Parallel corpus

1 Introduction

The INSARAG Guidelines comprise three volumes: Volume I: Policy, Volume II: Preparedness and Response and Volume III: Operational Field Guide.

This is the INSARAG Guidelines:

Volume I: Policy describes the INSARAG methodology for international urban search and rescue (USAR) operations and the policy that underpins it. It describes:

INSARAG and how it operates.

The roles of affected countries and those assisting in international USAR responses.

Building national USAR capacity.

The INSARAG External Classification (IEC) and INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) systems.

This volume is targeted at Member States' decision makers, Policy Focal Points, regional organisations, sponsors and other personnel who are required to manage and sustain a capability to deploy and receive USAR and humanitarian teams in the event of sudden-on

The second volume and its three manuals are as follows:

Volume II: Preparedness and Response provides practical guidance and procedures for USAR Teams. It explains the methodology, minimum standards and correct procedures for developing and maintaining a USAR Team. The manuals also provide guidance for ongoing skil

Volume II: Preparedness and Response is structured into three manuals:

Manual A: Capacity Building.

Manual B: Operations.

Manual C: INSARAG External Classification and Reclassification.

It is designed as a checklist for the response and can serve the INSARAG members as an example to the individual teams and organisations, to draft their own specific hand books.

Note: The INSARAG Guidelines, materials from the Technical Reference Library and Supplementary Guidance Notes on technical issues developed by INSARAG Working Groups and relevant institutions are electronically available in the www.insarag.org website.

The methodology, as defined in the INSARAG Guidelines, provides a process for preparedness, cooperation and coordination of the national and international participants. This should then result in an improved understanding at all government levels in the affect

2 INSARAG

2.1 What is INSARAG?

INSARAG was created in 1990 following the initiatives of the specialised international USAR Teams who operated together in the Mexican earthquake of 1985 and Armenian earthquake of 1988. INSARAG is an intergovernmental humanitarian network of disaster managers

2.1.1 Essence of UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150

INSARAG successfully achieved the adoption of a UN General Assembly Resolution, GA57/150 in 2002, on "Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International USAR Assistance." This resolution has underpinned much of the progress achieved by INSARAG a

Quality standards.

Sending and receiving arrangements made by Member States.

Facilitate access.

Coordinating systems.

2.2 Vision and Role

INSARAG's vision is to save lives by promoting efficiency, enhanced quality, and coordination amongst national and international USAR Teams on the basis of adherence to common guidelines and methodologies.

INSARAG's role is to prepare for, mobilise and coordinate effective and principled international USAR assistance in support of an affected country in collapsed-structure emergencies and to support capacity-building at the international, regional, sub-regional

Developing and promoting common standards for USAR assistance, coordination methodologies and tools, and mobilisation and information exchange protocols between relevant stakeholders.

Promoting cooperation and experience-sharing amongst, and in partnership with, Member States, NGOs, and national, regional and international partners.

The INSARAG Hyogo Declaration of 2010, on the "Recognition and strengthening of international urban search and rescue operational standards," adopted in the first INSARAG Global Meeting, gave INSARAG a renewed impetus and guidance for its work, and emphasised

2.3 Mandate of INSARAG

INSARAG is mandated by the INSARAG Steering Group (ISG) to:

Operate in accordance with the Humanitarian Principles, which form the core of humanitarian action.

Render emergency preparedness and response activities more effective and thereby save more lives, reduce suffering and minimise adverse consequences.

Improve efficiency in cooperation among international USAR Teams working in collapsed structures at a disaster site, including by managing the IEC/R process.

Promote the strengthening of national USAR capacities and activities designed to improve search-and-rescue preparedness in disaster-prone countries, thereby prioritising developing countries, including by assisting Member States in setting up national USAR Tea

Develop internationally accepted procedures and systems for sustained cooperation between national USAR Teams operating on the international level.

Develop USAR procedures, guidelines and best practices, and strengthen cooperation between interested organisations during the emergency relief phase.

2.4 Values, Operational Norms and Humanitarian Principles

INSARAG operates in accordance with the Humanitarian Principles, which form the core of humanitarian action.

Adherence to common standards and methodology: Members of INSARAG commit to adhere to the INSARAG Guidelines and methodology as globally accepted and independently verifiable minimum operational standards and procedures, based upon expert knowledge and evidenc

Inclusiveness: INSARAG brings together governments, governmental organisations, NGOs and disaster preparedness and response professionals. INSARAG particularly encourages disaster-prone countries to join the network, as well as any country or organisation with

Professionalism: INSARAG promotes responsible, ethical and professional standards amongst USAR Teams and stakeholders.

