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Life−saving

“Never before has the maritime SAR responsible for co-ordinating incidents Planning and preparation remain
sector been as exposed or visible as it is on this scale to ensure they have the the key to dealing with mass rescue

today. Seconds after incidents occur texts structures and plans in place to handle operations and other complex
are sent, photos uploaded and opinions this exposure.incidents. This includes planning how

posted,” said Mr Reid, addressing more to deal with the pressures imposed by
“
than 250 delegates at the plenary ofthe new media.
the Regional Meeting, combined with the tion in the The situaPart of the conference was set aside

8th China International Rescue & Mediterranean hasfor the delegates from SAR
Salvage Conference.organisations in the Asia Pacific region

to meet and discuss areas where the “The challenge we face is that social been spiralling out
IMRF could provide support at a media are becoming the first source of

regional level. As a result, the IMRF will news. This is a problem because there is of control
look to coordinate two Mass Rescue risk that what is posted is difficult to

Operations workshops and a series of authenticate; provides only a snapshot of
On-Scene Coordinator courses.a small part of what are complex Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary
eral, ICSGen
operations; and, most importantly, creates “We are building momentum in Asia
”
information flows that can hinder the SAR. Pacific now we have a registered office
Political pressures fed by misinformed and dedicated staff working out of

social media campaigns can have Shanghai,” reflected Mr Reid. “It is “There is no problem with scrutiny
deleterious effects on the SAR effort”important now to build on the support in and visibility but in the middle of a major

the region, increase the number of The events surrounding the tragic incident the last thing the rescue
countries and organisations we work sinking of the Korean ferry MV Sewol authorities need is social media posts

with and use our neutrality to build were used by Mr Reid as an example to being quoted as facts; “experts”
international and inter-organisational support this view. The public pressure providing opinions from a world away,

cooperation to improve maritime SAR and scrutiny from the first minute of this and politicians pressuring their
response and reduce loss of life in the accident was unprecedented and should, authorities while the search and

waters of the region.” uhe said, be reviewed by every authorityrecovery is still underway,” said Mr Reid.