INNOVATING MARITIME SAR WITH AI DRIVEN TECHNOLOGY

The Maritime SAR Capability Framework, designed by Maritime Search and Rescue Council, revolutionises the assessment and deployment of vessels in search and rescue (SAR) operations. Designed to enhance maritime safety and optimise SAR efforts, this system ensures that Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) have instant, reliable access to vessel capabilities, empowering faster, more efficient decision-making during emergencies.

The system employs a clear, color-coded grading scale to evaluate vessel SAR readiness:

• White: Ungraded – The vessel's capability in this area has not been assessed or self-declared.
• Red: Poor Capability – Minimal capability in this area; not suited for SAR operations requiring this specific functionality.
• Amber: Adequate Capability – Sufficient capability for SAR operations, suitable for less demanding or moderately complex scenarios in this specific area.
• Green: Good Capability – Well-equipped and capable of effectively performing SAR operations in this specific area.
• Green ***: Designed Capability – Purpose-built or specially outfitted for optimal performance in SAR operations related to this capability area.

1. Self-Declaration: Vessel operators can register their SAR capabilities with SOLNet, providing detailed data such as medical facilities, firefighting capacity, towing ability, and MOB (Man Overboard) recovery.
2. AI-Powered Assessment: For vessels without self-declared capabilities, the SARI AI engine analyses data from a varity of maritime and SAR sources. Using the Maritime SAR Council’s SAR Capability Framework, SARI generates a reliable, framework-backed SAR capability rating.
3. Searchable Database Integration: All capability data is securely stored in a searchable database or linked to AIS displayed vessels. MRCCs can access this data via electronic charts or Coastguard incident management software, ensuring immediate and actionable information during time-critical scenarios.

The system provides a robust evaluation of comprehensive metrics, including speed, crew size, medical readiness, pollution control, mass rescue capabilities, hazardous material handling, and specialist SAR qualifications. Grading results are presented using a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) scale, enabling Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) to swiftly identify the most suitable assets for deployment while excluding unsuitable vessels, reducing delays and operational costs. Additionally, even vessels not registered with SOLNet benefit from SARI’s advanced AI-driven analysis, ensuring a global, standardised assessment framework for all AIS-equipped vessels.

The system provides proactive SAR support by prioritising the most suitable SAR asset during emergencies, offering enhanced Coastguard assistance and greater visibility based on their readiness and capabilities. Its instant assessment of suitability ensures operational efficiency, enabling the rapid deployment of resources, minimising delays, and guaranteeing prompt SAR responses. Additionally, SOLNet creates a unified SAR network where all vessels—whether self-declared or AI-assessed—contribute to a collaborative and highly effective maritime rescue system.

The Maritime SAR Grading System transforms SAR operations by delivering precise, data-driven insights. Through its seamless integration into existing SAR systems, the framework ensures that every vessel plays a role in a coordinated, efficient, and globally unified SAR network. By empowering responders with instant, actionable information, this system significantly enhances safety at sea, ensuring faster, more effective rescue efforts when every second counts