The Government of Nepal has formulated a new regulation entitled “Aircraft Search and Rescue Regulation, 2017.” This new regulation provides a provision of an 11 member National Coordination Committee (NCC) led by Minister and State Minister overseeing the portfolio of Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA).
According to the regulations, the NCC to be formed in Kathmandu flight Information Region (KFIR) shall regulate policy provision relating to aircraft search and rescue operation. KFIR includes all airspace located within the geographical periphery of Nepal.
The regulation will also allow a seven-member Rescue Coordination Committee under the command of General Manager of Civil Aviation Office at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to execute search and rescue operation in an intellectual manner.
The new law also provides a provision of Search and Rescue Coordination Center at TIA to deploy skilled and trained manpower in case any aircraft goes missing within KFIR. The regulation requires the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to keep ready human resources, equipment and other logistics necessary for search and rescue of aircraft.
The law says that the search and rescue operation should be initiated immediately if any aircraft goes missing or is in dangerous situations. The rule will also allow Search and Rescue committee to deploy aircraft and manpower of Nepali Army and airline operators for the operation.
The committee will be allowed to seek essential assistance from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, local administration, governmental and non-governmental organization and persons. Search and Rescue coordination sub-centers at various airports around the country can be established under the supervision of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
Furthermore, the regulation allows Search and Rescue Coordination Centre to coordinate and receive assistance from foreign countries for search and rescue operation while conducting joint training or drill.
The new law also states, all the expenses required for carrying out search and rescue operation shall be borne by the concerned airline operator.
