Assessing the Performance of a SAR Boat Location-Allocation Plan via Simulation

Abstract

Maritime search and rescue (SAR) operation is a critical process that aims to minimize the loss of life, injury, and material damage by rendering aid to persons in distress or imminent danger at sea. Optimal allocation of SAR vessels is a strategic level process that is to be carried out with a plan to react rapidly. This chapter seeks to evaluate the performance of a SAR boat location plan using simulation. The proposed methodology in this chapter works in two stages: First, an optimal allocation scheme of SAR resources is determined via a multi-objective mathematical model. Next, simulation is used to test the performance of the analytical solution under stochastic demand. With the heaviest traffic and maritime risk, the methodology is applied to a case study in the Aegean Sea.