Respect for diversity: INSARAG acknowledges and respects USAR Teams' varied operational procedures in achieving common objectives, while disseminating principles and minimum standards agreed upon by the INSARAG network.

Cultural sensitivity: INSARAG promotes awareness and respect by international USAR Teams of cultural differences so that international USAR Teams can cooperate more effectively with national and international actors.

Needs-driven: Mobilisation and deployment of international USAR Teams is only supported when the affected country's capacities are overwhelmed by the impact of a collapsed-structure emergency and national authorities agree to accept international assistance. M

Coordination: INSARAG promotes internationally agreed coordination structures managed and advocated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), promotes coordination of preparedness and capacity building activities, and, t

Predictability: INSARAG promotes predictability in search and rescue response operations, both in terms of response capacities available when they are needed, as well as in terms of coordination platforms put in place to ensure a most efficient use of availabl

2.5 Structure and Working Process

2.5.1 INSARAG Structure

INSARAG is composed of a Steering Group, three Regional Groups, and the Secretariat, as well as the USAR Team Leaders, and the Working Groups (see Figure 1). The Global Chair is coordinating the decision-making process as described in Figure 2 globally. This s

This structure ensures that INSARAG's aims can be achieved at a regional level, whilst ensuring full ownership and that objectives are in line with best practices as defined and agreed by the global network.

Figure 1: The INSARAG organisational structure.

2.5.2 INSARAG Steering Group

INSARAG Steering Group is an open meeting, presided by the Global Chair, in which policy topics are being discussed amongst the Policy Focal Points of all Member States. Members of the ISG include the following:

INSARAG Global Chair.

Chair and Vice-Chairs of each Regional Group.

INSARAG Secretariat.

Working Group Chairs.

INSARAG Member States' Policy Focal Point (or delegate).

INSARAG Classified NGO team representative (or delegate).

Representative from the INSARAG Team Leaders group.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The ISG Meeting takes place every year during the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW) in Geneva. The ISG Meeting comprises a Meeting of the Global and Regional Chairs, where the Global, Regional and Working Groups' Chairs and the INSARAG Secreta

ISG decision making is undertaken by consensus by the Policy Focal Points.

2.5.3 INSARAG Regional Meetings

2.5.4 INSARAG Team Leaders Meetings

INSARAG Team Leaders Meetings are open meetings in which Team Focal Points and Team Leaders discuss operational and technical matters. The Team Leaders appoint and/or reappoint the Team Leaders Representative to the ISG. Team Leaders decision making is by cons

2.5.5 INSARAG Secretariat

The Secretariat is also responsible for the management and maintenance of the INSARAG website (www.insarag.org). This includes the USAR Directory of INSARAG members and their teams.

The Secretariat also facilitates any relevant projects that have been endorsed by the ISG.

2.5.6 INSARAG Regional Groups

The three INSARAG Regional Groups are:

The Africa-Europe-Middle East region (AEME).

The Americas region (Americas).

The Asia-Pacific region (A-P).

These Regional Groups meet annually to strengthen national and regional disaster preparedness, and USAR response. The Regional Groups work to ensure that the strategic direction and policies from the Steering Group are implemented, and to assimilate relevant i

Each Regional Group is governed by a troika system where there is a Chair and two Vice-Chairs and made up of the incoming Chair and the outgoing Chair. They have a one-year tenure and represent the region at the Steering Group. Member States and Member Organis

The sub-regional groups of collaborative partners are initiated in regions where their establishment – due to geographical, cultural and language commonalities – ensures effective implementation of the INSARAG mandate.

Since 2010 in Kobe, Japan, and once every five years, all Regional Groups come together in the INSARAG Global Meeting where the network convenes with the objective of strengthening the global network, thereby ensuring that it is fit for purpose in today's rapi

2.5.7 INSARAG Working Groups

Each Working Group has a chair, and two or three members nominated from each region to ensure a full, worldwide perspective on technical or operational issues raised by the USAR Team Leaders Meetings.

The Working Group may suggest to the Secretariat that a suitable USAR Team member, with relevant experience and qualifications to address the issue under discussion, be co-opted to the working group. The Secretariat facilitates the selection of these groups in

The Working Groups are encouraged to adopt a co-chair model and provide opportunities for qualified members from other IEC/R teams to participate and engage in the process. The Working Group ceases when they complete their assigned tasks. At its annual meeting

2.5.8 INSARAG USAR Team Leaders

The USAR Team Leaders are a network of experienced national and international USAR practitioners who respond to collapsed structure incidents and other disasters as appropriate. It is composed of USAR Team Leaders and INSARAG Operational Focal Points from Memb

This network is also called upon for nominations to participate in the Working Groups, engage in other INSARAG activities, including capacity building, and to contribute to the continued development of INSARAG as a whole.

