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)