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] The convention forms part of the legal framework covering Search and rescue at sea. [3]
The SAR Convention was adopted on 27 April 1979. [1] [4] It entered into force on 22 June 1985. [1]
The Convention has been amended by IMO resolutions MSC.70(69) and MSC.155(78). [5] These respective amendments occurred in 1998 and in 2004 respectively. [6]
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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. [5] [7] This includes the establishment of 13 distinct SAR areas of the world's oceans. [5] [4]
It also sets out the establishment of Rescue coordination centres around the world to control SAR operations. [1] [5]
As of October 2022, 114 countries were party to the Convention. [8]
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