Mass rescue training course

The course was organised by IMRF’s Asia-Pacific Regional Centre (APRC), it was hosted and sponsored by the University and China Rescue and Salvage.

International representatives came from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, the Philippines, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya and New Zealand.

The aim of the event was to enhance MRO awareness, analyse the difficulties and consider the coordination issues. It also reviewed the relevant IMFO and IMRF guidance.

IMRF trustee Zhang Rongjun opened the course and gave the first presentation on mass rescue operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The second morning included presentations on the United States Coast Guard’s passenger vessel safety programme and MRO preparations, as well as on the United Kingdom’s arrangements for firefighting at sea.

On the third and final day, course attendees were asked to consider a developing scenario involving an engine room fire on a cruise ship.

Attendees included delegates of China Rescue and Salvage, Maritime SAR Centres, Rescue Bureaux, Salvage Bureaux, the Rescue Flying Service, the Maritime Safety Administration, Dalian and Shanghai Maritime Universities, the China Waterborne Research Institute, Quest Marine Consultant Co, and Shanghai Sun Glory Marine Co.

By Alice Mason