SAR Cooperation Plan – SOLAS V/7.3
Independent technical review of Passenger Ship Search and Rescue Cooperation Plans against SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 7.3 and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1.
Search and Rescue Cooperation Plan Compliance
Effective emergency response depends on clear coordination between the passenger ship, the Company and the appropriate Search and Rescue (SAR) services. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent technical consultancy and compliance review of SAR Cooperation Plans developed for applicable passenger ships.
The assessment is based on the requirements of SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 7.3 and the IMO Guidelines contained in MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1. The review considers whether the plan provides a practical and current interface between the vessel, the Company's emergency response organization and the relevant SAR services.
SOLAS V/7.3 & IMO MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1
SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 7.3 requires applicable passenger ships to have onboard a plan for cooperation with appropriate Search and Rescue services in an emergency. The plan is developed in cooperation between the ship, the Company and the relevant SAR services and includes provisions for periodic exercises to test its effectiveness.
MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1 provides the IMO framework for preparing these cooperation plans and emphasizes that the arrangements should be concise, practical and capable of supporting effective emergency coordination.
Passenger Ship
Provides current vessel particulars, operational information, communication capabilities, emergency information and other technical details required by SAR services.
Company
Provides the shore-based emergency response interface, emergency contacts and arrangements for communication and coordination with SAR authorities.
SAR Services
Provides information concerning relevant Rescue Coordination Centres, SAR regions, available SAR resources and operational coordination arrangements.
Coordinated Response
Connects ship, Company and SAR services so that essential information can be exchanged and emergency response can be coordinated without unnecessary delay.
PAMS SAR Cooperation Plan Review Scope
The technical review is adapted to the passenger ship, trading area, SAR regions, operational arrangements and documentation available for assessment. Typical areas include the following.
Regulatory Applicability
- Assessment of applicability of SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 7.3.
- Review against the IMO framework contained in MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1.
- Verification that the SAR Cooperation Plan is available onboard as required.
- Review of relationship with the vessel's SMS emergency preparedness arrangements.
Company Emergency Interface
- Company identity and emergency organization.
- 24-hour emergency contact arrangements.
- Alternative and escalation contact arrangements.
- Company–RCC communication and liaison arrangements.
- Shore-based emergency response interface.
Ship Information
- Ship name, IMO number, call sign and MMSI.
- Flag, ship type and principal dimensions.
- Persons permitted onboard and normal crew complement.
- Medical facilities and relevant emergency information.
- Vessel plans, profile and supporting technical information where applicable.
Communications & GMDSS
- Available GMDSS communication capabilities.
- Relevant frequencies and communication identifiers.
- Emergency communication arrangements.
- Ship-to-RCC communication interface.
- Availability and accuracy of communication information.
IMO SAR Cooperation Plan Modules
MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1 provides a modular framework that allows the relevant information to be organized according to the operating arrangement of the passenger ship.
| Module | Principal Content | PAMS Review Focus |
|---|---|---|
| The Company | Company identity, emergency organization, contact arrangements and liaison information. | Accuracy, availability, escalation arrangements and interface with the ship and SAR services. |
| The Ship | Vessel particulars, communications, emergency information and relevant ship plans. | Technical accuracy, currency and practical usefulness during an emergency. |
| RCCs | Relevant Rescue Coordination Centres and SAR coordination arrangements. | SAR Region coverage, RCC identification and contact information. |
| SAR Facilities | Available SAR resources and relevant operational information. | Availability, applicability and current SAR resource information. |
| Media Relations | Arrangements for coordination of emergency media and public information. | Company/SAR communication responsibilities and coordination. |
| Periodic Exercises | Arrangements for exercising and testing the SAR cooperation interface. | Exercise frequency, participation, records, lessons learned and corrective actions. |
SAR Region, RCC & SAR Facility Review
SAR Regions
Review of the vessel's routes and the SAR Regions through which the passenger ship operates, including relevant RCC coverage and route-specific arrangements.
