At Sea... Seconds Save Lives

- Brigadier General Al-Kadam to “Al-Rai”: We urge beachgoers not to treat the sea as a playground for adventure and to check weather conditions before setting sail.

- Rapid response is the hallmark of our operations, supported by 39 modern maritime vessels.

- 330 rescue personnel are on standby, working around the clock across three shifts.

- Speed is essential; there is no room for delay, as sea conditions can change rapidly.

- We possess a sophisticated maritime fleet comprising modern, fast boats and specialized equipment for search and rescue, as well as ship firefighting.

- Seven new maritime vessels have been added to bolster the current fleet and enhance response speed to incidents.

- Children require constant supervision near the sea, swimming pools, and boats, as accidents can occur in an instant.

In open waters, there is no room for delay or error; mere seconds can mean the difference between saving a life and losing it.

This is why the Fire and Maritime Rescue Department of the General Fire Force serves as the first line of defense for sea visitors, maintaining continuous readiness with advanced boats and equipment, and deploying trained teams capable of handling various emergencies, from drownings and missing persons to ship fires and boat breakdowns.

As summer sees a surge in sea visits, the responsibilities of rescue personnel multiply. They work around the clock to handle reports and respond to emergencies, alongside awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of adhering to maritime safety regulations.

In an interview with “Al-Rai,” Brigadier General Bader Al-Kadam, Director of the Fire and Maritime Rescue Department at the General Fire Force, confirmed that the department has undergone significant development in its capabilities and resources since its establishment in the 1950s, and since the launch of the Salmiya Rescue Center in 1998. He emphasized that rapid response, specialized training, and coordination with relevant authorities are fundamental pillars for the success of rescue operations.

Al-Kadam revealed that the department handled 912 incidents between January 1 and August of last year, averaging 114 incidents per month, which included breakdowns, fires, and search and rescue operations. He stressed that the summer season presents an additional challenge due to the high density of sea visitors.

• What was the number of maritime reports and incidents handled by the department this year, and what were their types?

The Fire and Maritime Rescue Department handled 912 incidents from January 1 through the end of August this year, averaging 114 reports per month. These incidents were categorized into breakdowns, fires, and search and rescue operations. These figures underscore the magnitude of the responsibility shouldered by maritime rescue teams, particularly since our work demands 24/7 readiness and preparedness to handle various types of incidents.

Readiness is the foundation of maritime rescue. Our team at the Maritime Rescue Department consists of 330 personnel, including officers and non-commissioned officers, who are always prepared to respond to any report.

Maritime work differs significantly from land-based operations, as numerous factors must be considered, such as sea state, wind, waves, distance, and the incident’s location. Therefore, we prioritize continuous training, enhance human resource capabilities, and ensure the provision of appropriate equipment and machinery.

Certainly, summer witnesses a massive influx to beaches and the sea, whether from boat owners, jet skiers, families, or children. This increases the burden on rescue teams. Consequently, we intensify our preparations during this period and strive to handle reports with the utmost speed possible.

- Speed is a fundamental element, especially in cases of drowning or missing persons. We treat every report as an incident requiring immediate attention and rapid response, deploying specialized teams as soon as the nature and location of the report are identified. In rescue operations, there is no room for delay, as sea conditions can change within minutes.

- A significant portion of incidents is linked to non-compliance with safety guidelines or venturing into unsuitable sea conditions, in addition to boat malfunctions or lack of readiness. Therefore, we consistently emphasize that prevention is more important than rescue, and that sea users must verify sea conditions and their equipment before setting sail. Life jackets are among the most critical safety measures and must be available to everyone on board and worn correctly, particularly children and non-swimmers. They should not be reserved for use only after an incident has occurred.

- Individuals must ensure the readiness of their boats or jet skis before departure, checking the engine, fuel, communication devices, and safety equipment, and confirming the availability of life jackets and rescue gear. They should also monitor weather and sea conditions and avoid sailing in unstable conditions.

- The most important step is to remain calm and avoid acting recklessly, while immediately contacting emergency services at 112. Provide accurate information regarding the boat’s location, the number of people on board, and the nature of the problem. Every piece of information provided by the caller helps rescue teams reach the scene more quickly.

• What are the key mechanisms relied upon by the Administration?

- The Administration possesses a modern maritime fleet comprising fast, modern boats and specialized equipment for search and rescue operations and shipfirefighting. The fleet has undergone continuous development aimed at enhancing response efficiency and strengthening the teams’ capacity to handle various maritime incidents. Seven new vessels have been added to support the current fleet of 39 vessels, ensuring rapid response to reports.