This expert group meets annually at the INSARAG Team Leaders Meeting to share and discuss best practices, technical ideas and operational issues. The USAR Team Leaders' inputs, advice and experience serve to improve the operational capabilities of the INSARAG

2.6 Membership

INSARAG Membership is open to all Member States, NGOs and organisations involved in USAR activities, and upon recommendation and approval by their respective governments. INSARAG also maintains close cooperation with regional mechanisms.

INSARAG Members States are invited to meetings of the relevant INSARAG Regional Group and USAR Team Leaders, and to participate in the Working Groups which are made up of suitable experts nominated by the Team Leaders and Regional Groups and are supported by t

INSARAG Member States have access to INSARAG information and knowledge-sharing tools through the INSARAG website, and through disaster alert and information sharing platforms such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), which includes the

INSARAG Member States with USAR Teams deploying internationally are encouraged to undertake an IEC, however, this is not a requirement to be a member of the INSARAG network. As a first step, teams are encouraged to undertake the National Accreditation Process

2.6.1 Requirements

To improve preparedness and response, INSARAG members share information and best practices with other INSARAG members and USAR Teams, including teams that are developing a response capability or are preparing for classification (IEC).

INSARAG members are encouraged to actively participate in, and contribute to, INSARAG Regional Meetings, earthquake response simulation exercises, and other INSARAG forums such as the USAR Team Leaders Meetings, and to contribute to the Working Groups. INSARAG

2.6.2 Policy and Operational Focal Points (national), and USAR Team Focal Points

It is recommended that all Member States participating in INSARAG designate policy and operational points-of-contact for appropriate and effective information exchange, in accordance with the respective national disaster management structure. It is also encour

Policy Focal Point (national)

The Policy Focal Point is the central point-of-contact between the Secretariat and the broader INSARAG community. This person represents the Members State's capabilities in providing or receiving USAR assistance. The Operational Focal Point provides assistance

Operational Focal Point (national)

The Operational Focal Point should normally have USAR responsibilities as part of their daily functions. They represent the Member State primarily on operational USAR matters in INSARAG meetings (Team Leaders and Regional meetings), workshops and events.

Team Focal Point

The USAR Team Focal Point is always a member of the USAR Team management. They are responsible for liaising with the respective national focal points (Policy and Operational) and guarantee the USAR Team's adherence to the INSARAG Guidelines and the minimal sta

The responsibilities of INSARAG Focal Points can be described as ensuring the efficient information exchange and validation at the appropriate levels in the preparedness and response phases on USAR matters, including capacity building, trainings, policy matter

The designation of the Policy and Operational Focal Points is at the discretion of the government, in line with its respective disaster management structure and serve as a point-of-contact between the national government and the INSARAG network, including the

2.6.3 INSARAG Website and USAR Directory

The INSARAG website shares information on INSARAG generally, as well as the summaries from previous events and upcoming activities.

The INSARAG USAR Directory is a unique database with the details of all INSARAG Member States and organisations and their USAR Teams. The directory also contains contact details for relevant Policy, Operational and USAR Team Focal Points.

The directory categorises USAR Teams into the following:

INSARAG Classified: Light, Medium or Heavy IEC/R teams.

NAP and INSARAG-Recognised National Accreditation Process (IRNAP) Accredited: Light, Medium, or Heavy national teams.

Governmental and NGO teams not yet classified.

2.6.4 Guidance Notes and Technical Reference Library

INSARAG endorsed documents, such as the guidelines annexes, IEC/IER Checklists and USAR Coordination (UC) Manual, would be placed under the Guidance Notes, while the Technical Reference Library is a knowledge repository for best practices that has been endorse

Note: The information shared in the Technical Reference Library are good practices that are effective and beneficial to specific teams. The INSARAG Secretariat and the authors will not in any way be held accountable to the users, and users are strongly encoura

2.7 INSARAG Partnerships

In 2019, INSARAG embarked on partnerships with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL), specifically with the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Unit and the Organization

Since the first HNPW, INSARAG has taken an active part in the event and organises several meetings during this week, enabling the sharing of expertise from all over the INSARAG network. The week is thus an occasion to gather experts and to make decisions on th

2.8 INSARAG Guidelines Review

To facilitate continuous improvement in classified teams, while maintaining the relevance of INSARAG in a rapidly evolving environment, the INSARAG Guidelines undergo a regularised five-year review cycle led by the INSARAG Guidelines Review Group (GRG).

