The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) conducted a two-day workshop focused on Search and Rescue (SAR) to enhance emergency preparedness.
Organized by the Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (PARCC), the event took place from November 27 to 28 at the Civil Aviation Training Center in Parañaque City.
The workshop emphasized the vital role of Search and Rescue in ensuring safety and survival during emergencies. It covered essential procedures for locating, assisting, and recovering vehicles and individuals involved in accidents.
A significant emphasis was placed on the use of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs), which are crucial devices for distress detection, particularly within the aviation and maritime industries.
ELTs emit signals on specific emergency frequencies, facilitating the swift detection of accidents or forced landings.
These signals are monitored by Cospas-Sarsat, an international satellite-based search and rescue system, enabling prompt responses by SAR units.
The transmitters can be detected in various environments, including land, sea, and air. Currently, PARCC reports that there are 1,120 registered Emergency Locator Transmitters in the Philippines.
“This workshop is just the beginning of our efforts. We are eager to conduct more Search and Rescue exercises to deepen our knowledge and enhance our skills in this critical area,” stated PARCC Chief Bong Menese.
“Learning about Search and Rescue is essential for saving lives, improving safety, and ensuring preparedness during emergencies. This is crucial not only for the aviation sector but also for public safety as a whole,” said CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo.
The workshop gathered participants from various organizations, including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, and CAAP employees.