Small Island, Big Issue: Malta and its Search and Rescue Region - SAR

Abstract

Malta is located at the frontline of the Central Mediterranean route. It is a waypoint for migrants coming from the North African coast and crossing the Mediterranean, who have to pass through the Maltese search and rescue region. Malta acceded to the 1979 SAR Convention in 2002, but it has not yet signed the 2004 Amendments which clarify that the disembarkation of persons found in distress at sea must be done in a place of safety.

Keywords

• sar convention
• sar region
• malta
• search and rescue
• place of safety