ACTION BY THE MASTER
When requested to provide assistance to the rescue of persons in
distress at sea and diverting to the location, the Master of the ship
should, if possible:
è identify the ship’s equipment and life-saving appliances that may
be appropriate for the rescue operation;
è determine if any special arrangements, additional equipment or
assistance may be required for the rescue operation;
è implement any plans and procedures to safeguard the safety and
security of the crew and the ship; and
è inform the ship’s owner/operator and agent at the next intended
port of call of the rescue operation.
When rescuing persons at sea, the Master of the ship providing
assistance should, following a request, provide the Rescue Coordination
Centre (RCC) responsible for the search-and-rescue region with the
following specific information, if possible:
è details of the assisting ship, including: name, flag and port of
registry; name and address of the ship’s owner/operator and agent
at the next port; position of the vessel, maximum speed, and
next intended port of call; current safety and security status, and
endurance with additional persons on board;