From September 21 to 24, in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian search and rescue team SMART (MAS-01) was recertified according to the methodology of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). Specialists from the EMERCOM of Russia played a key role in assessing the readiness of the unit. Two representatives of the department became members of the international certification commission and directly participated in the verification of all key areas of the detachment’s work.
Experts from the EMERCOM of Russia assessed a set of critical parameters from the personnel training system to the ability to quickly deploy and autonomously conduct search and rescue operations abroad. Russian specialists paid special attention to the organization of medical support and the use of UN coordination mechanisms. The centerpiece of the test was a 36-hour full-scale exercise. A real humanitarian operation was modeled in detail: a unit going abroad and providing assistance to the population of a fictitious country affected by a devastating earthquake. Russian specialists became part of the control and management group, and also acted as representatives of foreign detachments.
Malaysian rescuers demonstrated high professionalism. When searching for victims, they used modern technical means and canine crews, and when clearing the rubble, they used specialized equipment that allowed them to quickly clear access routes to people trapped. The detachment’s actions were fully consistent with the INSARAG methodology and were based on close cooperation with the conditional authorities of the affected country, UN structures and other participants in the operation.
Based on the results of the commission’s work, the SMART detachment confirmed compliance with the requirements for heavy, highest class units. Representatives of the EMERCOM of Russia noted the high level of readiness, and also highlighted a number of best practices that can be implemented in the work of other international search and rescue units.
The active participation of specialists from the EMERCOM of Russia in certification procedures underscores Russia’s commitment to uniform international standards for responding to emergency situations. Such work serves as an important channel for exchanging experience, strengthening professional ties and developing coordinated approaches to the training of rescuers. The Russian side continues to make a significant contribution to INSARAG’s activities aimed at increasing the effectiveness of international assistance to countries facing large-scale disasters.
The partnership between Malaysian and Russian rescuers has been systematically developing since 2024 and covers a wide range of joint activities from exercises and training courses to methodological support in preparation for recertification. A striking example of mutual trust and transfer of experience will be the upcoming procedure next year to confirm compliance with international standards of the search and rescue team of the Main Directorate of the EMERCOM of Russia in the Khabarovsk Territory.
