The Cayman Islands Fire Service and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard have renewed an agreement to strengthen their response to emergencies at sea.
The memorandum of understanding renews a framework first established in 2024 for Maritime Search and Rescue, Maritime Search and Recovery, and Maritime Mass Rescue Operations.
It sets out how both agencies will work together through shared communications, joint training, coordinated operations and resource sharing during maritime incidents.
The agreement is designed to improve coordination when responding to emergencies involving coastal communities, mariners, vessels and other marine assets.
It also formalises joint planning between the two agencies in situations where their responsibilities overlap.
Chief fire officer Dwight ‘Randy’ Rankin said in a press release on 5 August that the renewed agreement reflects the fire service’s commitment to supporting coordinated emergency operations on the water.
“Safety on the water requires a unified front. This MOU is not just a document; it is a commitment to the people of the Cayman Islands that when an emergency happens on the water, the Fire Service stands ready to assist the Coast Guard,” he said.
“By working together, sharing expertise, and making the best use of available resources, we can strengthen response times and improve lifesaving outcomes.”
Under the renewed memorandum, the fire service and coast guard will continue developing joint operational readiness through agreed response protocols, regular training exercises and expanded information sharing.
The agreement also establishes a unified command framework for major maritime incidents.
Officials said this is intended to reduce duplication of effort and ensure both agencies operate from the same operational picture during emergencies.
The memorandum includes formal communication channels for sharing information on emergency threats, weather hazards, distressed vessels and other incidents requiring a coordinated response.
Joint exercises will also be used to maintain search and rescue readiness.
Coast guard commandant Robert Scotland said combining the capabilities of both organisations would strengthen the country’s overall maritime emergency response.
“The fire service brings valuable emergency response experience, specialised capabilities, and frontline discipline to maritime incidents,” he said.
“By combining that expertise with the coast guard’s maritime operations, we are strengthening the safety net for commercial mariners, recreational boaters, coastal residents and visitors.”
The renewed memorandum takes effect immediately. Joint training exercises are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.
