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 Coordination exercises on the organization and conduct of search and rescue operations in the Caspian Sea, outside the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the airspace where our country is responsible for providing air traffic services.

The exercises were attended by the Coordination Center for Search and Rescue (CCSR) from Astana, the air traffic service of the Atyrau branch of the Kazaeronavigation RSE, the Command Center for Strategic Planning and Operational Management of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan from Astana, the state marine vessel of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the civil marine vessel Nord Caspian Operating Company N.V. and the Mi-8AMT search and rescue aircraft of Kazaviaspas JSC, on duty at the Atyrau airport, with the support of trained rescuers of the territorial Emergency department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan with experience in emergency rescue operations in reservoirs to strengthen forces and means on board the aircraft.

During the exercises, the specialists worked out the elements of emergency notification according to the notification scheme for the on-duty forces and means of interested bodies, departments and persons, as well as conducting a search and rescue operation of the helicopter crew, conditionally in distress in the Caspian Sea. They also tested the skills in search and rescue support of flights during flights and rescue over water, the work of the crew of a search and rescue helicopter with a winch cargo system designed to lift and lower people in helicopter hover mode. The exercises focused on the development of effective methods for searching and evacuating victims at sea. Helicopters and ships were used, rescuers of the Atyrau region emergency situations actively participated. Thanks to coordinated efforts, the search and rescue operation in the Caspian Sea was successfully completed within three hours.       

The results of the exercises highlighted the effectiveness of the interaction of all participating forces and means, as well as the need for regular such exercises to maintain a high level of training.

The exercises are an important element of the national flight search and rescue system, which ensures prompt response to aviation accidents throughout the country, including the Caspian Sea.