Latest news with #Cospas-Sarsat
Canada Standard
2 days ago
- Science
- Canada Standard
UAE hosting of Cospas-Sarsat reflects global humanitarian commitment
ABU DHABI, 29th May, 2025 (WAM) -- Henrik Smith, Head of the Canadian delegation participating in the 39th Cospas-Sarsat Joint Committee Meeting, has praised the UAE's hosting of the event as a testament to its steadfast commitment to supporting global humanitarian efforts. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the meeting, Smith said that the Cospas-Sarsat Programme is a leading global platform dedicated to saving lives. It operates through an integrated satellite-based system that detects and relays distress signals in real time, thereby supporting humanitarian missions and search and rescue operations carried out by specialised authorities around the world. He added that the 39th meeting plays a key role in enhancing the efficiency of the programme's operations. The system is currently linked to around 70 satellites, 130 ground stations and 30 control centres. Search and rescue missions executed through Cospas-Sarsat result in the saving of approximately 3,000 lives annually. "We are here in the UAE today with a shared humanitarian goal of saving lives," he said, "and we look forward to working together to achieve further progress and enhance our performance, enabling us to carry out our missions more swiftly and accurately." Smith also expressed his gratitude to the UAE for its warm hospitality and generous reception, highlighting the country's dedication to providing an ideal environment for all participating delegations. The meeting holds particular significance as it is taking place in the UAE for the first time. Since joining the organisation in 2009, the country has contributed to the advancement of the Cospas-Sarsat system, which comprises nearly 45 member states, by applying the highest international standards in search and rescue operations.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE showcases cutting-edge rescue technologies at Cospas-Sarsat meeting
29 May 2025 00:24 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Several UAE entities are taking part in the international Cospas-Sarsat meeting in Abu Dhabi, showcasing their contributions to global emergency response efforts. From an advanced 'life detector' to data analytics, these teams are harnessing cutting-edge technologies to help save lives during those working with the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) during emergencies is the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). At the Cospas-Sarsat meeting, the authority highlighted the importance of live tracking data in life-saving to Aletihad, Eng. Saleh Al Musabi, Director of Spectrum Services, Eng. Saif Khalid Al Naqbi, and Eng. Hessa Ahmed Al Mahmoud elaborated on the TDRA's pivotal role in rescue efforts."We are responsible for registering three categories - individuals, aircraft, and vessels - on the 406 MHz emergency frequency used for rescue operations. We have developed a dedicated portal to handle this registration efficiently," they TDRA team manages "a modern, advanced database for all beacons registered in the UAE, whether on land, sea, or air," they technology uses satellite systems with global coverage. "We have a major centre that receives distress signals from individuals, planes, or ships via satellites and forwards them to the appropriate authorities," they Dubai Police are also showcasing the wide range of devices they use in search-and-rescue operations - from ropes to high-tech may sound basic, but these effectively help rescuers reach stranded victims faster, "without the need to build a full system to descend", Hassan Almuaini, an instructor at Dubai Police HQ, told the event of a building collapse, a more advanced tool - a life detector - is used to identify movement and sounds beneath the rubble, Almuaini explained. The device is equipped with sensors strategically placed around the site to aid in monitors on the sensor provide readings that allow responders to pinpoint victims quickly and accurately."Search always comes before rescue. Once we identify a victim using this technology, we begin extraction," Almuaini helpful device on display is the Dubai Police's Rescue Radar. "It detects objects under the ground up to 10 metres deep. It is one of the most advanced tools we have, and every second counts during a rescue operation," the instructor most versatile tool, however, is the drone system, Almuaini said."The drone assists in wide-area searches - especially at night - with spotlights and thermal cameras. It's an ideal tool for locating people lost in dunes or difficult terrain," he the ongoing Cospas-Sarsat meeting, the Sharjah Airport Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international search and rescue Sahoo Alsuwaidi, Acting Director of Emergency Planning and Standards at Sharjah Airport Authority, emphasised the platform's vital role in facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening global collaboration in rescue Airport has incorporated international best practices into its emergency response framework, particularly early incident reporting and multi-agency explained: "Within our operational system for Airport Emergency Services (AES), we've implemented the METHANE framework to enable immediate reporting of air incidents, and adopted the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) to streamline and unify field operations." "These tools have significantly improved coordination during drills and real-world responses, enhanced operational readiness, and ensured compliance with the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority requirements," he added.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Al Etihad
