Faroe Islands SAR Manual

The Government of the Faroe Islands assumed responsibility for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations from Denmark and established the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Tórshavn in 2002. The first SAR manual for the Faroe Islands was prepared by the Ministry of Fisheries and MRCC Tórshavn in 2003. In 2004, Tórshavn Radio and MRCC Tórshavn were merged into a single agency.

The SAR manual for the Faroe Islands is based on international regulations and guidelines. Its primary purpose is to outline the operations of MRCC/Tórshavn Radio (MRCC/TR), as well as to ensure optimal utilization of available resources to assist persons in distress within the MRCC Tórshavn and Tórshavn Radio area of responsibility.

Initially, MRCC/TR operated under the former Fisheries inspection Service. It was later placed under the Faroese Emergency Management Agency for a period, but since 2012, MRCC/TR has been part of Vørn, alongside the Fisheries Inspection and the Meteorological Office. These three agencies are under the Ministry of Fisheries.

The first SAR manual was issued in 2003, The SAR manual is regularly updated and is available in English, so that institutions, vessels, and companies operating within Faroese waters can understand the framework and responsibilities of MRCC/TR.

The SAR manual has been published on the MRCC/TR website for the information of all interested parties.

SAR Manual is available here: SAR Book