According to the Emiri Decree No. 147 of 3 November 2013, the Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani announced about establishment of the Doha Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (DJRCC) functioning under the Ministry of Defence as a legal entity to be responsible for conducting and coordinating effective sea and air search and rescue operations according to international laws and standards.In this regard, the DJRCC is responsible for streamlining / promoting efficient deployment of search and rescue services and for managing the conduct of successful search and rescue (SAR) operations within a search and rescue region or the area of responsibility of the State of Qatar.Concerted team efforts and profound judgement along with professionalism is a key towards success of any organization. Hence, the goal of the DJRCC is to provide all possible support during any emergency situation requiring immediate and timely activation of SAR facilities.
The DJRCC is vested with full authority to carry out a SAR task. More specifically, it is monitoring and receiving emergency calls, including distress data via satellites (Cospas-Sarsat System) and forward them to respective authorities concerned to start SAR operations.It is also making communication and contacts with regional and international bodies and coordinating with civil aviation, maritime and other authorities in the State of Qatar.
The DJRCC is seeking to reduce accidents and their impacts through preventive measures and by reinforcing safety requirements. It is using regional and international SAR agreements and regulations to achieve its objectives.The DJRCC is also working to raise awareness among SAR personnel, bodies and other facilities on safety-related issues.The DJRCC is fully responsible for effectively coordinating and supporting all associated organisations/units and neighbouring States, with respect to SAR operations over land, sea and air. The DJRCC operates as per International Standards and legislations of various agreements and treaties. Concerted team efforts and profound judgment along with professionalism is a key towards success of any organisation. Hence, the goal of this organisation is to provide all possible support during any emergency situation requiring immediate and timely activation of SAR facilities.
To ensure immediate and effective conduct of SAR operations using all available resources and assets in collaboration with executing and supporting authorities/agencies. This arrangement should ensure the DJRCC to employ efficient coordination and planning with all concerned agencies, aiming to prevent loss of life or injury and minimize damage or loss of fixed/mobile assets.
The duties and responsibilities of the DJRCC are as follows:
- To monitor, and receive international distress beacons through satellites or via coastal station terminals and passing that information to concerned competent authority, which would be responsible for execution/conduct of SAR operations.
- Ensure effective and efficient coordination with all concerned agencies involved in aeronautical and maritime SAR operations.
- Find best ways and methods for local, regional and International communication support, development and coordination regarding current and future SAR operations.
- Coordinate with concerned authorities / agencies conducting any SAR operation, in order to prevent and minimise losses.
- Provide technical advice and support to all concerned authorities / agencies on the recommendations and matters covered in International Standards / Legislations, ICAO and IMO.
- Provide detailed schedule, schemes and plans for area of responsibility of the State of Qatar to the SAR Operations executing authorities / agencies, in the areas of responsibility mentioned in Terms of Reference page of this manual.
- Prepare and organise SAR programs, courses and training exercises of all SAR concerned personnel in various agencies, authorities, units etc. This is to enhance conducting SAR coordination according to the international rules an regulations.