Landmark Cospas-Sarsat meeting begins in Abu Dhabi
28 May 2025 00:33 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Demonstrating its commitment to saving lives and advancing global rescue operations, the UAE opened the 39th International Meeting of the Cospas-Sarsat Programme on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi. The event, which runs through June 5, brings together more than 200 experts from 45 meeting - hosted for the first time in the UAE - was organised by the National Guard and the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) under the patronage of Major General Staff Pilot Saleh Mohammed bin Mejren Al Ameri, Commander of the National Guard.'This gathering stands as a testament to the UAE's visionary leadership in fostering global partnerships and sharing expertise, ultimately contributing to saving lives and strengthening emergency response systems in line with the highest international standards,' said Brigadier Rashid Al Naqbi, Director General of the NRSC, in his opening Knox, Head of the Cospas-Sarsat Delegation and Chairman of the 39th Joint Committee Meeting, called the UAE meetings a significant milestone. 'These annual meetings form a cornerstone in strengthening the global search-and-rescue framework. They provide a vital platform for coordination, knowledge exchange, and evaluation of emerging technologies and methodologies,' Knox said. 'We anticipate outcomes that will directly enhance the efficiency of lifesaving operations worldwide, increasing the speed and accuracy of responses,' he added. What is Cospas-Sarsat?Founded in 1982, Cospas-Sarsat is a global humanitarian programme that has saved more than 66,000 lives so far. 'It is a free, global system operating 24/7 via satellites, offering rapid and accurate location of distress signals anywhere in the world,' Saif Al Kaabi, Training and Exercises Section Head at the (NSRC), told Aletihad. Modern tools such as AI and drones are revolutionising rescue efforts, and the UAE is taking the lead, Al Kaabi the country joined the Cospas-Sarsat programme in 2009, it has grown into a major player deploying new technologies, including nine ground stations, AI-powered distress signal analysis, as well as a fleet of AW139 helicopters across five using advanced technology, UAE teams are able to locate missing people faster and reduce the hazards for the squads on the ground, Al Kaabi said, highlighting the importance of real-time data analytics. In 2024 until the first quarter of 2025, the NSRC has carried out more than 1,200 search-and-rescue operations within the UAE and beyond, solidifying the country's humanitarian leadership. 'We aim to support countries affected by disasters through partnerships and rapid-response tech,' Al Kaabi said. Despite the innovations in search and rescue, gaps and challenges remain, especially when it comes to reaching remote areas and standardising capabilities. 'That is why meetings like these are vital - for sharing expertise and improving global coordination,' the NSRC official said. On the meeting's first day, several closed events tackled key issues such as improving satellite alert systems, data-sharing processes, and enhancing collaborative international agencies.
Leaders
24-02-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia to Hold Meeting on Search and Rescue Missions
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation will host a regional meeting to delve into search and rescue missions empowered by satellite technology, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Set to take place on Monday in Jeddah, the meeting will boast various training workshops for teams of search and rescue centers in several countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Algeria, Nigeria, as well as Togo. Running for four days, from Feb. 24 to 27, the meeting will highlight the technical and operational aspects of deploying satellites to relay alerts of distress cases. Furthermore, participants will discuss the aspects of cooperation in search and rescue services between regions. Saudi Arabia has been playing a pivotal role in supporting rescue missions in the region. In addition, the Kingdom has integrated satellite search tools for aircraft, ships, and people. Interestingly, they were set up by the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, also known as Cospas-Sarsat. It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries in the Middle East to join the Cospas-Sarsat initiative. Launched in 1979 by Canada, France, the US, and the former Soviet Union, the initiative seeks to operate satellite technology for rescue missions. Saudi representatives in the meeting include participants from the Saudi Arabian Mission Control Centre, along with authorities involved in rescue missions, such as the Air Force, the Border Guards, and the Ministry of Interior's security services. Related Topics: GACA Unveils Integrated Digital Platform and New Corporate Identity King Khalid Int'l Airport Tops GACA Report for Sept. 2024 GACA Opens Doors for Foreign Charter Operators in Saudi Arabia Short link : Post Views: 88
