ABSTRACT: Both SAR?79 and UNCLOS?82 Conventions are specific tools that establish the juridical and technical foundations for the development of reactive aspects related to maritime safety response. These conventions set up the search and rescue regions in which coastal states should assume the responsibility to dedicate resources, to cover the needs of the SAR responsibilities. 2006 amendments to IAMSAR manual volume I, in force since 2007, June the 1st, established the identification and assessment of risks related to maritime safety as one of the practical principles in maritime risk management. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow navigational channel connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Morocco. The Strait supports a huge volume of maritime traffic increasing steadily every year. This paper presents the preliminary results obtained in relation with the taxonomy and temporal distribution of maritime emergencies reported and documented by the Spanish Maritime Administration throughout 2000-2004 period.

KEYWORDS: Maritime Safety, Search and Rescue (SAR), Emergency Situation, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), SAR Operation, Strait of Gibraltar, Maritime Emergencies, International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR)

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