Search and Rescue Transits through Canadian Territorial Waters
Abstract
We have seen major developments in Search and Rescue (SAR) in the last 30 years. These issues affect the borders between the United States and Canada in the Great Lakes region as well as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic regions. As the importance of national security continues to increase, a balance between concerns for sovereignty and concerns for lifesaving must be maintained. The United States and Canada must continue to uphold strong agreements and coordination of policies and operations between each other and between aeronautical and maritime SAR services. We want those in distress to feel assured that their lives will not be jeopardized by bureaucratic red tape or a potential rescuer's hesitation to enter another country's territory to fulfill their duty to render assistance. The following issues are addressed in this research paper: What authorities exist for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) vessels to transit through Canadian waters?; What authorities are applicable for USCG vessels searching or making recoveries in Canadian waters, and what coordination is required?; What authorities exist for USCG aircraft to overfly Canadian waters or land, and under what circumstances?; What coordination is required?; Can rescued individuals be transitioned back to the United States?; What if the individual is injured by a USCG aircraft while in Canadian waters?; and Does the individual's citizenship matter?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA556333
Entities
People
- Mark J. Garrette Jr.
Organizations
- Case Western Reserve University