Research and Resources
FHAS serves as a knowledge hub for issues of mass rescue at sea. Selected resources are compiled here that may be useful for understanding general dynamics of maritime movements and the specifics of certain routes.
Data on maritime migration is critical for understanding the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, seafarers, and states, but collecting this information is inherently difficult. Migrants and refugees, or those organising the embarkation, often avoid official channels, seeking to be as invisible as possible as they cross land or sea. This means that when migrants or refugees perish on the open ocean, it requires significant work to reconstruct their voyage, to estimate the numbers of people travelling on a maritime route each year or to compile other relevant data.
Below are links for important initiatives to compile data on the phenomenon of maritime movements. These organisations assemble the most complete picture we have of maritime migration, yet they fully admit the limitations of the data they produce. FHAS works with these organizations to support their efforts and to develop new models for data collection and analysis.
Effective rescue further requires preparedness and training for a wide range of actors, especially within commercial shipping. Organizations like the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and International Maritime Organization (IMO) support general training materials that shipping companies can use, however preparedness for rescue is a constant, iterative process.
Below are links to some key training materials developed by our partners. FHAS works to ensure that the guidance and curricula already developed are well disseminated, and supports initiatives to improve operational guidance to seafarers.