Muscat – The Oman Search and Rescue Team of the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) on Monday affirmed its full readiness to elevate its international status to the ‘Heavy’ classification granted by the UN’s International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) – the highest global accreditation for search and rescue teams.

The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday held under the patronage of H E Mohammed bin Saied al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Information.

Brig Ali bin Saif al Maqbali, Deputy Chairman of CDAA, said the national team has, over the recent period, implemented a comprehensive preparedness plan to meet INSARAG’s stringent Heavy classification requirements. This included advanced training and qualification programmes conducted in partnership with the Singapore Civil Defence Academy, upgrades to specialised equipment, and the completion of all operational and organisational procedures mandated by international standards.

He added that the team will soon undergo a thorough series of administrative, technical and field evaluations covering readiness, response capacity, incident site management and urban search operations. The assessments will be led by international experts from 12 countries appointed by the United Nations to verify compliance with INSARAG protocols.

Brig Maqbali noted that the final evaluation results will be announced on December 10 in the presence of ministers, senior military and security officials, and representatives from GCC states. He expressed optimism that the team will earn the ‘Heavy’ classification, reinforcing Oman’s ability to contribute effectively to global humanitarian response missions.

Established as a specialised national force capable of handling highly complex incidents, the Oman Search and Rescue Team has conducted numerous major operations within and outside the sultanate.