Guyana launches high-tech search and rescue system to save lives

…$123M investment cuts response times, boosts national preparedness

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Monday hosted a Search and Rescue Tabletop Exercise at the Rescue Coordination Centre, Timehri Control Tower Complex, where it officially launched a new Search and Rescue Information Management System powered by IMSAR software. During the exercise, the GCAA commissioned new search and rescue hardware and software acquired in collaboration with the Government of Guyana to enhance Aeronautical Search and Rescue (ASR) capabilities nationwide. During his remarks GCAA Director General Lt Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field highlighted that the commissioning of the new system underscores the importance of search and rescue, which is inherent in all aviation operations. As a member State of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Guyana is mandated to provide search and rescue services wherever aircraft operations are conducted. The new system is being launched using state-of-the-art technology, in collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), across airport air operations nationwide.

Also speaking at the event, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar highlighted past challenges Guyana has faced in the area of search and rescue and the importance of improved capabilities. “One time there was a boat offshore and we failed to find the boat because of the limitations that we had. In other situations we had in the past, we could not have found the distress signals, where there were distress signals, with patterns, when it was the drifting pattern of the tides it created more difficulty. It became a multiplier and it became more laborious,” Indar noted. “We took the manual system and put it in our web-based format. But more reliable data is coming in by electronic signal, whether RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) signal, radio signal, or whatever comes in automatically from planes that are moving and feeds into the system. It reduces time.” The launch of the IMSAR system represents a significant advancement in Guyana’s aviation and emergency response infrastructure, reinforcing national readiness, inter-agency coordination and the country’s commitment to saving lives. As part of the new system implementation some 16 persons from across several coordinating organisations have been newly trained as Search and Rescue Mission Coordinators (SMCs). “Our Government has put into this sector $123 million to develop the sector. They have trained about 16 people from Civil Aviation and the GDF, and other organisations. We have trained 16 people and we will train more people, because the more people know about this, the better the aviation sector we have, the better the strength the sector has,” Indar noted. Indar explained that transitioning from manual systems to a web-based platform significantly reduces response time. He emphasised the critical importance of rapid response. “There is something called the golden hour, the time between where you can save a life or lose a life, that is what the reduction in time does to this process,” Indar note.
“It makes sure that you have the information quickly so you can deploy assets faster, ensure you have a plan faster in place to implement, that makes the difference in whether the rescue mission becomes a success or a failure. This system, all it does is make that process faster, more reliable and we can have a search and rescue plan implemented quicker than we would have done in the past. And it’s less labour-intensive. That is what you call development. In the information systems world, they call it system maturity.

Major step forward for national preparedness
Giving an overview of the system, Trained Search and Rescue Coordinator, Lolita Fernandes described the launch as a major step forward for national preparedness. She said, “Today marks an important milestone in how we conduct search and rescue operations in Guyana. The launch of the IMSAR system,” she said.
She further explained, “it reflects our commitment to safety preparedness and to effective coordination of emergency response across Guyana. It is more than just software. It is a national capability. One that enables fast decision-making, and stronger coordination, ultimately supporting our primary goal of saving lives.”
Fernandes outlined how IMSAR replaces previously manual processes with an integrated digital platform that supports search and rescue operations through five recognised stages, from initial awareness to conclusion and reporting. She also highlighted features such as real-time situational awareness, integrated weather and environmental data, real-time tracking of SAR units, and comprehensive incident reporting compliant with ICAO and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements. She emphasising the human impact of the system. “At its core, search and rescue is not about systems. It’s about people. It’s about reaching those in distress as quickly as possible and bringing them home safely. The IMSAR system strengthens our ability to do just that,” she said. Field underscored the regulatory and operational importance of search and rescue, noting that ICAO places significant emphasis on a State’s SAR capability and inter-state cooperation during audits. Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan in his remarks highlighted the operational value of the system for emergency response, emphasising coordination, situational clarity and the importance of timely action when lives are at risk. He noted that the GDF is pleased to participate in training and implementation as part of a collective effort to strengthen national search and rescue capabilities. Also present at the launch were SAR Manager of OMNI Helicopters, Scott Davidson; and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Gerry Gouveia Jnr.