GEN 3.6  Search and rescue

1  Responsible service(s)

The search and rescue service in Mogadishu FIR is coordinated by Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) at the Area Control Centre (ACC) which hosts the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). The search and rescue are coordinated in collaboration with airspace users, adjacent regional rescue coordination centers and available committed resources.

The address of the RCC is as below.
Post:

Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA)
Mogadishu, Somalia

Tel:+2521857390

Tel:+2521857391

Tel:+2521857392

Tel:+2521857393

Email: somalia.rcc@scaa.gov.so

AFS:HCSMZQZX

When SAR operations are needed, a rescue coordination center is activated. The service is provided in accordance with the provisions contained in Annex12 — Search and Rescue and SOMCAR Part 13.

2  Area of responsibility

The search and rescue service is responsible for SAR operations within Mogadishu FIR.

3  Types of service

Details of related rescue units are given in Table 3.6.3 — Search and Rescue Units. In addition, various elements of the State Police organization, the merchant marine and the armed forces are also available for search and rescue missions, when required. The aeronautical, maritime and public telecommunication services are also available to the search and rescue organization.

Table 3.6.3 Search and Rescue Units
Name of unitLocationFacilitiesRemarks
1234
Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) at ACC020050.25N 0451814.50ETBNSee GEN 3.3 for contact details and ENR 2.1 for Frequencies of ATS units
Mogadishu TWR020050.25N 0451814.50ETBNSee GEN 3.3 for contact details and ENR 2.1 for Frequencies of ATS units
Hargeisa TWR093105.12N 0440522.95ETBNSee GEN 3.3 for contact details and ENR 2.1 for Frequencies of ATS units
Bosaso TWRTBNTBNSee GEN 3.3 for contact details and ENR 2.1 for Frequencies of ATS units
Berbera TWR102324N 0445530ETBNSee GEN 3.3 for contact details and ENR 2.1 for Frequencies of ATS units

4  SAR agreements

To be notified upon conclusion.

5  Conditions of availability

The SAR service assistance and facilities in Somalia are always available without charge to neighbouring States upon request to the Civil Aviation Authority when they are not engaged in search and rescue operations in their home territory.

6  Procedures and signals used

  Procedures and signals used by aircraft
Procedures for pilots-in-command observing an accident or intercepting a distress call and/or message are outlined in ICAO Annex 12, Chapter 5.
  Communications

Transmission and reception of distress messages within the Mogadishu FIR Search and Rescue are handled in accordance with ICAO Annex 10, Volume II, Chapter 5, paragraph 5.3.

Codes and abbreviations published in ICAO Doc 8400, (Abbreviations and Codes) will be used.

The frequency 121.500 MHZ is monitored continuously during the hours of service at the Area Control Centre and Flight Information Centre. It is also available at approach control unit. In addition, the aerodrome control towers serving international alternate aerodromes will, on request, guard the frequency 121.500 MHZ.

Rescue aircraft belonging to permanent Search and Rescue Units use both the call sign RESCUE and additional identification marks (ALFA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, etc.) during rescue operations.

  Search and rescue signals
The search and rescue signals to be used are those prescribed in Annex 12, 5.8.
No.MessageCode Symbol
1Require assistance
2Require medical assistance
3No or Negative
4Yes or Affirmative
5Proceeding in this direction

Instructions for use:

  1. Make signals not less than 8 ft (2.5 m).
  2. Take care to lay out signals exactly as shown.
  3. Provide as much color contrast as possible between signals and background.
  4. Make every effort to attract attention by other means such as radio, flares, smoke, reflected light.