March 2026
During the first week of March 2026, 2-day workshop on Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) delivered by HM Coastguard was held here in Stanley. The workshop saw active and hugely welcome participation from a wide variety of stakeholders across Falkland Islands Government (FIG), various agencies, the private sector, representatives from British Forces South Atlantic Islands and also the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.
The 2-day workshop was based on the requirements of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979, the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual, and the International Maritime Rescue Federation MRO Guidance.
The workshop was particularly important as the Falkland Islands receive passenger vessels carrying up to 5000 people onboard during the cruise ship season, which runs between September and April annually. Testing out the capabilities and resources of the Falkland Islands through the workshop has been most beneficial in exercising the FIG Major Incident plan, our Search and Rescue plans and the ongoing development of the Mass Rescue Plan.
