Tórshavn, Faroe Islands — In December 2024, search and rescue professionals from across the Arctic and North Atlantic gathered in Tórshavn for the first workshop of the NAMRO project, a new initiative aimed at improving coordination and preparedness for large-scale maritime emergencies.
Hosted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Tórshavn (MRCC-T), the workshop brought together 11 experts from leading organizations including JRCC Norway, the Icelandic Coast Guard, Munster Technological University, HM Coastguard (UK), AECO, and MRCC-T. These participants hold key roles in their national SAR systems and came together to share knowledge, build trust, and lay the groundwork for a unified approach to mass rescue operations.
The discussions focused on real-world challenges, such as the Viking Sky cruise ship incident and the Gjerdrum landslide, highlighting the complexity of responding to emergencies that overwhelm local resources. Participants also began mapping out existing capabilities and explored how to create a shared handbook that will guide international cooperation in future rescue efforts.
The NAMRO handbook, currently in development, will offer standardized guidelines tailored to the unique conditions of the Arctic and North Atlantic. It will help SAR authorities better understand available resources, streamline communication, and coordinate cross-border responses more effectively.
This first workshop was more than just a planning session—it was a milestone in building a stronger, more connected SAR community across the region.
