Search & rescue and maritime security in the arctic - System design challenges and solutions

Paper in proceeding, 2015

The increasing prevalence of voyages within the Arctic region is highlighting the growing need to understand the implications of delivering Search And Rescue (SAR) and Maritime Security (MARSEC) within the Arctic. Operating within this hostile environment requires specific system capabilities and resilience. This capability is not delivered by a single type or class of vessel, but rather a system-of-systems, including multinational cooperation. The issue of the large distances between safe havens is recognized, particularly the problem of it taking a long time for help to reach a vessel in distress assuming communication is possible. Therefore vessels need to be designed and outfitted with systems and equipment to support the crew and passengers for many days in harsh conditions, as well as the capability to help other vessels in distress, e.g. greater capability for deployable rescue craft assets. Therefore Arctic SAR and MARSEC operations require resilient System-of-Systems solutions, with embedded Human Systems Integration (HSI), to support safe and effective Arctic voyages.