Arctic SAR Agreement Operational Guidelines

Strengthening Arctic search and rescue through shared guidelines and coordinated international preparedness

The Arctic SAR Operational Guidelines will set out non-binding procedures for a collaborative, multilateral response to incidents requiring activation of the Arctic SAR Agreement, and advance Article 7-Conduct of Aeronautical and Maritime Seach and Rescue Operations and Article 9-Cooperation Among the Parties.

Objectives:

• Develop internal, context-specific recommendations agreed to by Arctic States to enhance SAR preparedness and improve SAR response outcomes.
• Acknowledge the role of Indigenous and Northern communities in Arctic SAR preparedness and response, and apply UNDRIP to development of the Arctic SAR Operational Guidelines.
• Enhance Arctic SAR Agreement implementation and preparedness through agreement amongst Arctic States on best practices, key considerations/recommendations, and frequency of connectivity and request for assistance tests.

Project leads are EPPR SAR Expert Group and Canada.