Ukraine Established Maritime Search and Rescue Service

10.11.2011 An appropriate resolution was adopted by Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers on Oct 20, reports governmental website.

The purpose of such service is to arrange reliable maritime search and rescue system. Previously, all associated functions were upon various organizations controlled by Ministry of Infrastructure. Such atomism has led to absence of single policy, insufficient financing, lack of appropriate control, and ineffective functioning of search and rescue system. The newly established Maritime Search-and-Rescue Service will be the only organization in charge of such activities.

Basically, the service will provide technical support and further development of national search and rescue system in Ukraine's 137,000 sq km responsibility area.

The service will be a governmental enterprise controlled by Ministry of Infrastructure and financed by redistribution of harbor dues such as tonnage taxes.