Formed under the mandate of the ISG during the INSARAG Global Meeting, the GRG's tenure runs through the five-year review cycle and comprises members drawn from all three INSARAG regions, existing Working Groups and the INSARAG Secretariat.

During this period, the GRG will work closely with the other Working Groups and consolidate feedback from the INSARAG community through different platforms, such as teleconferences, and Regional and Team Leaders Meetings. The review progress will be tracked at

3 National USAR Capacity Building and Strengthening

When a disaster strikes, people look first to their own communities and governments for help, and second, to neighbouring countries and regional/international organisations. International aid is the third tier of humanitarian assistance, which is called in for

UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150 recommends that countries build up strong national USAR response capacities to deal with any eventuality as the first step. The Resolution identifies that each country has a responsibility first and foremost to take care o

Furthermore, the Resolution “Encourages the strengthening of cooperation among States at the regional and sub-regional levels in the field of disaster preparedness and response, with particular respect to capacity building at all levels.”

It is thus essential that countries have an effective and sustainable national USAR capability and a national crisis management system first, before developing an internationally-deployable capability, i.e. an IEC team.

The following paragraphs describe INSARAG's guidance to Member States on building their national USAR capacity. This will be further elaborated in Volume II, Manual A: Capacity Building.

3.1 USAR Response Framework

The USAR response framework (see Figure 4) recognises that search and rescue efforts are chronological and continuous, starting immediately after the occurrence of a large-scale structural collapse disaster.

Rescue efforts start immediately with passers-by rushing in to assist. Within minutes, local emergency services respond. The rescue efforts continue with the arrival of regional or national rescue resources within hours. International rescue teams respond in t

The INSARAG response framework represents all levels of response, starting with spontaneous community actions immediately following the disaster, supplemented initially by the local emergency services and then by national rescue teams. The response of internat

Each new level of response increases the rescue capability and overall capacity but has to integrate with, and support, the response already working at the disaster.

To ensure interoperability between the different levels of USAR response, it is vital that working practices, technical language and information are common and shared through all levels of the USAR response framework.

Note: Member States are strongly encouraged, as a first step, to conduct a self-assessment of their USAR response capacity based on the INSARAG Capacity Assessment Checklist for National USAR Teams and to adopt national USAR standards and coordination mechanis

3.2 USAR Capacity Building

USAR capacity building is the process of developing a robust and sustainable disaster management framework with a USAR capability. Countries should have the ability to effectively use their own capability and to integrate international assets into the national

Capacity building should cover all five components of USAR capability; that is, management, search, rescue, medical and logistics.

It is recommended that countries seeking USAR capacity building should follow the USAR development cycle (see Figure 5).

Figure 5: The USAR development cycle.

3.3 USAR Capacity Assessment Missions

To support countries and organisations in the process of national USAR capacity building, the INSARAG Secretariat, when requested by the relevant government, can facilitate an INSARAG USAR Capacity Assessment Mission. This would be coordinated by the INSARAG S

A USAR Capacity Assessment Mission aims to identify existing capacities and determine the required capacities according to the country's USAR objectives and needs. This provides an indication of the gaps between the current capacity and the required capacity,

The INSARAG network provides unique access to a pool of experienced and qualified USAR experts who can assess existing capacity, mapped against needs, and who are then able to provide recommendations on the subsequent implementation of USAR capacity developmen

3.4 National Accreditation Process (NAP)

3.5 INSARAG-Recognised National Accreditation Process (IRNAP)

Figure 7: IRNAP patch.

Accrediting Member States are required to report to the INSARAG Secretariat on successful nationally-accredited teams, details of which will be updated in the INSARAG USAR Directory. (For more information on building national USAR capacity and the IRNAP, pleas

3.6 National Receiving Mechanism

As part of national capacity building and strengthening, it is important for countries to develop a receiving mechanism that facilitates decision making in identifying, requesting and accepting of international assistance in a timely manner. This will augment

4 International USAR Operations

4.1 USAR

USAR involves the location, extrication, and initial stabilisation of people trapped in a confined space or under debris due to a sudden-onset large-scale structural collapse such as an earthquake, in a coordinated and standardised fashion. This can occur due

The goal of search and rescue operations is to rescue the greatest number of trapped people in the shortest amount of time, while minimising the risk to rescuers.

4.2 International USAR Response Cycle

An international USAR response has the following phases, known as USAR response cycle:

4.3 Stakeholders and Operational Actors

4.3.1 Affected Countries

Affected countries are those experiencing a sudden-onset disaster that may require international USAR assistance. They must undertake several activities throughout the response cycle.

In disasters such as earthquakes, reaching trapped and injured victims quickly is the top priority in successful life-saving rescue operations. Potentially affected countries are encouraged to have a national disaster response mechanism in place such that in t

The INSARAG Hyogo Declaration of 2010 “invites countries affected by disasters to consider the specific assistance of INSARAG IEC/R classified teams to respond by offering priority access to such teams that will make a genuine and meaningful difference in the

As a first priority, affected countries should provide timely information on the scope of the emergency, national response efforts and potential USAR requirements – and keep the VOSOCC updated, either by affected country or INSARAG secretariat.

One of the affected country's main responsibilities is to ensure that its LEMA is functional during the disaster so as to exercise its primary role in initiating, coordinating and organising the international humanitarian assistance on their territories, and t

The affected country also establishes or supports the first arriving INSARAG team to establish an RDC and an UCC. They further conduct needs assessments and identify their priorities and where international teams can be best deployed to fill the gaps or augmen

When international assistance is no longer required, the affected country declares the end of USAR operations, through its LEMA and after consultations with OCHA or the UNDAC team, that manages the OSOCC.

Countries likely to be affected by such disasters are strongly encouraged to develop and maintain their own national first response USAR capacity according to the INSARAG Guidelines.

4.3.2 Assisting Countries: Bilateral Responders

Many countries, international organisations and NGOs have standby capacity (e.g. INSARAG USAR Teams, Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs)) that can be deployed on short notice to assist in disasters in affected countries. They may coordinate their assistance bilater

A Member State or member organisation may also decide to channel their support through the UN agencies or NGOs. Humanitarian partners in-country normally set up a coordination process (e.g. through clusters) in support of the affected country.

Bilateral response represents the vast majority of international assistance in major disasters, which is usually managed by the authorities of the affected country. All countries are encouraged to coordinate their assistance also through the international plat

Assisting Member States in the context of INSARAG are those with suitable USAR Teams who are deploying to the affected country to provide USAR assistance to saving lives.

The INSARAG Hyogo Declaration 2010 “calls upon all urban search and rescue teams responding internationally to earthquakes to follow the field coordination procedures of OCHA, especially those laid down in the INSARAG Guidelines and Methodology and to coordina

4.3.3 INSARAG Classified USAR Teams

Classified USAR Teams prepare for international deployment by maintaining their capability in a state of readiness for rapid international deployment. During operations, teams perform tactical operations as required in accordance with the INSARAG Guidelines, c

4.3.4 USAR Team Capabilities

USAR is considered to be a multi-hazard discipline designed to respond to sudden-onset events that result in collapsed structures in an urban environment.

USAR Teams conduct search and rescue operations in collapsed structures and provide emergency medical care to trapped people. They are equipped with search tools (dogs and electronics) to find survivors. They also need to access and control utilities such as e

Disaster prone countries and Member States are encouraged to standardise USAR Team capacities at the national level, based on their local needs and using the INSARAG Guidelines as appropriate, and establish corresponding USAR Team classification processes at t

Member States' USAR Teams deploying internationally should also have the capability to undertake several activities associated with large-scale disasters and augment ongoing national rescue efforts. These include:

Providing initial Disaster Impact Assessments.

Supporting establishment of coordination structures.

Undertaking early relief operations prior or jointly in support of other humanitarian systems.

Some teams have additional resources to support relief operations – often referred to as “Beyond the Rubble” – with specific thematic assistance such as medical capabilities, water purification and clearing or making safe of dangerous damaged structures and de

If they are the first coordination resource to arrive in an affected country, these teams are also able to set up the RDC and the UCC, if not already established by the national authorities, and to assist the national authorities in coordinating incoming inter

USAR Teams are expected to be self-sufficient, around the clock for five to ten days of operational deployment (depending the level of classification) and work at more than one site, depending upon the USAR Team's classification. They will establish a Base of

When USAR Teams augment the UCC in the OSOCC and the humanitarian coordination structure (which includes civil-military coordination platform) with personnel, they should understand the existing LEMA coordination structure and the civil-military coordination p

being facilitated/coordinated by the UN Civil-Military Focal Point in the UNDAC team. This includes being aware of potential needs that USAR Teams may request from the military in case of unforeseen developments such as:

Facilitation of immediate set up of an RDC by the UNDAC/USAR Teams.

