Abstract: In addition to specialized rescue units, merchant ships can also take part in SAR operations. According to regulations, the ship’s master has the right to refuse assistance if the safety of the ship is at risk. The article presents the hazards that lead to a ship being excluded from a SAR operation. Weather conditions, and in particular the ship’s course relative to the waves, have the main impact on the ship’s safety. The presented algorithm allows for the determination of hazards on individual courses. Thanks to this, it is possible to calculate the probability of danger for a given ship on search courses. To avoid danger, it is recommended to change course, which cannot be used during a SAR operation, or to change speed. The impact of changing the ship’s speed on the probability of occurrence has been presented using the example of three different ships.1. INTRODUCTION
According to the SAR Convention signed in Hamburg in 1979, all countries with access to the sea are obliged to organize and maintain life-saving services at sea [4]. As part of this service, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCC) and coastal rescue stations are designated, where rescuers and Search and Rescue Mission Coordinators (SMC) are on duty. They have specialized equipment at their disposal, such as maritime rescue vessels, e.g., SAR-1500, rescue boats, and other vehicles. During operations, naval helicopters are also used.
It seems that these are forces and resources sufficient to effectively provide assistance to people at sea. However, this equipment also has its limitations and in certain conditions is unable to perform its tasks. In such cases, as well as in any other situation, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC) has the right to use the assistance of merchant vessels located near the scene of the accident.
According to the Brussels Convention of 1910, the master of a ship is obliged to “render assistance to any person, even if found at sea in danger of being lost, provided he can do so without serious danger to his ship, his crew, his passengers”[2]. These provisions were later repeated in the SOLAS Convention in Chapter V/33, as well as in the Maritime Code. The main task of the master is to ensure the safety of their own crew and ship. For this reason, they may refuse to participate in a SAR operation or withdraw their ship from the operation.
The article presents the hazards that may cause a merchant ship to withdraw from a SAR operation. (…)
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Source: Logistics Magazine