Doha: The State of Qatar, represented by the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Center under the Qatar Armed Forces, will host the 73rd session of the Council of the International Satellite System for Search and Rescue (Cospas-Sarsat) between October 20 – 23.
According to Qatar News Agency, the session will bring together approximately 150 to 170 representatives from around 45 member states, along with global organizations involved in search and rescue operations. These include the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The agenda will cover key issues such as the development of the satellite system (LEO, GEO, MEO), upgrades to the ground infrastructure, user-related matters, and various other topics.
Colonel (Airforce) Rashid Sultan Rashid Al Hetmi, representative of the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Center Command, stated: “The Cospas-Sarsat organization is an international satellite-based search and rescue system established in 1979. Its primary mission is to receive distress signals from ships, aircraft, and individuals via specialized devices such as EPIRBs, ELTs, and PLBs, and to provide national rescue coordination centers with accurate location data for incidents.”
Al Hetmi added that the system has so far helped save over 70,000 lives in more than 22,500 search and rescue operations worldwide. It is regarded as a fundamental component of the global maritime and aviation safety systems, operating under the auspices of both the IMO and ICAO.
Regarding Qatar’s involvement in the organization, he explained: “Qatar joined as a participating member of the organization in 2017 as member number 44. Since then, the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Center has played a vital role by establishing the Qatar Mission Control Center (QAMCC), which receives and distributes distress signals to relevant national entities. Advanced ground stations (GEOLUT and LEOLUT) have been installed, and work is currently underway to set up a MEOLUT station using phased array antenna technology. Additionally, the National Search and Rescue Training Center has been established to train both local and international personnel.”
He also highlighted the Qatar Armed Forces’ contribution to search and rescue operations under the framework of the organization, noting that through the Ministry of Defense and the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Center, the Armed Forces are responsible for coordinating air and maritime rescue operations within Qatar’s Search and Rescue Region. They provide all necessary resources and equipment to support these operations and actively participate in international cooperation through information exchange and collaboration with regional and international rescue centers on operations and training.
In conclusion, he emphasized that hosting the Council meeting in Doha clearly reflects the Qatar Armed Forces’ commitment to humanitarian efforts and leadership in saving lives, while strengthening international cooperation in search and rescue operations.