S.Atlantic : Britain and Argentina in Joint Search and Rescue Exercise
Submitted by SARTMA.com (Juanita Brock) 11.11.2004 (Article Archived on 25.11.2004)

The United Kingdom and Argentina have conducted a joint search and rescue exercise in international waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.

Photo (c) Crown Copyright - A Search and Rescue Helicopter like this one was used in the Joint Exercise.

BRITAIN AND ARGENTINA IN JOINT SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE

By J. Brock (FINN)

A Search and Rescue Helicopter.

The United Kingdom and Argentina have conducted a joint search and rescue exercise in international waters of the South Atlantic Ocean.  Carried out between the 4^th and the 6^th of November, this is the latest in a series of joint exercises, Millennium II, is considered to be a civilian exercise, though many of the assets used were seconded from the military.  Maritime assets from both Argentina and the Falkland Islands participated in the exercise including ships, aircraft and helicopters, and the result was judged to be very successful.  

Joint search and rescue cover is necessary in the South Atlantic because the fickle sea conditions, inadequate vessel strength and inexperience are a few things that contribute to emergency situations that require assistance.

Practicing the co-ordination of international search and rescue procedures is a necessary part of joint operations, should an effective response to an emergency be realised.  There are two Regional Rescue Co-ordination Centres in the region.  One is located in Ushuaia in Argentina and the other in Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands.  Both of these centres have internationally recognised responsibilities under the International Maritime Organisation. 

The UK and Argentina have conducted these joint exercises before as part of our common commitment to fulfil our international Search and Rescue obligation and to practice our ability to work together effectively in the event of a disaster in the region.