HIBAPRESS
Within the framework of strengthening the maritime safety system and developing intervention and rescue mechanisms at sea, the Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries organized, on Friday, May 22, 2026, in the city of Tangier, a study day on the topic: “Saving Human Lives at Sea: Achievements and Challenges,” on the sidelines of the field exercise for search and rescue of human lives at sea, organized during the period from May 20 to 22.
Mr. Ibrahim Boudinar, the Secretary-General of the Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries, chaired the work of this meeting, in the presence of a number of officials, professionals, and coordinators of regional committees, where it was an opportunity to highlight the importance of coordination and cooperation between the various stakeholders in the field of maritime search and rescue, and to enhance the exchange of experiences and expertise that would raise the readiness and effectiveness of the intervention system in maritime emergency situations. The study day witnessed the discussion of several axes related to the development of maritime rescue means, the modernization of monitoring and intervention systems, in addition to strengthening training and qualification in the field of maritime safety, in a way that contributes to the protection of human lives and ensures the safety of professionals and sea users. The Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries confirmed that the maritime rescue system occupies a pivotal position among its priorities, as it is the national coordinator for maritime search and rescue operations, within the framework of Morocco's commitment to the relevant international agreements, foremost of which are the maritime safety agreements of 1974 and the maritime search and rescue of 1979. In this context, Morocco has worked to develop an integrated national maritime search and rescue device that covers a maritime area estimated at about one million square kilometers, characterized by a high density in maritime traffic, whether for commercial ships, fishing boats, or recreational units. The data presented during the meeting revealed that the rescue operations undertaken by the Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries, in coordination with various stakeholders, enabled the rescue of a total of 19,020 people at sea during the years 2024 and 2025, in addition to providing assistance to 1,721 people during the same period. The national maritime rescue device is based on a national center for coordinating maritime rescue operations (MRCC) located in Bouznika, in addition to a fleet that includes 21 specialized maritime rescue units, supported by additional capabilities belonging to the Royal Navy, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Air Forces and the Civil Protection. Within the framework of modernizing this system, the rescue fleet was reinforced with two new patrol boats in both Tangier and Dakhla in 2023, while the acquisition of two additional units is expected during the years 2026 and 2027 for the benefit of the ports of Laayoune and Casablanca, with the aim of strengthening maritime coverage in areas that experience intense activity and repeated accidents. Programs have also been adopted to qualify and train rescue crews in partnership with specialized international bodies, while providing teams that work around the clock to ensure rapid and effective intervention in various climatic conditions. At the investment level, a financial envelope exceeding 74 million dirhams was allocated during the period between 2023 and 2025 to modernize the maritime rescue system, while an additional budget of approximately 73 million dirhams was programmed during the year 2026, thus raising total investments to more than 147 million dirhams during the period from 2023 to 2026. The Secretariat of State for Maritime Fisheries adopts a participatory approach in managing rescue operations, which is based on continuous coordination with various stakeholders, and organizing periodic field exercises to test readiness and enhance the effectiveness of maritime interventions. The Secretariat of State also attaches special importance to the preventive aspect, by strengthening the monitoring and safety system, organizing awareness campaigns for seafarers, and generalizing the use of satellite distress transmitters, especially in the traditional fishing sector, in addition to mandating the wearing of life jackets and monitoring the quality of maritime safety equipment. These continuous efforts reflect Morocco's commitment to developing a modern and effective maritime rescue system, which meets international standards and consolidates the Kingdom's position as a responsible actor in the field of maritime safety at the regional and international levels.
