In 2023, the Maritime Rescue Service of the Instituto de Socorros a Náufragos carried out 1,623 missions with 27 boats, which resulted in 403 lives being saved, according to a report released January 4th by the National Maritime Authority.
In a statement, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) also highlights the training and incorporation of eight crew members into the career of Lifeboat Technicians and the operational training of the 601th Vigilante Auxiliary Marine Unit.
During 2023, ISN carried out 2,844 Specific Technical Aptitude Examinations for lifeguards, which resulted in the certification or re-qualification of 1,512 of these professionals.
The ISN also carried out training in basic life support, oxygen therapy and trauma for members of the Maritime Police, military personnel in surveillance projects and other entities that request training in these areas, as well as awareness-raising activities on beaches.
Last year, another of the AMN’s bodies, the Directorate for Combating Pollution of the Sea recorded 10 reports of pollution, with the need for intervention in two of the cases.
As in the previous year, this directorate held the annual “ATLANTIC POLEX.PT” marine pollution incident response exercise in 2023 on the island of Madeira, which provided training in responding to marine pollution incidents.