About us
We facilitate dialogue, conduct research, and develop operational support with the goal of strengthening pragmatic, humane, and sustained responses to the modern challenges of maritime rescue along migration routes.
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Our story
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea began when founders Caroline Abu’SaDa and Richard Watts, each with respective experience in the spheres of humanitarian action and commercial shipping, recognized the absence of constructive dialogue between stakeholders in the maritime rescue community. Maritime mass rescue is fundamentally an emergency operational response but rests on long-term policy questions that involve a range of actors and interests. Some key actors, such as commercial shipping, were rarely brought into the conversation, and what discussion took place often focused on the Mediterranean to the exclusion of other parts of the world. Seeking to build on the important work of states and international organisations, while including commercial shipping and rescue professionals, they established FHAS. FHAS serves as a forum for dialogue and research that brings together the perspectives of different stakeholders while maintaining a global view of the urgency of maritime rescue. Incubated within the Geneva Centre for Security Policy as the Centre for Humanitarian Action at Sea since 2023, FHAS was formally established in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Our mission
Promoting neutral and innovative dialogue
We facilitate a confidential and impartial platform for tackling the challenges of maritime migration. Bring together shipping companies, states, humanitarian actors, and international organizations to design innovative solutions.
Enhancing research and resources
We conduct research and develop resources to fill gaps in knowledge and awareness. We collect, analyse, and centralise data on maritime migration.
Supporting Search and Rescue operations
We strengthen operational aspects of rescue by a wide range of actors, from developing resources for commercial ships to supporting SAR operations along underserved routes. We also assist in the development of new SAR operations on underserved routes. These efforts include providing data, tools, specific training, and other support.
Our vision
Our vision is to enhance the safety of life at sea by supporting commercial seafarers, shipping companies, search and rescue professionals, and states to fulfill their existing legal obligations in the most efficient and effective manner.
Our values
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea is guided by humanity, neutrality, pragmatism, collaboration, and integrity. We are committed to protecting lives at sea, fostering open dialogue, and creating practical solutions through transparent and respectful partnerships. These values drive our mission to make the seas safer for all.
Key Actors
The Foundation’s governing and advisory board are composed of prominent actors in maritime rescue, humanitarian action, and the shipping industry, including the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Royal Naval Lifeboat Institute (RNLI), the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and SOS MEDITERRANEE. The Foundation also works closely with other stakeholders, including states, universities, and NGOs. All of these groups bring together expertise, resources, and networks to support FHAS in its mission.
Executive team
The Executive Team is led by the co-founder and director, Dr. Caroline Abu Sa'da and includes, Carine Fauchs as Program and Development Manager and Ralph Mamiya as Senior Researcher
Caroline Abu Sa'Da is an experienced humanitarian leader with a PhD in Political Science, extensive fieldwork with MSF, Oxfam, and the UN, and a rich academic and publishing background on humanitarian action and international relations.
Ralph Mamiya is an expert in civilian protection and humanitarian action, formerly serving as UN Peace Operations team leader and advisor to numerous governments and organisations. He holds a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School.
With over a decade of experience in PR, communication, and marketing, Carine Fauchs holds a Federal Certificate in Public Relations and a MARKOM Certificate, bringing strategic expertise to support the organisation’s initiatives.
Board of trustees
The Foundation for Humanitarian Action at Sea is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising the President Richard Watts, co-founder of FHAS and a maritime expert and founder of HR Maritime, a representative from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), a representative from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and a Geneva-based lawyer with expertise in international public affairs. This governance model reflects FHAS’s commitment to neutrality, collaboration and efficiency.
Director at HR Maritime | Expert in Shipping, Trade, Insurance & Demurrage | Fellow - Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers | Advocate for digitisation & eBLs | Trainer & consultant for Trading, Shipping & Trade Finance
Principal Director Marine at International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
Geneva-based lawyer with expertise in international and public affairs, former Mayor of Geneva and Member of the Swiss National Council. Partner, Jacquemoud Stanislas (LL.M., Columbia University)
Strategic Advisor to the Under Secretary General of the IFRC
Advisory board
The Advisory Borad is composed by key maritime and humanitarian stakeholders, including RNLI, IMRF, IOM, UNHCR, OHCHR, and SOS MEDITERRANEE, to ensure its actions effectively address the needs of those involved in search and rescue operations.
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.