UK ISAR has successfully delivered its second International Operations Preparedness (IOP) course of 2026, continuing its commitment to strengthening readiness for overseas deployments. The course is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of the expectations placed on personnel operating in international disaster response environments.
Blending structured classroom input with realistic, scenario-based exercises, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to operate effectively under International Search and Rescue Advisory Group standards. This approach ensures that candidates experience conditions closely aligned with real-world deployments.
Throughout the course, participants focused on six key areas essential to international operational readiness. These included working efficiently within a Base of Operations (BoO), maintaining appropriate health and hygiene in demanding conditions, and ensuring personal preparedness for deployment. Additional areas covered included applying safety, security, and safeguarding principles, demonstrating cultural awareness when engaging with international partners and affected communities, and managing both media and social media responsibilities while deployed.
Training was delivered through an immersive role-play format, allowing candidates to apply their learning in realistic operational scenarios. Assessment was ongoing and aligned with INSARAG’s External Classification (IER) framework, with performance measured across all six areas using a red, amber, or green rating system.
The course welcomed all new members of UK ISAR, including those from the USAR Medical Team (UMT). Before attending, delegates were required to complete mandatory safeguarding, security, and INSARAG pre-course materials, ensuring they arrived fully prepared to participate.
To replicate deployment conditions, accommodation was field-based, with participants living in tents and operating on ration packs throughout the programme. By its conclusion, candidates had gained a clear understanding of the professional standards, behaviours, and operational requirements necessary to deploy safely and effectively on international search and rescue missions.
