Building bridges to save lives at sea.
We support the safety of life at sea for everyone. We bring together maritime stakeholders from the public and private sectors to strengthen pragmatic, humane, and sustainable responses to the modern challenges of maritime rescue.
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea's vision and objectives
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea (FHAS) is dedicated to improving the response to maritime emergencies involving vessels in distress along migration routes. As these routes become increasingly dangerous, FHAS works to bring together key stakeholders, including states, the maritime industry, international organisations, search-and-rescue professionals, and NGO’s, to address these challenges collaboratively and effectively.
No one should die at sea. The challenge of maritime migration must be addressed in a coordinated and humane manner. We recognize the complexity of global migration and the intricate web of interests of those involved.
Our approach bridges gaps by uniting expertise from the political, humanitarian and maritime communities. Through this, we support diverse actors in addressing emergencies with pragmatic, humane, and sustained responses.
Dialogue Platform
FHAS has established a confidential Dialogue Platform that brings together key stakeholders, including shipping companies, states, humanitarians, international organizations and search-and-rescue professionals, to address complex challenges at sea. The Foundation has organised two annual conferences in Geneva, broadly attended and operating under the Chatham House rule. Building on these successes, the platform is now proactively expanding with regional sessions to strengthen its mission of promoting collaboration, addressing pressing issues, and gathering diverse perspectives and concerns.
A Hub for Research, Data and Resources
FHAS serves as both a leading research centre and a hub for maritime humanitarian diplomacy, offering guidelines, resources, and data to enhance the effectiveness of rescue at sea. By gathering and analysing essential data on the challenges faced by the maritime private sector, humanitarian organizations, and others, FHAS aims to fill research gaps and strengthen understanding of maritime rescue.
Support Search and Rescue operations
FHAS supports the establishment of new SAR operations in underserved maritime routes and strengthens existing ones through training, assistance, and data provision. This includes training for mass rescues, operational guidance, and coordination with humanitarian and legal actors.
Assisting Migrants at Sea: Experiences and Perceptions
FHAS has developed a survey to gather insights from seafarers and maritime professionals on how maritime migration impacts them. The goal is to better understand the position and point of view of seafarers and those working on land and to raise awareness and provide decision-makers with greater visibility on ways to better protect all sea users.
Key topics
Discover our key topics
Reliable information on the maritime movements of refugees and migrants, and maritime SAR more generally, is difficult to gather, verify, and consolidate. FHAS works with partners and develops networks to strengthen the common operating picture of maritime movements.
A safe location where rescued individuals can be taken to ensure their safety and well-being, typically after being saved from peril at sea.
The legal and moral obligation of vessels and states to assist individuals in distress at sea, ensuring their rescue and safety.
The role of the country under whose flag a ship is registered, including ensuring the ship’s compliance with international maritime laws and standards.
The training, instructions, and guidance resources provided to maritime crews and organizations to ensure they are prepared for effective SAR operations and adherence to maritime regulations.