Pacific Island countries have reaffirmed their commitment to saving lives at sea, following the 10th Pacific Regional Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop held in Suva (Fiji). This biennial event (11-15 November) gathered authorities from across the region to advance regional SAR capability.
Hosted by the Government of Fiji, the workshop convened representatives from 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), alongside partnering organizations with the support of IMO, Pacific Community (SPC), the Fiji Navy and the Pacific Search and Rescue Steering Committee (PacSAR SC).
The meeting reviewed progress under the PacSAR Strategic Plan 2022–2026 and agreed that development of the next five-year plan will proceed intersessionally. Guided by its four pillars – governance, coordination, operational response and prevention – the strategy carries the mission of strengthening SAR capability across all PICTs in line with international standards. Throughout the sessions, participating countries presented national progress over the last few years.
Through case studies, thematic discussions and peer exchanges, participants deepened their understanding of IMO and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) roles in delivering effective SAR services. Their discussions reaffirmed the importance of adhesion and implementation of global instruments such as the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR 1979), structuring harmonized SAR services across the Pacific.
Participants developed a regional framework for SAR coordination and planning in line with the SAR Technical Arrangements for Cooperation (SAR TAfC) – the established guidelines that ensure effective collaboration between search and rescue services under the SOLAS Convention. The workshop concluded with a mass rescue exercise, allowing participants to put their new learnings into practice.
PacSAR Steering Committee
The PacSAR Steering Committee, comprising Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand and the United States, in collaboration with PICTs, oversees a vast area of responsibility in the central and southeastern Pacific. Its biennial workshop serves as a critical platform for SAR agencies and industry partners to exchange best practices, address emerging challenges and enhance operational cooperation.
This year’s workshop welcomed government representatives from Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, the United States and Vanuatu, along with observers and partners from key organizations, including the IMO, ICAO Asia and Pacific Office, International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), Iridium Satellite and SPC.
