International Disaster SAR

Usually Search and Rescue overseas – requiring self sufficiency and knowledge of working within a coordinated effort or how to coordinate within an international relief environment. Often a part of the humanitarian response, responders should also study additional adjuncts like IHL (International Humanitarian Law) and UN INSASRAG. It is part of the rescue phase of the disaster management cycle and therefore again synonymous with Disaster SAR and sometimes also USAR.

This is one of those terms which can mean several things. It is often taken to mean USAR for collapsed buildings in urbanised areas as one often sees USAR teams responding to global disasters. More accurately – it is Search and Rescue in a response to a disaster which involves suffering people and huge area damage and inability to cope without assistance and coordinated effort, such as an earthquake, or flood or storm.

In the DIMERSAR Academy specific International Disaster SAR certification course candidates learn about SAR including:

  • Disasters and Disaster Response

  • USAR (Urban Search and Rescue)

  • CSSR (Collapsed Structure Search & Rescue)

  • Wilderness SAR

  • Field Survival & Bushcraft Skills

  • Disaster Mapping and Navigation

  • Tsunami Response

  • Flood and Water Search and Rescue

  • Rope and High Angle Rescue

  • Safety and Risk

  • Haz-Mat Recognition & Response

  • Medical Response

  • International Humanitarian Law

  • International Signalling and Marking

  • OSOCC and other UN Mechanisms

  • Cross Cultural Communications

  • Diversity Training

  • Communications Training

It is offered at several levers but would normally take several months to take a 'novice' to a good level of operational competency - however, it does depend on the circumstances and experience and training of the candidates.

Other related information may be found here.