On November 8, 2023, the Steering Board of the Regional Aeronautical Search and Rescue Advisory Committee in Civil Aviation Accidents (RASARAC) convened in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. The meeting brought together member states, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, and Republic of Croatia.
Representing the General Directorate "Civil Aviation Administration" (DG CAA) of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mrs. Anelia Marinova, the Director General of DG CAA, actively participated in the Steering Board meeting. Preceding the session, six months of focused work by working groups covered the preparation in the area of an international agreement, operational procedures, training, and oversight.
Key agenda items included:
- Progress on the international agreement for search and rescue in aviation accidents.
- Advancements in RASARAC member states' accession to the Memorandum of Understanding with EUROCONTROL, with a specific focus on the Republic of Bulgaria with regard the upcoming signature ceremony.
- Formalizing and signing a Memorandum of Understanding between RASARAC and the Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organization (JAA TO).
- Protocol signing for the Republic of Albania's full membership in RASARAC.
- Discussions regarding the handover of the rotating presidency for 2024, from the Republic of North Macedonia to the Republic of Bulgaria.
The proactive engagement of DG CAA in the Regional Aeronautical Search and Rescue Advisory Committee underscores its pivotal role in enhancing cooperation and coordination among countries in the region. This active involvement contributes significantly to delivering improved search and rescue services for the aviation industry.
