MUSCAT: The Omani Search and Rescue Team, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), held a press conference during which it affirmed its readiness to upgrade its status to the ‘Heavy Level Classification’ granted by the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) — the highest global classification of its kind.
The press conference was held under the auspices of Mohammed bin Said al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Information.
Brigadier Eng Ali bin Saif al Muqbali, Deputy Chairman of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, said that the Omani Search and Rescue Team recently embarked on an integrated preparedness plan that comprised advanced training programmes held in partnership with Singapore Civil Defence Academy.
He added that the programmes include the enhancement of equipment and supplies in accordance with the requirements of the envisaged ‘Heavy Level Classification’ and the finalisation of operational and organisational procedures in accordance with the standards set by the INSARAG.
Al Muqbali pointed out that the team will undergo a set of administrative, technical and field tests that focus on the application of readiness and response skills, incident site management and ‘Search Under Rubble’ operations.
The programmes will be carried out under the supervision of international assessors from 12 countries selected by the United Nations to review the Omani team’s performance and evaluate its compliance with international standards, he added.
He explained that the outcome of the assessment is scheduled to be announced on December 10 in the presence of dignitaries, senior leaders, officers from military and security services and invitees from GCC states.
Al Muqbali expressed his enthusiasm to see the Omani team accomplish the ‘Heavy Classification’ target and enhance the Sultanate of Oman’s readiness to join the system of international humanitarian response.
The Omani Search and Rescue Team was established to serve as a specialised force capable of dealing with complex incidents within the Sultanate of Oman. During its professional march, the team carried out a number of local operations and participated in international missions, including response to earthquakes in Nepal and Türkiye — which all earned the team advanced experience in the fields of search and rescue. — ONA
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