ASG was honoured to deliver its most recent Search & Rescue (SAR) Tasking & Refresher Course for Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), conducted off-site in Galway between 25 and 28 November 2025.
This session underscores ASG’s continuing dedication to maritime safety and the critical importance of recurrent training in support of Ireland’s national Search & Rescue (SAR) capability.
The participants in this latest course had previously completed the full initial Tasking & Co-ordination (SATAC) course with ASG. Their return for periodic refresher training demonstrates commitment from both IRCG and ASG to maintain the high standards required for a safety-critical function.
ASG’s recurrent programme — running for nearly five years now — has trained and refreshed over 150 Watch Officers across the different sessions.
The 25–28 Nov course in Galway was tailored to update and sharpen participants’ skills across a broad span of SAR-relevant disciplines. Key focus areas included:
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Operational Risk Management & Emergency Response Planning: refining the capacity to evaluate and mitigate risks, and prepare coordinated responses in diverse SAR events.
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Meteorology and Weather Awareness: understanding weather patterns and their impact on SAR operations — vital given the often unpredictable maritime and coastal conditions around Ireland.
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Navigation, Flight Planning & Air Law: reinforcing foundational knowledge needed for safe and lawful aerial or maritime tasking and coordination.
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Communications, SAR Operating Procedures & Coordination: ensuring smooth inter-agency communication and effective resource deployment during operations.
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Human Factors, Crew Resource Management (CRM), Flight-Time Limitations & Fatigue Risk Management: emphasising the human performance side — ensuring that personnel are at their best under pressure, and that operations respect safety and regulatory limits.
This breadth of content ensures that IRCG personnel remain ready, capable, and confident — able to coordinate and execute SAR missions with the highest standard of professionalism.
Since ASG first began its tailored SATAC programme for the Irish Coast Guard nearly five years ago, the collaboration has expanded significantly — from initial training for new Watch Officers to recurrent refresher sessions aimed at sustaining operational excellence.
Delivering the course in Galway underlines the flexibility and commitment of both parties to bring training close to operational bases and adapt to real-world needs. It also reflects the continuous effort to support Ireland’s frontline maritime rescue services — ensuring readiness 24/7, 365 days a year.
ASG remains committed to delivering bespoke, high-quality SAR training — ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard stays at the forefront of maritime safety and rescue.
