In April, Redningsselskapet visited the sea rescue operations in Tangier, Morocco. The aim of the visit was to develop further the relationship between the maritime search and rescue (SAR) operators in Morocco and Redningsselskapet.

The meeting was organized by Mr.Mohammed Drissi from the Ministry of Ocean Fisheries, the coordinator and responsible for SAR organizations in Morocco. The Ministry is the SAR authority for maritime incidents and is responsible for providing maritime SAR service within the Moroccan Maritime Search and Rescue Region.

During the visit, two Norwegian rescue vessel captains from Redningsselskapet gave presentations and practical SAR training to the crew of the rescue vessel «Tarik», based in Tangier.

Mr Driss Tazi is the Ministry’s representative in Tangier, and hence the coordinator of SAR operations in that key area fight on the border between the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans.

Mr.Tazi welcomed the Norwegian visitors by stating; “We know that Redningsselskapet has advanced knowledge on SAR operations. We are sure that with their help we will be able to improve our operations as well as build up a strong knowledge base among our crew members. This is a first step. Hopefully, the project can develop further to cover the entire coast of Morocco.”

Ms.Vivi Lundgren Schumann, in charge of international projects in Redningsselskapet, responded by saying; “Tangier has a large fleet of fishing boats and vessels, a high number of merchant traffic as well as issues concerning immigrants trying to reach Europe. We hope that Redningsselskapet in the future can contribute to build knowledge and skills among the local rescue crews.”

Morocco has become a key area for maritime SAR training and has been designated to host the regional centre covering the sea adjoining the countries of Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, the Gambia, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau.

Written and Photos by Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue - 22 April 2016