Development and Application of a Methodology to assess the Adequacy of Search and Rescue on the River Thames

Abstract

The Thames Safety Inquiry was a Public Inquiry that took place in the UK in 1999/2000. It recommended that the adequacy of Search And Rescue (SAR) be assessed using a systematic risk-based approach.This paper describes the development and application of a risk based methodology used to assess the adequacy of SAR resources, Riverside facilities and Onboard facilities that are in place to assist casualties following a range of marine incidents on the River Thames, and to propose improvements where these are required.The study established where there was a “Capability Gap” between the potential requirement for SAR and the current resources. Primary Options for improvement were identified as a way of addressing the Capability Gap, these were subject to Cost Benefit Analysis, in order to ensure that the most effective balance of SAR capability and cost could be achieved.The study also identified the need to change the way in which resources are managed, in order to ensure that the overall resources available for SAR can be effectively coordinated during emergencies.