Search and Rescue in the Arctic: The Role of Vessels of Opportunity

The Arctic is characterized by multiple factors that make maritime search and rescue (SAR) in this area a complicated activity. Experiences from a series of maritime incidents and accidents in the Arctic illustrate the harsh and difficult operating conditions in the region. This demanding context creates challenges both for ships in distress, as well as for the overall SAR operation. Large distances and remoteness in the region entail cross-national cooperation to carry out successful maritime rescue operations, in addition to the invaluable response of the so-called "vessels of opportunity" (VOO). This study brings the role of vessels that just happen to be in the area in search and rescue operations in the Arctic to the forefront. More precisely, the aim of the work is to investigate how the role of vessels of opportunity is included in international agreements and international maritime search and rescue exercises. Data is collected through document analysis of 4 key international agreements related to maritime search and rescue, 21 exercises and deeper analysis of five of these exercise reports. Findings show that vessels of opportunity are not mentioned explicitly in international agreements for search and rescue. However, specific agreements, like IMO Polar Code and SOLAS, have direct and practical impact regarding how vessels prepare for unwanted maritime incidents. The study also shows that vessels of opportunity are part of scenarios in tabletop exercises, and cruise ships are typically assigned this role in exercises. Real incidents also show the role vessels of opportunity have as an on-scene coordinator (OSC), coordinating a search and rescue operation within a specified geographical area. The use of vessels of opportunity shows the importance of international cooperation on search and rescue in the Arctic.

Keywords: Arctic, Search and rescue, Maritime, Vessel of opportunity, International cooperation, Exercise.