IAMSAR

IAMSAR stands for International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue. It is an international manual that provides standardized guidelines for the organization and conduct of search and rescue operations for both air and sea distress situations. The manual is published jointly by the International Maritime Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Telecommunication Union and is periodically updated to reflect advancements in doctrine, technology, and international agreements. It aims to ensure consistency and interoperability of SAR services worldwide by establishing common terminology, responsibilities, and procedures for national SAR authorities, rescue coordination centers, and responding assets.

The scope covers how to plan, coordinate, and execute search and rescue missions; designation of authorities and response structures; communication procedures, data sharing, resource management, and coordination among land, sea, air, and satellite components. The guidance applies to both strategic planning at the national and regional levels and tactical operations in the field.

IAMSAR is organized into three volumes. Volume I focuses on Organization and Management, describing SAR system arrangements, roles, and procedures. Volume II covers Mission Coordination, detailing the operational process for planning and conducting searches, coordinating assets, and handovers. Volume III, Mobile SAR, provides practical guidance for field operations, including search planning, asset deployment, and survivability considerations for aircraft and vessels.

The manual is widely used by governments and SAR organizations to design and evaluate national SAR services and to facilitate international cooperation during cross-border missions. Access to IAMSAR and its updates is through the publishing bodies’ official channels.