INSARAG IEC-R Leadership Course 2025 – Qatar

The INSARAG IEC/R Leadership Course was held in Doha, Qatar, from 13 to 16 January 2025, hosted by the Qatar team at Lekhwiya Centre. This was the third course of its kind, following those held in Oman (2020) and The Netherlands (2023). The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the IEC/R process for individuals preparing to take on leadership roles, including Team Leader, Deputy Team Leader, Classifiers, Mentors, and representatives of the INSARAG Secretariat.

The course was facilitated by members of the INSARAG Training Working Group, alongside other experts, and brought together 22 participants from around the world.

Over four days, the course focused on key topics such as the Roles and Responsibilities of leadership positions, Negotiation Skills, Exercise Design, Checklist, and Exercise Site Analysis. Knowledge and experiences were exchanged between participants and facilitators to enrich the learning process.

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants, facilitators, and especially to Qatar for graciously hosting this successful course.

IER AUT-01

 The Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit (AFDRU) Team (AUT-01) has been successfully reclassified as Heavy USAR team following the reclassification process conducted from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Austria. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its sincerest congratulations.

IEC GER-01

The Technisches Hilfswerk (THW) Schnell Einsatz Einheit Bergung Ausland (SEEBA) Team (GER-01) has been successfully reclassified from Heavy to Medium USAR team following the classification process conducted from 5 to 9 October 2026 in Austria. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its sincerest congratulations.

IER MAS-01

Congratulations to the Malaysian Urban Search and Rescue Heavy Team (MAS-01) on successfully passing the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) in Malaysia from 21 to 25 September 2026! This recognition affirms the team’s exceptional skills and its commitment to international search and rescue. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its sincerest congratulations.

IEC LTU-01

Congratulations to the Lithuanian Urban Search and Rescue Team LTU-01 on successfully completing the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) as a Light team, held from 7 to 11 September 2026 in Lithuania!

 

This important achievement highlights the team’s strong operational capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to international search and rescue standards.

 

Hosted in Lithuania, the classification process demonstrated the team’s ability to operate effectively in complex emergency environments and contribute to coordinated international response efforts.

 

This successful classification reflects Lithuania’s continued commitment to strengthening global emergency response capacity.

 

The INSARAG Secretariat extends its sincere congratulations to the entire LTU-01 team on this significant achievement!

IEC EGY-01

Congratulations to the Egyptian Search & Rescue Team EGY-01 for successfully passing the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) as a Medium team from 11 to 15 August 2026 in Egypt! This important achievement highlights the team’s strong operational capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to international search and rescue standards. The classification process, hosted in Egypt, demonstrated the team’s ability to operate effectively in complex emergency environments and to contribute to coordinated international response efforts. This successful classification reflects Egypt’s continued dedication to strengthening global emergency response capacity. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.

IER COL-01

Congratulations to the Colombia Urban Search And Rescue Team (COL-01) for successfully passing the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) in Bogota, Colombia, from 7 to 12 June 2026! This recognition affirms the exceptional skill and commitment to international search and rescue of the team. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.

Exercise Hosting Coordination Framework in Qatar

On 2 June 2026 an Exercise Hosting Coordination Framework between Lekhwiya and INSARAG was signed in preparation for the INSARAG Global Exercise (Qatar, 25 to 29 October 2026). The arrangement was signed by Ambassador Dominik Stillhart, INSARAG Global Chair, and Staff Brigadier Mubarak Sherida Al Kaabi, Assistant Commander for Administration and Supply.

IEC ITA-02

Congratulations to the Italian Urban Search and Rescue Team ITA-02 for successfully passing the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) as a Light team from 18 to 22 May 2026 in Italy! This important achievement highlights the team’s strong operational capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to international search and rescue standards. The classification process, hosted in Italy, demonstrated the team’s ability to operate effectively in complex emergency environments and to contribute to coordinated international response efforts. This successful classification reflects Italy’s continued dedication to strengthening global emergency response capacity. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.

IEC ITA-01

Congratulations to the Italian Urban Search and Rescue Team ITA-01 for successfully passing the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) as a Medium team from 18 to 22 May 2026 in Italy! This important achievement highlights the team’s strong operational capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to international search and rescue standards. The classification process, hosted in Italy, demonstrated the team’s ability to operate effectively in complex emergency environments and to contribute to coordinated international response efforts. This successful classification reflects Italy’s continued dedication to strengthening global emergency response capacity. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.