Search and rescue helicopters. Air-rescue services. Air-sea rescue services. The primary requirement is for Falkland Islands Search and Rescue Helicopter Service with consideration given to industry provision of a Support Helicopter Service. The Authority intends to make a decision regarding its need for the Support Helicopter Service prior to Contract award and reserves the right not to contract for the Support Helicopter Service. If a Support Helicopter Service is included at contract award, the contract will include options to increase or decrease the volume of flying hours during the contract period. Compliance to all relevant International, National and Local laws, legislation and obligations applicable to this requirement is required both in the contract award procedure and during the term of any resultant contract. European Regulation (EC) 216/2008 defines search and rescue as a state activity therefore the service will be regulated through UK Government (Department for Transport).

Search and Rescue (SAR) Service

An all-weather SAR helicopter service, able to operate throughout the Falklands Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SAR service must be responsive, able to search a wide area of interest, locate and recover both military personnel (including fast jet ejectees) and civilians, and medically stabilize those casualties/survivors from all risk areas including mountainous terrain and the maritime environment. The service must support training activities and be capable of moving equipment by under-slung load (including a fire-fighting bucket) to casualties, emergency crews, and maritime shipping.

Support Helicopter (SH) Service

The secondary requirement is for a SH Service able to operate throughout the Falkland Islands region and in the maritime environment. The SH service must be able to transport a range of freight including under-slung loads and personnel.