The INSARAG has managed to achieve many goals over the years. In all cases, these achievements have helped either directly or indirectly the goal of saving more lives following incidents of structural collapse. These achievements include but are not limited to:

• The successful creation of a UN General Assembly (GA) Resolution 57/150 of 2002 on “Strengthening the Effectiveness and Coordination of International USAR Assistance”. This resolution is widely considered to have underpinned much of the progress achieved by the group in recent history.

• The development of INSARAG Guidelines and methodology for USAR operations to ensure standardised training and structures of international USAR teams.

• The development of INSARAG External Classification (IEC) system and IEC Guidelines.

• The development of internationally accepted markings for use on buildings in USAR operations to improve communication of USAR teams on site.

• The development of the methodology for the establishment of a Reception/Departure Centre at the entry points into the affected country to better coordinate team assignment and logistics support on-site.

• The development of a concept for rapid disaster assessment and coordination (the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) concept).

• The development of the concept of On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) in sudden-onset disasters in general, not only for earthquakes.

• The establishment of a ‘Virtual OSOCC’ on the Internet for real-time information exchange during ongoing emergencies among involved disaster managers.

Membership in INSARAG is open to all countries and organizations involved in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) activities. Countries interested in joining the INSARAG network are required to designate a national focal point, which will serve as the primary interface between the INSARAG Regional Group and the INSARAG Secretariat.

Organizations seeking to apply for INSARAG membership should submit an official request to the INSARAG Secretariat through their respective INSARAG National Focal Points, along with the completed USAR team profile form. Organizations from countries with an established national INSARAG focal point are encouraged to express their interest through this designated contact. If no national focal point has been designated, organizations may reach out directly to the INSARAG Secretariat.

Although it is strongly recommended that USAR teams deploying internationally undergo the INSARAG External Classification (IEC), this is not a requirement for INSARAG membership, as the IEC process is voluntary (please refer to the IEC page for more details). Countries without existing USAR capacity, but who anticipate needing USAR assistance or are in the process of developing local USAR capabilities, are equally welcome to become INSARAG members.

INSARAG members are part of a global knowledge-sharing network focused on collapsed structure rescue and operational field coordination. They are invited to attend annual meetings of their relevant INSARAG Regional Group, participate in USAR Team Leaders meetings, and engage in INSARAG working groups. Members also gain access to INSARAG’s information and knowledge-sharing tools, including the “Virtual OSOCC” (Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre) and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), which provide alert notifications during sudden-onset disasters and offer real-time updates and coordination throughout ongoing emergencies. The responsibilities associated with INSARAG membership are outlined in the INSARAG Guidelines.

The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) operates through a structured network of forums and geographical regions, all reporting upward through the overarching global elements of the Steering Group. This organizational structure ensures that INSARAG’s objectives are effectively achieved at the regional level while aligning with best practices defined and endorsed by the global group.


INSARAG Steering Group
The INSARAG Steering Group (ISG) serves as the governing body of INSARAG, meeting annually to guide its activities. It is composed of the INSARAG Chair, Regional Group Chairs and Vice-Chairs, national focal points from INSARAG External Classification (IEC) certified countries, Chairs of relevant ad-hoc Working Groups, and the INSARAG Secretariat. The Steering Group approves all INSARAG advice, ensuring published actions and recommendations reflect the collective agreement of the group.


INSARAG Secretariat
The INSARAG Secretariat plays a pivotal role in facilitating coordinated communication among the various INSARAG components, channelling information through the Steering Group as needed. It is responsible for organizing events in collaboration with designated hosts, managing the INSARAG website, and maintaining the INSARAG USAR Directory. Hosted within the Emergency Response Section (ERS) of the Response Support Branch (RSB) under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, the Secretariat ensures smooth operations across the network.


INSARAG Regional Groups
INSARAG is divided into three Regional Groups:

• Africa, Europe & Middle East
• Americas
• Asia-Pacific
  

INSARAG Working Groups
Ad-hoc Working Groups are created by the Steering Group to address specific issues. These task-specific groups develop targeted solutions and disband once their objectives are achieved.

International USAR Team Leaders
This cross-regional network of experienced USAR practitioners meets annually to address technical issues related to training and share best practices. Drawing on lessons learned from past operations and exercises, the group’s collective expertise enhances the operational effectiveness of international USAR responses.