“We want to ensure the safest possible cruise operations in the Arctic, and the best possible response if there is an incident.” This was the opening statement of the Joint Arctic Search and Rescue (SAR) event in Reykjanesbær this week.
The topic was turning findings, from exercises and experiences, into action. Working together – industry, responders and authorities aim to enhance safety in Arctic maritime operations.
Since 2016 the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), the Icelandic Coast Guard and the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Northern Norway have invited expedition cruise operators and SAR entities for an annual Joint Arctic SAR Event.
The event gathered approximately 70 participant for two days, following up on previous SAR events and exercises. Through discussions and workshops the participants focused on how to turn findings into actions. On the agenda were national SAR presentations from Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Canada and the US and updates from the expedition cruise industry.
Demonstrations of emergency equipment from the Danish Air force, ICE-SAR and the Icelandic Red Cross took place in Keflavik Airport hangar, and the Icelandic Coast Guard demonstrated a live vessel recue operation in the harbor of Reykjanesbær.
Findings and lessons learned
Previous exercise reports highlight lessons learned and opportunities for further collaborations and learning across sectors. These cover procedures and means of communication and sharing of information, collaboration and coordination, abandon ship procedures, crowd management techniques and efficient use of equipment.
The expedition cruise industry as an asset
Throughout the Arctic and North Atlantic there is an increase in cruise tourism. This brings opportunities to the areas; however, growth poses some risks. In a traditional approach to risk the SAR entities have viewed the industry as a problem.
– A “blooming” cruise industry is great, however there are some challenges. They can be managed by working together, says Capt. Auðunn Kristinsson from the Icelandic Coast guard.
This is seconded by Superintendent Steve Thompson from the Canadian Coast Guard. He emphasizes that gathering operators and SAR entities on a regular basis to exercise builds trust and enhanced knowledge.
– Historically we have regarded the Cruise industry as a risk generator. After years of working together, we realize that they are also a risk mitigator. They bring with assets and resources to the area, says Thompson.
Identifying solutions through collaboration
Most importantly, understanding how the expedition cruise industry works provides insight into the capacity and capabilities within the expedition cruise industry. Valuable learning is how vessels in distress, vessels of opportunity, search and rescue responders and home offices can work together to use available resources in the best possible way.
Contacts:
Frigg Jørgensen, Executive Director, AECO
AECO – Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators
Anne Øien, Head of Communications
AECO – Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators
anne@aeco.no
AECO – Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators
Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators is an international organization for expedition cruise operators and associates in the Arctic, dedicated to managing environmentally friendly, safe and considerate cruise tourism. With close to 70 international members – including 50 vessel operators, owners and management, and over 60 expedition cruise vessels that are organized by the association – AECO represent the great majority of these operations in the Arctic.
Website: www.aeco.no.
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre North Norway
Norwegian rescue services are carried out through cooperation between government agencies, voluntary organizations and private companies who have resources appropriate for rescue services. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) North Norway has the overall operational responsibility during search and rescue operations in its area of responsibility, which stretches from 65°N to the North Pole. JRCC North-Norway is located in Bodø.
Website: https://www.hovedredningssentralen.no/english/
Icelandic Coast Guard
The Icelandic Coast Guard (ICG) is a law enforcement agency that is responsible for search and rescue, maritime safety and security surveillance, and law enforcement in the seas surrounding Iceland. The ICG’s operations are based on gathering, analyzing and distributing information in close cooperation with neighboring countries in order to create a surface picture as accurate as possible at any given moment to ensure maritime safety and security.
Website: http://www.lhg.is/english/
