Canada’s ability to respond to a marine mass rescue operation from the mariner’s perspective is important. It has been said that mass rescue operational planning is more critical than ever but often remains undervalued by Search and Rescue organizations that are “responders”, not planners.” This article argues for more inclusive planning.
Canada’s Major Maritime Disaster response is set out in the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Manual in Chapter 7. and requires each SAR region to have a SAR Contingency Plan. It is time for Canada to look at its preparedness to respond to its own marine mass rescue operation, or black swan event. In Canada, the National SAR manual sets out all of the obligations of the parties with respect to marine SAR and is a worthwhile read for any mariner interested in the subject. A copy of the document can be found at http://loki.cgc.gc.ca/cansarp/sarmanuals/nsm.pdf