National Search and Rescue (SAR): Who Qualifies and What You Get

The National Search and Rescue (SAR) scheme provides emergency assistance to vessels facing life-threatening situations at sea. This service is designed to protect people navigating the waters of the United Arab Emirates by providing a rapid response to maritime emergencies.

👤Who it's for

This service is available to any vessel that finds itself in distress while within the territorial waters of the United Arab Emirates. Whether you are operating a commercial vessel or a smaller craft, if your boat is in a dangerous situation at sea, you are eligible for this emergency assistance.

🎁What you get

If your vessel is in trouble, you can receive emergency rescue operations and medical assistance to help you and your crew. The assistance is designed to address immediate threats to life and safety, providing the necessary support to manage a maritime emergency until the situation is stabilized.

💰What it costs you

This service is provided free of charge to those in need of emergency help. However, to effectively access this help, you must have the necessary radio communication capability on your vessel. Without functional communication equipment, it may be difficult for rescuers to locate you when you need them most.

⚠️The catch to know

The most important thing to remember is that you must maintain a working VHF radio on channel 16. This specific channel is used for maritime communication and is the primary way to ensure that rescue services can hear your distress signal and coordinate a response.

📝How to apply

1. Ensure your vessel is equipped with a functional VHF radio before setting sail.
2. Keep your radio turned on and actively monitor the designated emergency channel.
3. Broadcast your distress signal clearly if your vessel encounters an emergency.
4. Follow all instructions provided by the maritime authorities during the rescue operation.