SAR Council convenes in Łeba: Strengthening maritime safety through coordination and strategy

The SAR Council serves as an advisory body to the minister responsible for maritime economy, offering expert opinion and strategic guidance on matters related to search and rescue operations, maritime safety, and marine pollution response. Among its members are high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Armed Forces Operational Command, the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, the Navy, Fire Service, Border Guard, Police, Maritime Offices, health services, and other relevant support entities.

Sebastian Kluska, Director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (MSPiR), emphasized the importance of the Council’s work.

- This is a unique platform for coordination between all agencies involved in maritime rescue efforts. By sharing experience and evaluating operational needs, we collectively shape the system that protects lives at sea.

A core focus of the meeting was the assessment and recommendation of the types and numbers of resources—both human and technical—needed for joint SAR operations. These discussions directly influence planning processes and strategic allocation of capabilities across the Polish maritime zone.

- Rescue efficiency depends not only on modern equipment, but also on seamless inter-agency cooperation and clearly defined procedures. The SAR Council is where those procedures take form and are continuously refined.

The Council also reviewed the draft SAR Plan and development strategies for the Service itself, with attention given to strengthening international cooperation and improving response time during complex incidents.

- We are committed to raising operational standards at every level. Each recommendation made by the SAR Council must translate into real improvements in how we protect people at sea. There can be no compromises when lives are at stake.

In accordance with Poland’s Maritime Safety Act, the SAR Council also acts in an advisory capacity on issues related to maritime pollution control. As environmental threats become increasingly complex, this aspect of the Council’s work continues to gain prominence.

The session in Łeba reaffirmed the shared commitment of national agencies to building a resilient and responsive SAR system. The resulting recommendations will support the Ministry of Infrastructure and other authorities in shaping maritime safety policy in the years to come.