Rescue Coordination Centres
Verification of applicable RCC information, emergency contact arrangements and the communication interface between the vessel, Company and SAR coordination authorities.
SAR Facilities
Review of relevant SAR facilities and resources identified in the cooperation arrangements, subject to the applicable SAR service information.
Multi-Region Operations
Particular attention to passenger ships operating through multiple SAR Regions, where accurate and accessible SAR information becomes especially important.
Emergency Communications & Ship Information
During a SAR emergency, the availability of accurate ship information can significantly improve coordination between the vessel, Company and SAR services. PAMS reviews the information required to support that communication interface.
Vessel Identification
IMO number, MMSI, call sign, flag, ship name, vessel type and principal particulars are reviewed for accuracy and currency.
Persons Onboard
Relevant information concerning persons onboard, passenger capacity, crew complement and emergency arrangements is reviewed within the applicable plan framework.
Vessel Layout
Where applicable, deck plans, profile information, rescue arrangements, helicopter facilities and other useful vessel information are reviewed.
Communication Capability
GMDSS and other relevant communication information is reviewed to ensure that the SAR interface contains appropriate operational information.
SAR Cooperation Exercise Readiness
SOLAS V/7.3 requires the SAR Cooperation Plan to include provisions for periodic exercises to test its effectiveness. PAMS can review whether the vessel's exercise arrangements adequately test the cooperation interface between the ship, Company and SAR services.
Exercise Planning
Review of exercise objectives, scenarios, participating organizations and communication arrangements.
Ship Participation
Assessment of vessel participation, bridge and emergency response personnel involvement and operational communications.
Company & SAR Interface
Review of Company emergency response participation and, where applicable, interaction with SAR services or RCC arrangements.
Lessons Learned
Review of exercise records, identified deficiencies, corrective actions and evidence that lessons learned are incorporated into the cooperation arrangements.
SAR Cooperation Plan Technical Review Process
Document Review
Review of the current SAR Cooperation Plan, associated SMS procedures, emergency arrangements and available supporting information.
Regulatory Cross-Check
Comparison against SOLAS V/7.3 and the applicable framework of MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1.
Operational Verification
Review of contact arrangements, SAR regions, RCC information, communication interfaces and practical accessibility of emergency information.
Gap Identification
Identification of missing, outdated, inconsistent or operationally weak information requiring corrective action.
Corrective Action
Practical recommendations are provided to address identified deficiencies and improve the effectiveness of the cooperation arrangements.
Technical Report
Findings are presented in a structured technical report suitable for management review, corrective-action planning and compliance preparation.
SAR Cooperation Plan Gap Analysis
PAMS can assess the SAR Cooperation Plan using a structured requirement and evidence-based approach. Findings can be categorized according to their regulatory and operational significance.
| Assessment Area | Verification | Typical Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Compliance | SOLAS V/7.3 and applicable IMO guideline requirements. | Missing or incomplete required arrangements. |
| Contact Information | Company, RCC and emergency communication contacts. | Outdated, incomplete or ineffective contact information. |
| SAR Region Coverage | Route and relevant SAR Region/RCC information. | Incomplete coverage of operating areas. |
| Ship Information | Vessel particulars, plans and emergency information. | Obsolete or inconsistent vessel information. |
| Exercise Arrangements | Periodic testing and exercise records. | Weak evidence of effective SAR cooperation testing. |
| Document Control | Revision, distribution and update arrangements. | Uncontrolled or outdated plan copies. |
Technical Review Deliverables
Compliance Gap Analysis
Structured assessment identifying compliance gaps and areas requiring technical or procedural improvement.
Technical Review Report
Detailed report presenting reviewed evidence, observations, findings and recommended corrective actions.
SAR Contact Verification
Review of relevant Company, RCC, SAR and emergency contact information contained within the cooperation arrangements.
Exercise Readiness Review
Assessment of periodic exercise arrangements, records, participation and corrective-action follow-up.
Who Needs a SAR Cooperation Plan Review?
