IMO's Second Polar Video Focuses on SAR

The IMO has published a video focused on search and rescued (SAR) in polar regions. The new video follows the launch of one in May on the IMO Polar Code,

The second video in the series on the polar environment takes a look at the challenges of search and rescue operations in polar regions, for example, how the current lack of marine infrastructure, coupled with the vastness and harshness of the environment, makes emergency response significantly more difficult in the Arctic and Antarctica. The limitations of radio and satellite communications to monitor and control ship movements in polar waters is considered. 

The new video also explores the IMO’s International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue – the SAR Convention – which was adopted in 1979. Under the SAR Convention, individual countries are responsible for specified search and rescue regions, together forming the Global Search and Rescue Plan. A network of rescue co-ordination centers and sub-centers has been established and, together, they cover all the world’s oceans.

The video features an exclusive interview with Commander Rodrigo Lepe, former Chief of the Chilean Navy base at Bahia Fildes on King George Island in Antarctica. The interview highlights the unique challenges he and his team face to ensure sound search and rescue practices in such a remote and inhospitable area.

The IMO's first polar video: