Mass Rescue Operations (MRO)

Internationally, Mass Rescue Operations “are characterized by the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress, such that the capabilities normally available to SAR authorities are inadequate.” 

Large number of people in distress elevates the scale and complexity of MRO events beyond normal SAR operations.  Extraordinary effort and coordination by SAR and emergency management authorities must be mobilized in an effective and efficient manner.  Further refinement of the International Aeronautical Maritime Search And Rescue (IAMSAR) manual definition revels there is no absolute value to “large number of persons in distress.”  Time of day, location, and environmental factors may be a better determining factor driving the availability and capability of rescue resources. 

Coast Guard Passenger Vessel Safety Program
This link is to the Coast Guard Passenger Vessel Safety Program web page, which provides additional information concerning mass rescue operations, exercises, planning, training, and other information on maritime mass rescue.

Understanding the Challenge: Mass Rescue Operations at Sea
This article describes the challenges SAR authorities may face in planning, preparing and responding to mass rescue operations at sea.

Building a MRO Culture
Presentation discusses the challenges in conducting a mass rescue operation; in particular, cultural barriers.

MRO Scoping Study (2007) - Developed by the USCG Research and Development Center to identify key MRO Risks. A great tool for understanding and mitigating MRO Risk

MRO Designation Letter - Useful tool to identify key personnel responsible for MRO planning / preparedness duties.

USCG MRO Planning Guidance
In the event of a mass rescue (MRO), no single organization is fully equipped to mount an effective response.  The success of an MRO is contingent upon the seamless efforts of search and rescue agencies, the company, mutual assistance assets, and Good Samaritans.  Success is also contingent upon effective plans and the exercising of those plans.

The purpose of this planning guidance is to assist those in developing plans for mass rescue operations in the maritime or navigable waterway environment.  Mass rescues could be the result of a ship, aircraft, rail, roadway or natural disaster incident.  In any case, the sequence of priority in major multi-mission incidents must be lifesaving, environmental protection, and then property protection.

The intent of this planning guidance is to also generate consistency, raise awareness, identify stakeholders, and provide continuity between existing emergency plans such as:  Federal, State, County, City, Industry (e.g. Involved Party, Salvagers, etc.), Good Samaritan, and Volunteer Organizations.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidance Documents

• Guidance for Mass Rescue Operations
  COMSAR Circular 31, 6 Feb 2003.


• Guidelines for Plans of Cooperation Between SAR Services Passenger Ships
  MSC Circular 1079 (rev 1), 2017.


• Enhanced Contingency Planning Guidance for Passenger Ships Operating in Areas Remote From Facilities
  MSC.1 Circular 1184, 31 May 2006


• Guidelines on Voyage Planning for Passenger Ships Operating In Remote Areas
  Resolution A.999(25), 29 Nov 2007

USCG RDC Mass Rescue Operations Scoping Study (2007)

Mass Rescue Operations Job Aids

• Multi– Agency Quick Response Guide for Passenger Vessels
• Reception Center Operations Job Aid
• Landing Site Operations Job Aid
• Guidance for “Good Samaritan” Vessels Assisting in Maritime Search and Rescue
• Guide to Recovery Techniques
  The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-first session (10-19 May 2006), with a view to providing specific guidance to seafarers on recovery techniques, approved the Guide on recovery techniques, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Radio communications and Search and Rescue at its tenth session (6 to 10 March 2006), as set out in the included Annex.