Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
Abbreviation: MRCC
National coordinating centre that receives distress alerts and orchestrates SAR operations within a defined Search and Rescue Region (SRR).
In practice
Master notifies the appropriate MRCC via DSC distress alert + INMARSAT/Iridium voice for any incident requiring SAR. MRCC coordinates with vessels in the area and shore-based assets; the master stays on dedicated frequency until released.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Required by the SAR Convention 1979. Each coastal state operates one or more; MRCC Falmouth (UK), MRCC Stavanger (NO), JRCC Honolulu (US), Maritime Search and Rescue Center Türkiye (TR) etc. Coordinates with neighbouring MRCCs across SRR boundaries. Vessels in distress contact via INMARSAT-C distress alert, EPIRB activation, or VHF Ch 16.
Related
Source: International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1979 (SAR)
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.