Transport for arriving USAR Teams from airport to OSOCC/BoO and subsequent tasked areas of operations.

Fuel for USAR Teams' vehicles and generators.

Helicopters for rapid air assessments by the UNDAC team and partners (extent of impact, key infrastructure constraints, priority needs and areas).

Maps, if available, for USAR Team tasking.

Security support (route or area security) for USAR Teams travelling to/working in insecure areas.

Stand by to receive “Beyond the Rubble” engagements by the incoming USAR Teams.

The professional standing and conduct of INSARAG USAR Teams when operating at a disaster is of prime concern to INSARAG because every member represents INSARAG. International responders need to consider the cultural, ethical, and moral differences of the count

USAR Teams should refer to Volume II, Manual B: Operations and Volume III, Operational Field Guide for guidance.

4.3.5 International Coordination: OCHA, UNDAC and the LEMA

OCHA serves as the INSARAG Secretariat and is mandated to support national authorities in the coordination of international assistance in disasters and humanitarian crises exceeding the capacity of the affected country.

Many organisations, such as governments, NGOs, UN agencies, and individuals, respond to disasters and humanitarian crises. OCHA shares timely information and works with all participants to respond to disasters in such a way as to assist the government of the a

The UNDAC team is an OCHA tool used for deployment primarily to sudden-onset emergencies. OCHA dispatches an UNDAC team when requested to do so by the affected government or the UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator in the affected country.

4.3.6 Reception and Departure Centre (RDC)

The RDC also serves as a tool to coordinate the departure of the teams in a proper manner.

4.3.7 On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC)

Depending on the situation and in discussion with the national authorities, an OSOCC may be established by the UNDAC team close to the LEMA, and support the national authorities in coordinating international responders. The OSOCC coordinates international resp

The OSOCC has two core objectives:

To rapidly provide a means to facilitate on-site cooperation, coordination and information management between international responders and the government of the affected country in the absence of an alternate coordination system.

To establish a physical space to act as a single point of service for incoming response teams, notably in the case of a sudden-onset disaster where the coordination of many international response teams is critical to ensure optimal rescue efforts.

4.3.8 USAR Coordination Cell (UCC)

4.3.9 Global Disaster Alert Coordination System (GDACS)

GDACS services aim at facilitating near real-time alerts, and information exchange among all actors in support of decision-making and coordination. GDACS services build on the collective knowledge of disaster managers worldwide and the joint capacity of all re

4.3.10 Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (VOSOCC)

The VOSOCC is a web-based information management tool. It is a virtual version of the OSOCC and is part of the GDACS platform.

Access to the VOSOCC is restricted to emergency response stakeholders – registration is required. The VOSOCC is managed by the Activation and Coordination Support Unit in OCHA-Geneva.

Note: USAR Teams can access detailed information in Volume II, Manual B: Operations. GDACS and the VOSOCC can be accessed at www.gdacs.org and https://vosocc.unocha.org/ respectively.

5 INSARAG External Classification and Reclassification of USAR Teams (IEC/R)

5.1 Background

Prior to the introduction of the INSARAG External Classification System, USAR Teams completed a self-classification as a Light, Medium or Heavy USAR Team. This self-classification was then submitted to the INSARAG Secretariat and recorded in its Directory of I

In 2005, the INSARAG network supported the establishment of independently verifiable, operational standards for international USAR Teams through the IEC/R process, and encourages all Member States with USAR Teams to be deployed internationally to ensure their

In a world in which disaster response is becoming more complex, INSARAG has provided a commendable standard-setting model for the rest of the humanitarian community. The IEC/R system provides a global and strategic approach to ensure that there are well qualif

Affected countries will now be able to know the type of assistance they can expect to receive, and INSARAG Classified USAR Teams working alongside each other will be able to know the capacities each can offer. This endeavour promotes a common global USAR langu

5.2 Categories of Classified USAR Teams

The INSARAG Guidelines classify USAR Teams according to their capacity to provide the key components of USAR. The five key components are management, search, rescue, medical, and logistics.

5.2.1 Classified Light USAR Teams

Classified Light USAR Teams have all five key USAR components. Classified Light USAR Teams have the ability to conduct search and rescue operations in collapsed or failed structures of wood and/or unreinforced masonry construction, including structures reinfor

5.2.2 Classified Medium USAR Teams

5.2.3 Classified Heavy USAR Teams

Classified Heavy USAR Teams comprise the five components listed above and have the operational capability for complex technical search and rescue operations in collapsed or failed structures, particularly those involving structures reinforced and/or built with

Note: A detailed description, including compositions, of classified Light, Medium and Heavy USAR Teams is outlined in the Volume II, Manual A: Capacity Building.

