The country's first batch of search and rescue helicopters will
begin operating next week, according to the Maritime Salvage Bureau
of the Ministry of Communication.
The principal mission of the helicopter service will be to carry
out search and rescue operations as quickly and efficiently as
possible, to prevent casualties resulting from accidents at
sea.
Launching a sea rescue mission is a complicated task, requiring
complex skill and coordination between aircraft and on-shore crew
teams.
Rescue efforts can often be hampered by bad weather and poor
visibility.
"The crew members have prepared themselves both in technology and
psychology to operate the craft in all conditions," said Song
Jiahui, director of the Maritime Salvage Bureau.
The Ministry of Communications built the Shanghai Gaodong heliport,
China's first marine salvage airport last year in Shanghai's Pudong
New Area and established the country's first professional air sea
rescue squadron.
Two S-76C salvage helicopters, the most advanced in their field,
have been transported from the United States to Shanghai and are
ready for any possible mission.
The helicopters can fly in heavy winds, with a maximum speed of 287
kilometers per hour and the capacity to carry up to 10 people. They
can search an area of 80 sea miles.
Specialists have been organized by the ministry to work out an
effective and efficient rescue plan for the helicopters and the
rescue ships, with one to two comprehensive drills to be conducted
this year.
Song said China is determined to build a well-equipped professional
maritime rescue team, offering a quick response to any potential
emergencies by 2020.
The rescue ships are set to have a full-day's salvage ability while
the search and rescue helicopters can cover all the coastal sea
areas of the country. "It is expected to cut down half the time
needed to approach sea accidents," Song said.
For decades ships have been the most common type of rescue vehicle
in China, with efforts often hindered by high winds.
(China Daily March 5, 2003)