Innovating Maritime SAR with AI Driven Technology

 SOLNet (SOLAS Network) is a powerful maritime SAR network, designed to increase safety at sea by enabling vessel owners and operators to self-declare their SAR capabilities and resources, while also using the advanced SARI AI engine to accurately assess the SAR capabilities of vessels that have not registered with SOLNet. For undeclared vessels, SARI applies its AI-driven data and insights through the Maritime SAR Council’s revolutionary SAR Capability Framework to produce an accurate capability rating. This dual approach ensures that MRCCs have access to a full picture of available SAR assets in their area, allowing for swift and effective deployment of the best-suited resources in emergencies, including man-overboard incidents and urgent medical situations. Ultimately, it delivers informed, data-driven SAR capability assessments and Red-Amber-Green (RAG) ratings to MRCCs and other SAR organisations for all AIS-equipped vessels worldwide.

SOLNet’s self-declaration and SARI driven system enables MRCCs to access all AIS enabled vessel’s specific SAR capabilities as detailed below:

· Speed

· Freeboard

· Number of Crew

· Medical Capability

· MOB Recovery and Rescue Vessel Capability

· Firefighting Capability

· Survivor Reception Facilities and Mass Rescue Operations Capability

· Bilge Pumping Capability

· Towing Capability

· Pollution Control Capability

· Hazardous Material Capability

· Search Capability

· Helicopter Capability 

· SAR Qualifications & Competency

· Specialist SAR Capabilities  

This information is securely linked to a searchable database or to the vessel’s AIS (Automatic Identification System) information that is displayed on an electronic chart or integrated into Coastguard incident management software, providing MRCCs with clear, immediate access to vessel SAR capabilities, which is vital in time critical SAR scenarios. For vessels not registered with SOLNet, SARI’s AI engine analyses data from a variety of sources, applying the Maritime SAR Council Capability Framework to generate a reliable SAR rating. This framework-backed assessment equips MRCCs with actionable information, even for vessels without pre-declared capabilities, improving SAR response coordination globally.

By participating in SOLNet, vessel operators gain significant advantages, including enhanced Coastguard support during emergencies and more efficient, targeted SAR operations that prioritise their readiness and capabilities. For vessels that declare their SAR capabilities, SOLNET allows the Coastguard to instantly assess the vessel’s suitability for SAR missions, ensuring faster deployment of the most suitable resources. This also means that vessels identified as unsuitable for a given incident can continue their journeys without delay, saving time and costs.

Through SOLNet, all vessels—whether declared or assessed by SARI—can actively contribute to and benefit from an interconnected SAR environment, where rescue efforts are faster, more effective, and better coordinated. By fostering a proactive and transparent SAR network, SOLNet enhances maritime safety across the board, ensuring that each vessel can play its part in a more responsive and united maritime rescue system.