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Matthew believes in the volunteer and humanitarian spirit. Rescue provides the opportunity to create greater meaning and purpose in the marine environment he loves. He is a surfer and waterman that enjoys experiencing the sea in an intimate way. In his current role in International Search and Rescue Development for the Swedish Sea Rescue Society he is constantly trying to advance how one can better save people whether it be rescue methodology, research, innovation, or organizational improvement. Past roles at SSRS include Leader of Volunteer Operations, Head of Education andMass Rescue Operations Mission Coordination. From 2015-2019 Matthew served as a Trustee on the Board of Directors for the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). The IMRF brings together the world's maritime SAR organisations and has both voluntary and governmental organisations as members. As well as improving maritime SAR capacity & capability around the world, the IMRF also has an advocacy role, providing an international voice for its members. It is the only maritime SAR NGO with consultative status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO). Matthew is also a Guest Lecturer and coordinates the Search & Rescue Field Study course for the IMO World Maritime University. He also teaches “Protection at Sea” for the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy. Before joining the SSRS team, as a Registered Nurse he was responsible for several Emergency departments at Sahlgrenska University Hospital for over 10 years.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines a mass rescue operation (MRO) as “characterized by the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress such that the capabilities normally available to the search and rescue authorities are inadequate”. What is important is that a mass rescue operation is large and complex enough to be beyond the local SAR authorities’ normal capabilities. There is a “capability gap”. This gap must be filled if everyone is to be rescued. We can prepare for these challenges by recognizing the risks, and planning and training to deal with them. This is a matter for everyone who might become involved in an MRO. This lecture proposes to look at some of the lessons identified from MRO cases and personal experience.