Independent SAR Cooperation Plan reviews may be relevant to passenger ship owners, operators, technical managers and safety management teams seeking to verify the effectiveness and currency of their emergency SAR interface.
Passenger Ship Owners
Independent verification that the vessel's SAR cooperation arrangements remain technically current and operationally usable.
Passenger Ship Operators
Review of ship, Company and SAR interfaces across established routes and operating areas.
Technical & Safety Managers
Independent support for SMS review, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance activities.
Cruise & Ferry Operations
Particularly useful for vessels operating on fixed routes or across multiple SAR Regions requiring coordinated SAR information.
Technical Reference Standards – SAR Cooperation
The review is based on the applicable international maritime safety requirements and IMO guidance relevant to the passenger ship and its SAR cooperation arrangements.
Independent Technical Oversight
Independent Consultancy
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine technical consultancy, surveying and maritime regulatory compliance support.
Technical Assessment
The review focuses on the technical and operational interface between the passenger ship, Company emergency organization and SAR services.
Evidence-Based Review
Findings are based on available documentation, applicable regulatory requirements, operational information and evidence reviewed during the agreed assessment.
Practical Reporting
Findings and recommendations are structured to help management identify deficiencies, prioritize corrective actions and strengthen emergency preparedness.
About the Technical Author
Technical Content Review
Last Technical Review
August 2026
Review Frequency
Content is reviewed periodically to reflect applicable international maritime regulations, IMO guidance and relevant technical and operational developments.
SAR Cooperation Plan FAQ
What is a SAR Cooperation Plan?
A SAR Cooperation Plan is an arrangement for cooperation between an applicable passenger ship, its Company and the appropriate Search and Rescue services during an emergency. The framework is addressed by SOLAS V/7.3 and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1.
Which passenger ships are covered by SOLAS V/7.3?
SOLAS V/7.3 applies to passenger ships to which SOLAS Chapter I applies. The applicability of the requirement should be confirmed according to the vessel's statutory status and applicable Flag State requirements.
Does the SAR Cooperation Plan replace the ship's emergency response plan?
No. The SAR Cooperation Plan is intended to complement the existing emergency response arrangements and provide the operational interface between the ship, Company and SAR services.
What does MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1 cover?
The IMO Guidelines provide a framework for preparing SAR cooperation plans, including Company information, ship information, RCC and SAR service information, media relations and periodic exercises. A separate SAR Data Provider procedure is also addressed for applicable passenger ships.
Are SAR Cooperation Plan exercises required?
Yes. SOLAS V/7.3 requires provisions for periodic exercises to test the effectiveness of the SAR Cooperation Plan. The IMO Guidelines provide further guidance concerning exercise arrangements, participation and recording.
What does PAMS review?
PAMS can review the regulatory basis, Company emergency contacts, ship information, communications, SAR Regions, RCC information, SAR facilities, exercise arrangements, document control and the operational interface between the vessel, Company and SAR services.
Can PAMS review a SAR Cooperation Plan for a vessel operating through multiple SAR Regions?
Yes. Multi-SAR-Region operations require particular attention to route coverage, SAR Region information, RCC arrangements, emergency contacts and the method used to maintain current SAR information.
Does PAMS approve or certify the SAR Cooperation Plan?
No. PAMS provides independent technical consultancy and compliance review. Approval, acceptance or statutory certification remains the responsibility of the applicable Flag State, SAR authority, Company or other competent authority as applicable.
Engineering Reference Notice
This page describes the general scope of PAMS technical consultancy and compliance review relating to SAR Cooperation Plans. The actual review scope depends on vessel type, statutory status, trading area, SAR Regions, available documentation, Flag State requirements and the agreed attendance. PAMS does not act as a SAR authority and does not replace the statutory responsibilities of Flag States, Rescue Coordination Centres or other competent authorities.
Review Your SAR Cooperation Plan
Request an independent technical review of your Passenger Ship SAR Cooperation Plan against SOLAS V/7.3 and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1079/Rev.1. Provide the vessel type, operating area and existing plan details so the appropriate technical review scope can be established.
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