Doha: The Qatar International Search and Rescue Group is gearing up for the final stage of its international reclassification (Heavy) exercise, a significant milestone conducted by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) under the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Scheduled to commence next week, the exercise will take place from November 25 to 28.

According to Qatar News Agency, the reclassification process aims to align the Qatar International Search and Rescue Group with INSARAG guidelines, facilitating the acquisition of vital information from the United Nations and enhancing coordination with affected countries in the absence of an embassy and other crisis management mechanisms. In preparation, the group recently held a meeting to ensure readiness, attended by Major Khalid Abdullah Al Humaidi, the group commander, Chew Keng Tok, the team supervisor from the Singapore Civil Defense, and several officers and members.

Major Al Humaidi highlight
ed the group’s previous successes and the decision to enter the international reclassification tests at the (Heavy) level, a classification first achieved in 2015. This endeavor aims to maintain the group’s work under an international framework alongside global partners, utilizing a unified language and scientific approach in search and rescue operations. The group has conducted extensive field exercises and training, accumulating over 1,500 training hours, to prepare its members for the reclassification.

Expressing confidence in the team’s ability to meet all requirements, Major Al Humaidi emphasized that the classification process is being undertaken according to a strategic plan with clearly defined objectives. Chew Keng Tok, the Singapore Civil Defense supervisor, expressed his enthusiasm to work with the group once again, acknowledging the substantial experience the team has gained over the years.

The United Nations INSARAG has approved Qatar’s special file for the reclassification tests for the “Heavy
” category, which remains the highest classification for search and rescue teams. The evaluation process will involve theoretical and practical tests, including field exercises supervised by the Singaporean team, to ensure the group’s readiness and compliance with international standards.

The reclassification procedures include simulated natural disaster scenarios, covering various operational aspects such as field, logistical, medical, and administrative tasks.