ADVOKS GLOBAL · KENYA
The Civil Aviation (Aeronautical Search and Rescue) Regulations, 2025
18. Aeronautical search and rescue plan of operation
Edition: 2026-03-03 · In force
18. Aeronautical search and rescue plan of operation
(1)The designated Aeronautical Search and Rescue agency shall prepare detailed plans of operation for the conduct of aeronautical search and rescue operations within the aeronautical search and rescue region.(2)Aeronautical search and rescue plan of operations shall be developed jointly with representatives of the operators and other public or private services that may assist in providing aeronautical search and rescue services or benefit from them, taking into account that the number of survivors could be large.(3)The plans of operation shall specify arrangements for the servicing and refueling, to the extent possible, of aircraft, vessels and vehicles employed in aeronautical search and rescue operations, including those made available by other States.(4)The aeronautical search and rescue plans of operation shall contain details regarding actions to be taken by those persons engaged in aeronautical search and rescue, including—(a)the manner in which aeronautical search and rescue operations are to be conducted in the aeronautical search and rescue region;(b)the use of available communication systems and facilities;(c)the actions to be taken jointly with other rescue coordination centres;(d)the methods of alerting en-route aircraft and ships at sea;(e)the duties and prerogatives of persons assigned to aeronautical search and rescue;(f)the possible redeployment of equipment that may be necessitated by meteorological or other conditions;(g)the methods for obtaining essential information relevant to aeronautical search and rescue operations, such as weather reports, forecasts and appropriate Notice to Airmen (NOTAM);(h)the methods for obtaining, from other rescue coordination centres, such assistance, including aircraft, vessels, persons or equipment, as may be needed;(i)the methods for assisting distressed aircraft being compelled to ditch to rendezvous with surface craft;(j)the methods for obtaining approval to allow search and rescue units from an assisting State to enter into the territory of the State of the RCC;(k)the methods for assisting aeronautical search and rescue operation or other aircraft to proceed to aircraft in distress; and(l)co-operative actions to be taken in conjunction with air traffic services units and other authorities concerned to assist aircraft known or believed to be subject to unlawful interference.(5)Aeronautical search and rescue plans of operation shall be integrated with airport emergency plans to provide for rescue services in the vicinity of aerodromes including, for coastal aerodromes, areas of water.(6)Aeronautical search and rescue plans for operation shall be integrated with emergency response plans developed by the air operators in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Aviation (Operation of Aircraft) Regulations.(7)The designated Aeronautical Search and Rescue agency shall prepare and keep updated, an Aeronautical Search and Rescue manual containing the necessary procedures for aeronautical search and rescue operations and matters connected therewith to facilitate the implementation of the Aeronautical Search and Rescue plan.