinct SAR areas of the world's oceans.^[6][5]

It also sets out the establishment of Rescue coordination centres around the world to control SAR operations.^[1][6]

Ratification

As of October 2022, 114 countries were party to the Convention.^[9]