- The Administration has witnessed significant development since its establishment in the 1950s, in terms of human capabilities, equipment and machinery, and operational methods. It has now become a key entity in addressing maritime incidents, saving lives, and contributing to the preservation of the marine environment.

• What kind of training do rescue personnel undergo?

- Maritime rescue is one of the most dangerous tasks, as it takes place in a volatile and unstable environment. It requires specialized skills, continuous training, and the ability to make decisions within seconds. Rescue personnel are trained to handle drowning cases, search for missing persons, ship fires, and various other incidents.

- Weather conditions and sea state are among the most critical factors affecting rescue operations and may pose significant challenges for our personnel. Therefore, the situation is assessed before and during mission execution, with a strong emphasis on ensuring the safety of the rescue team itself, as the objective is to save individuals without exposing the rescue team to uncalculated risks.

• What about reports that lack accurate information?

- Information accuracy is extremely important, as any error in identifying the location, number of people, or nature of the incident can affect the speed of team deployment. We therefore request that callers remain calm and provide available information accurately, and not hang up until the emergency operator has obtained all necessary details.

- Children require constant supervision near the sea, swimming pools, and boats. Relying solely on their swimming ability is not advisable. The presence of a responsible adult to supervise them is essential, as accidents can occur in an instant.

- Awareness is a fundamental part of the Maritime Rescue Department’s work. Our role is not limited to intervening after an incident occurs; we also strive to guide beachgoers to swim in safe areas, adhere to safety instructions, and avoid venturing out in unstable weather conditions. This is done in cooperation and coordination with the Public Relations and Media Department of the General Fireforce, whose efforts in highlighting the Maritime Rescue Department’s activities are greatly appreciated.

- Our message is clear: Do not treat the sea as a playground for recklessness. Check the weather and sea conditions, inspect your boat, wear life jackets, supervise children, and ensure that communication and rescue equipment are on board. In case of any emergency, do not hesitate to call 112 and provide your location and information accurately.

I also urge everyone to approach the sea with awareness and an understanding of its risks, and to be certain that adhering to safety procedures can save lives.

I emphasize that maritime rescue personnel are always available to provide assistance, but the best incident is one that we can prevent before it happens. Our primary and ultimate goal is to protect lives and property, and we hope that everyone returns safely to their families.

Colonel Al-Kadam explained the procedure for handling cases of missing persons at sea, confirming that the last known location of the missing person is identified first, followed by the formulation of a search plan based on available information, sea conditions, and surrounding circumstances. The search area is expanded as needed, with assistance from other relevant authorities, primarily the Coast Guard and aerial units when necessary.

The Department has previously conducted joint search operations for missing persons at sea, in cooperation with the Coast Guard and rotary-wing aircraft, expanding the search area according to field data and weather conditions.

Colonel Al-Kadam clarified that coordination between the General Fireforce, the Coast Guard, and other entities is carried out through a joint operations room, where information is exchanged instantly, and the authority or authorities responsible for handling the report are determined based on its nature. Upon receipt of a report, direct communication is established between the relevant teams via radio devices, and tasks are assigned according to the type of incident.

Colonel Al-Kadam pointed out the difficulty in pinpointing the location of a report when the caller does not know their exact position, noting that accurate location identification greatly facilitates the response. Therefore, we advise sea visitors to be aware of their location and to utilize available GPS devices and electronic tools, particularly the AIS device, which is a modern positioning system. Installation of this device is mandatory following the implementation of the new law, and non-compliance results in fines and boat confiscation. Additionally, individuals must provide their information to emergency operations to aid in locating them.

Colonel Al-Kadam affirmed that among the most prominent mistakes are failing to follow safety guidelines, not wearing life jackets, going out to sea in unsuitable weather conditions, not inspecting the boat before departure, and leaving children unattended near the sea or swimming pools.

Colonel Badr Al-Kadam recounted a humorous incident involving a report from a taxi driver who stated that a passenger had asked him to stop in the middle of the road on the Jaber Bridge, then quickly exited the vehicle and jumped off the bridge in an apparent suicide attempt. When rescue personnel arrived, they found the would-be suicide victim alive but injured with fractures, after he had fallen into the mud. He was shouting, “My luck is so bad that even when I intended to die…”

The General Fireforce inaugurated the “Al-Jon” Maritime Rescue Center on the Southern Island, beneath the Jaber Bridge, to enable rapid response in case of reports of suicide or drowning incidents.

Colonel Al-Kadam said that the Maritime Rescue Administration handles reports through six centers distributed across the north and south of the country, with two new centers expected to be added to service, one of which will be located at the Firefighters Club in Al-Masila.