The Ministry of National Defense approved the Maritime Search and Rescue System

The Ministry of National Defense approved the Maritime Search and Rescue System. It is a "set of entities, equipment, elements and persons that act in a coordinated and organized manner for the adequate response to emergency or distress calls that may arise in the jurisdiction of the Colombian Maritime Search and Rescue Service". The following entities are part of this system: the General Maritime Directorate (“DIMAR”), the National Navy (“ARC”) and the Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics -Aerocivil (“UAEAC”).

The functions of the entities that are part of the system include: (i) receiving and relaying emergency notifications; (ii) coordinating the search; (iii) coordinating the rescue and transportation of survivors; and (iv) providing medical assistance and first aids. The functions of the entities that are part of the system include: (i) receiving and relaying emergency notifications; (ii) coordinating the search; (iii) coordinating the rescue and transportation of survivors; and (iv) providing medical assistance and first aids.

Through this regulation, the Colombian State complies with its obligations under international treaties, such as the International Civil Aviation Convention, the International Maritime Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Maritime Convention on Search and Rescue.