5.3

To this very day, it remains a truly unique process that establishes verifiable operational standards and an example of how independent peer review can provide a benefit in preparedness for response, and at the times of response. Both classifiers and the team

To ensure coherence in international USAR response, international teams with the capacity to deploy internationally are strongly encouraged to engage in the IEC/R process.

5.3.1 INSARAG External Classification (IEC)

Any USAR Team having the mandate to deploy internationally is eligible to apply for an IEC, provided it has the endorsement of its Member State's INSARAG Policy Focal Point. Upon successful completion of an IEC, classified USAR Teams are included in the USAR D

The IEC assesses and classifies two key components of response and technical capability of international USAR operations:

Response capability.

Technical capacity.

USAR Teams are required to demonstrate their proficiency during a 36-hour simulated, realistic structural collapse exercise, using their full range of USAR skills and equipment required for the desired classification level. Successful teams are recognised as h

The INSARAG Secretariat facilitates all IEC/Rs and closely engages all teams throughout their respective IEC/R planning timelines and in close cooperation with their focal points, mentors and IEC/R classifier Team Leaders.

5.3.2 INSARAG External Reclassification (IER)

IER is the process a classified team is required to periodically undergo to maintain their classification status. If for whatever reasons a USAR Team elects not to reclassify, it surrenders its INSARAG classification.

USAR Teams may need to be reclassified for the following reasons:

Classification period of five years expires.

Change in the USAR Team's structure.

Change in classification level.

Inappropriate international response conduct.

Any classified USAR Team that is not able to run an IER five years after being classified will have to submit relevant justifications through their Policy Focal Points to the INSARAG Secretariat, who will then consult with the INSARAG Global Chair. In such an

From 2020, a separate IER checklist will be institutionalised to better assess teams who must demonstrate a higher level of maturity and greater commitments and contributions to the network.

5.3.3 Cost for IEC/R

All costs associated with the planning, preparation and execution of the IEC/R exercise is the responsibility of the host country or the organisation requesting classification or reclassification.

Many USAR Teams have successfully undergone the IEC/R process through close bilateral cooperation among Member States. Mentoring and training support are discussed and agreed mutually amongst the stakeholders.

In an IEC/R, the associated costs of individual IEC/R classifiers are covered by their respective sponsoring organisation. The IEC/R requesting host country or the organisation however, determines and manages observers invited.

6 Conclusion

The INSARAG Guidelines, prepared by USAR responders and representatives of INSARAG Member States, are recognised by the UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150 as “a flexible and helpful reference tool for disaster preparedness and response efforts.” It is a liv

The INSARAG Network has been consulted in the lead-up to the Global Meeting 2020 on the key strategic objectives. For the next five years, INSARAG will focus on reinforcing quality standards and coordination, advancing flexible assistance, enhancing preparedne

The INSARAG Guidelines remain a living document. INSARAG values all feedback and you can send this to the INSARAG Secretariat at insarag@un.org.

Annexes

Annex A: Terms of Reference for INSARAG Focal Points

The responsibilities of INSARAG Focal Points can be described as ensuring the efficient information exchange and validation at the appropriate levels in the preparedness and response phases on USAR matters, including capacity building, trainings, policy matter

Policy (national): Ensure the promotion of INSARAG Guidelines and methodology within the Member State and contribute to the continued policy development.

Operational (national): Coordinate the internal information exchange of their own Member State with INSARAG during emergencies and strengthen the preparedness both for national and international response.

USAR Team: ensures the adherence of their USAR Team to INSARAG methodology and minimum standards.

There are also certain administrative responsibilities, such as serving as a point-of-contact between the national government and the INSARAG network, including the Secretariat, the Regional and the Steering Groups.

If appropriate, the responsibilities of the policy and operational focal points may also be carried out by the same person.

Responsibilities: INSARAG Policy Focal Point (national)

Act as focal point on INSARAG policy matters of the government to the INSARAG network, including the Secretariat in OCHA, the respective Regional Group and Chair as well as the ISG and the Global Chair.

Act as point-of-contact for all national USAR Teams – including NGO teams – on INSARAG matters, and be able to endorse the application of national USAR Teams for IECs.

