An overview of the legal search and rescue framework and related infrastructure along the Arctic Northeast Passage

A quite extended number of commercial flights are transiting today through the Arctic Ocean. In addition, activities like tourism, fishing and local communities' resupply needs, along with various planned and already existing maritime transport endeavors further point towards the direction of future higher demands on the Search and Rescue (SAR) infrastructure of the wider region. The Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic that coordinates international SAR coverage and response efforts in the region under discussion and establishes the area of (SAR) responsibility of each state party was the first legally-binding instrument negotiated and adopted under the auspices of the Arctic Council; this has been a very decisive step for the establishment and enhancement of SAR infrastructure in the Arctic. Through an exploratory review of various sources (resolutions and legislative documents of the International Maritime Organization, government policy documents of the Arctic Council Nations, academic literature) and primary data from institutions located in Norway and Russia, this paper aims to provide an overview of the existing SAR infrastructure of the countries in close proximity with the Northeast Passage, identify current deficiencies and propose ways forward for safe and sustainable voyages in the region. Valuable outcomes for policy-makers and relevant stakeholders come about from necessary investments in advanced SAR infrastructure to enhance safe and secure navigation in the Arctic, including the use of satellite-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) for monitoring vessel activities and improving awareness of their location and strengthened cooperation among the Arctic Council Nations to address the increased challenges of SAR operations in this remote geographical region.

Automated summary

This paper provides an overview of the existing search and rescue (SAR) infrastructure of countries near the Northeast Passage and identifies current deficiencies. It proposes ways to ensure safe and sustainable voyages in the region, such as investing in advanced SAR infrastructure and strengthening cooperation among Arctic Council Nations.