INSARAG External Classification/Reclassification - Pacific Disaster ...

Earthquake Simulation (SIMEX) Response Exercises. Non-participation will
adversely affect a USAR team’s reclassification;
• In an effort to assist the INSARAG Secretariat, assist with the facilitation of
INSARAG activities e.g., Earthquake Response Exercises;
• The INSARAG Focal Point is required to immediately inform the INSARAG
Secretariat of any changes within the USAR team and its support framework that
may fundamentally affect its capacity to function at the classified level. Based
on a review of the structural changes, the USAR team may be advised that they
are required to undergo a reclassification.
• The ISG highly recommends that USAR teams:
o Provide minimally five USAR experts to become IEC classifiers.
o Willingly share information with other USAR teams that are developing a
response capacity.
o Willingly share information with other INSARAG USAR teams that are
preparing for a classification.
If a classified USAR team is not able to meet its obligations, the ISG will provide that
USAR team guidance on any necessary subsequent action. This will also have a
potentially adverse affect on a USAR team’s reclassification.
9. Joint IECs
The INSARAG Secretariat encourages neighbouring countries or multiple teams within
one country to consider conducting a joint IEC. This offers a financial benefit to each
USAR team as a result of cost sharing as well as providing an opportunity to strengthen
national or regional cooperation. Exercising bilateral relationships, integrating and
coordinating two USAR teams working together in joint rescue operations and colocating
in a designated BoO area injects a greater degree of realism into the exercise.
It must however be noted that a joint IEC will not in any way compromise each
individual USAR team’s bid as each team will be individually assessed on its own
merits.
If two USAR teams elect to conduct a Joint IEC, they are required to submit a written
request to the INSARG Secretariat seeking approval. While there are obvious benefits
to holding a Joint IEC, it does place a burden of the INSARAG Secretariat as this will
require two independent IEC Cadres.
Each USAR team has the responsibility to fulfil all of the requirements of the IEC just
as would be required if they were undergoing a stand-alone IEC.
It is also possible that there may be a joint classification for 1 USAR team that is
undergoing its initial IEC while the other USAR team is undergoing a reclassification.
10. INSARAG External Reclassification
The INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) is the process a previously classified
team is required to periodically undergo in order to maintain their classification status. If
the USAR team elects not to reclassify, it will surrender its INSARAG classification.
34 IEC Guidelines, 2011 Edition