Ensure the promotion and implementation of INSARAG Guidelines and methodology as part of the national disaster management plan and for the national and international response of the Member State's USAR Teams as defined in UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150

Ensure that relevant information is communicated in a timely manner in times of emergencies to the INSARAG network through the INSARAG Secretariat and/or the relevant channels (i.e. the VOSOCC), including on request or acceptance of international assistance.

Represent or ensure representation of the own Member State at meetings of the respective INSARAG Regional Group, and if applicable the ISG.

Responsibilities: INSARAG Operational Focal Point (national)

Act as point-of-contact on INSARAG operational matters for national USAR Teams within the Member State and promote the capacity building of the teams and national disaster management structure in line with INSARAG Guidelines and methodology, including the prep

When responding to an emergency in a third country, act as counterpart to the INSARAG Secretariat/OCHA and provide relevant information updates on the own Member State's planned or implemented response in regular intervals to the INSARAG network on the VOSOCC/

Responsibilities: INSARAG USAR Team Focal Point (team)

Act as point-of-contact on INSARAG operational matters for his USAR Team. They are the contact to their national focal points (Policy and Operational), to the regional Chair as well to the INSARAG Secretariat.

They are responsible to promote and ensure the INSARAG methodology and minimal standards in preparedness and response within his team.

They are responsible to update the USAR directory of their teams.

INSARAG Focal Points, whether policy, operational or team, are expected to assume administrative responsibilities, such as:

Disseminate information from the INSARAG Secretariat; invitations to INSARAG meetings, workshops, training courses and/or USAR exercises, among relevant disaster management authorities and USAR Teams in their own Member State.

Have the capacity to verify or decide whether their own Member State and/or team is prepared to support and host INSARAG activities, such as specific workshops, trainings, the annual Team Leaders Meeting or INSARAG regional exercises.

Annex B: Terms of Reference for INSARAG Global Chair, Regional Chairs and Vice-Chairs (Troika)

Responsibilities: INSARAG Global Chair

Lead the promotion of the INSARAG methodology and guidelines globally amongst Member States and member organisations and promote participation in all INSARAG bodies.

Lead advocacy on the implementation of the INSARAG Hyogo Declaration and the UN General Assembly Resolution 57/150.

Chair the annual meeting of the Steering Group.

Actively coordinate the activities of the Steering Group with the Secretariat, including through regular teleconferences and other meetings.

Participate and represent the INSARAG global network in the annual meetings of the other INSARAG bodies (i.e. Regional Group Meetings, Team Leaders Meeting etc.) when available.

Represent the INSARAG network globally in relevant meetings, events and the media.

Responsibilities: INSARAG Regional Chairs

Promote the INSARAG methodology and guidelines amongst Member States and member organisations of the region and promote their participation in the INSARAG Regional Group, including events like INSARAG regional earthquake response simulation exercises.

Support the implementation of the INSARAG Hyogo Declaration and the UN General Assembly resolution 57/150.

Host and co-organise the annual meeting of the Regional Group, with the support of the INSARAG Secretariat and the Vice Chairs (i.e. preparations for the two-day meeting, logistical arrangements, identifying meeting venue, if possible, covering the costs of ac

Represent the INSARAG network in the region in relevant meetings and events.

Participate and represent the region in the annual ISG Meeting, in February in Geneva, Switzerland.

Actively coordinate the activities of the Regional Group with the Secretariat and the Vice-Chairs, including through regular teleconferences and other meetings.

If possible, participate and represent the region in the annual meetings of the other INSARAG Regional Groups.

INSARAG Regional Vice-Chairs

Promote the INSARAG methodology and guidelines amongst Member States and member organisations of the region and promote their participation in the INSARAG Regional Group, including events like INSARAG regional earthquake response simulation exercises.

Support the implementation of the INSARAG Hyogo Declaration and the UN General Assembly resolution 57/150.

Support the Chair in hosting and co-organising the annual meeting of the Regional Group, with the support of the INSARAG Secretariat.

In discussion with the Regional Chair, represent the INSARAG network in the region in relevant meetings and events.

Participate and represent the region in the annual ISG Meeting, in February in Geneva, Switzerland.

Actively coordinate the activities of the Regional Group with the Secretariat and the Chair, including through regular teleconferences and other meetings.

Annex C: Table of Changes to INSARAG Guidelines 2015-20

Annex D: Explanatory Note on the Technical Reference Library and INSARAG Guidance Notes*

*The annex entitled “Explanatory Note on the Technical Reference Library and INSARAG Guidance Notes” is located in Guidelines Annex → Volume I sub-section of the Guidance Notes tab on www.insarag.org