The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines a mass rescue operation (MRO) as “characterized by the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress such that the capabilities normally available to the search and rescue authorities are inadequate”. What is important is that a mass rescue operation is large and complex enough to be beyond the local SAR authorities’ normal capabilities. There is a “capability gap”. This gap must be filled if everyone is to be rescued. We can prepare for these challenges by recognizing the risks, and planning and training to deal with them. This is a matter for everyone who might become involved in an MRO.
This lecture proposes to look at some of the lessons identified from MRO cases and personal experience.