This review is important for addressing current and future gaps within the global maritime search and rescue (SAR) system, which acts as a crucial safety net that safeguards lives, facilitates maritime trade, and supports livelihoods worldwide.
The maritime SAR sector currently faces several internal challenges, including uneven capacities and capabilities, limited international collaboration, and outdated policies and legal frameworks. These issues are compounded by emerging global challenges such as the effects of climate change, geopolitical instability, irregular migration, and economic volatility. A further critical concern is the lack of robust data and evidence, which affects the implementation of effective maritime SAR services and hampers advocacy and communication efforts aimed at driving policy improvements.
it will analyse the present SAR landscape, highlight its strengths and weaknesses, and offer actionable recommendations to improve the system’s resilience and efficiency. The project will involve a broad range of stakeholders, including national SAR organisations, policymakers, community-based SAR teams such as artisanal fishing communities in Tanzania, national governments, commercial shipping enterprises, academics, sector suppliers, and diverse water users.