Rescue and relief operations

INTRODUCTION: Iran, a country characterized by diverse geographical and climatic conditions, is constantly exposed to various natural and manmade disasters. Also, Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), as one of the most critical relief organizations, plays a pivotal role in rescue and relief operations. Accordingly, this study attempted to identify the challenges associated with the implementation of disaster management policies in the rescue and relief operations of the IRCS. METHODS: In this mixed method research, qualitative data were collected through field research, with 12 experts and managers from IRCS, selected through non-random purposive sampling using semi-structured interviews following the theoretical saturation and was analyzed with MAXQDA-2022 software; in the quantitative phase, a total of 365 managers and experts were selected across the country using a multi-stage cluster sampling. Then, a 36-item researcher-made questionnaire was developed using a five-point Likert scale and descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed using SmartPLS software. FINDINGS: The findings indicate that the implementation of disaster management policies in the rescue and relief operations of the IRCS faces numerous challenges. The qualitative analysis identified 8 global themes, 19 organizing themes, and 36 basic themes. In the quantitative phase, the following dimensions were found to have significant positive effects on the implementation of disaster management policies: resources and equipment (0.561), policy (0.868), empowerment and skills (0.921), decision-making (0.859), organizational structure (0.912), information and communication (0.637), public participation (0.610) and economic, political, and social conditions (0.573). among these, human resource empowerment (0.921) and organizational structure (β = 0.912) exerted the greatest influence on the efficiency of relief operations. CONCLUSION: According to the results, lack of adequate resources and organizational structure, shortage of up-to-date equipment, deficiencies in workforce skills, and poor inter-organizational coordination are key challenges in implementing disaster management policies in rescue and relief operations. Furthermore, enhancing human resource management, improving training and empowerment programs for relief teams, devising transparent and actionable policies, and increasing public and NGO participation can significantly enhance the effectiveness of relief operations. The proper implementation of policies in rescue and relief operations can substantially improve the efficiency of the IRCS in the face of disasters and in addition to reducing human casualties and resource wastage, can also direct society towards sustainable development.

Background and Theoretical Foundations: In today's world, with the increasing dependence of countries on meeting their most basic needs through maritime transport, the use of vessels and shipping lines has increased so that more than 90 percent of goods and raw materials are transported worldwide by maritime transport. Hence, this situation has led to the growth of maritime accidents such as collisions, fires, Stranding, etc. Hence, one of the most important principles that has always been of concern to seafarers has been the issue of saving lives and property at sea. so, the international community has sought to create an international legal system to encourage as many vessels as possible to help each other in emergencies to reduce losses caused by maritime threats and dangers under the Brussels and London conventions. Methodology: In this research using Descriptive-Analytical and Comparative methods. This research aims to examine the position of international law regarding the performance or refusal to perform rescue and rescue operations at sea and, in general, the international legal system governing the allocation and payment of rewards resulting from these operations. Finding and Conclusions: Although the allocation of rewards resulting from the operation is contingent on its success, the amount of the reward depends on several factors. However, in international law, the responsibility and duty to carry out rescue operations, subject to specific conditions, lies with the vessel's commander.