The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, with the support of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Border Service of the National Security Committee, conducted coordinated exercises on the organization and execution of search and rescue operations in the Caspian Sea area, outside the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan but within the airspace where Kazakhstan is responsible for providing air traffic services.

The exercises involved the Search and Rescue Coordination Center of RSE "Kazaeronavigatsia", the air traffic service of the Atyrau branch of Kazaeronavigatsia, the Strategic Planning and Emergency Operations Command Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, LLP "Caspian Radio Services", a state maritime patrol boat of the Border Service of the National Security Committee, a civilian maritime vessel provided by North Caspian Operating Company N.V., and a Mi-8AMT search and rescue helicopter operated by JSC "Kazaviaspas", as well as trained rescue personnel from the Atyrau City Department for Emergency Situations with experience in water rescue operations, who were onboard the aircraft.

According to the exercise scenario, the following elements were practiced: emergency alert procedures in accordance with the alert scheme for duty forces, relevant authorities, agencies, and stakeholders; a simulated search and rescue operation involving a helicopter crew in distress over the Caspian Sea; testing of skills related to aerial search and rescue over water; operation of the helicopter crew using a winch system designed to lower and lift rescuers while hovering; rescue of simulated casualties at sea by rescue divers; and marine evacuation by the Border Service's maritime forces.

The search and rescue services focused on developing effective techniques for locating and evacuating victims at sea. The exercises involved the rescue helicopter with emergency personnel from the Atyrau Regional DES and the Border Service’s patrol boat. Thanks to well-coordinated efforts, the simulated search and rescue operation in the Caspian Sea was successfully completed within three hours.

The results of the exercises highlighted the effectiveness of cooperation among all participating units and the importance of conducting such drills regularly to maintain a high level of readiness.

These exercises are a vital component of the national search and rescue system for flight operations, ensuring a prompt response to aviation incidents across the country, including over the Caspian Sea.