When people are in distress at sea, organized help must respond. Search and rescue (SAR) is the coordinated activity of locating and assisting persons in distress in maritime or aeronautical environments.

Coast guards, navies, and specialized SAR organizations run rescue coordination centers that task ships, aircraft, and shore teams. The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue and the SOLAS convention set obligations for states and for ships that receive distress alerts. Nearby merchant ships are often the first to assist.

Effective SAR depends on rapid alerting, accurate position information, and practiced procedures. Drills, equipment such as EPIRBs and SARTs, and clear radio discipline all improve outcomes. Every seafarer is a potential participant in someone else’s rescue.

• Coordinated location and assistance of people in distress
• Led by rescue coordination centers
• Involves ships, aircraft, and shore units
• Supported by international conventions and shipboard duty