Search and rescue exercises in the Gulf of Gdańsk

The exercise was coordinated by Zenon Gąsiorowski (BSR Sztutowo) with Rafał Goeck from the Maritime Search and Rescue Department serving as exercise director. The on-scene commander role (OSC) was assigned to the rescue vessel Wiatr.

According to Junior Aspirant Krzysztof Klein of the County Fire Service Headquarters in Nowy Dwór Gdański: - These exercises are crucial for strengthening interoperability between different services. In real-life emergencies, efficient communication and precise task execution can make the difference between success and tragedy.

The drills covered:

• navigation and structured search patterns,
• maintaining communication between vessels,
• recovering casualties from the water and providing immediate stabilization,
• transferring persons between units,
• delivering onboard medical assistance.

Participating units included:

• BSR Sztutowo – boats R31, R21 and a Unimog,
• BSR Świbno – boats R22, R13, R33,
• BSR – rescue vessel Wiatr,
• Fire Rescue Units (JRG) from Nowy Dwór Gdański, Malbork, Tczew, Gdańsk JRG 2, Ustka, and Pruszcz Gdański – with boats,
• Volunteer Fire Brigades (OSP) from Sztutowo, Jantar, Marzęcino, Palczewo, and Nowy Dwór Gdański,
• representatives of the Maritime Search and Rescue Department: Rafał Goeck, Artur Sobczyński, and Nicole Kin.

Logistical support, including facilities and meals for over 110 participants, was provided by OSP Sztutowo, with additional assistance from the Dorota Training and Recreation Center.

- Joint exercises like these allow us to test operational readiness in realistic conditions and ensure that, when the need arises, our response will be swift and coordinated, added Junior Aspirant Krzysztof Klein.

Such integrated drills significantly enhance the preparedness of maritime and coastal rescue services, ensuring more effective assistance to those in distress at sea.