COMNAP Meetings 2026
COMNAP Antarctic Search & Rescue (SAR) Workshop 6

6−7 August 2026
Tromsø, Norway

The The COMNAP Antarctic Search & Rescue (SAR) Workshop 6 will be held as an in-person meeting in Tromsø, Norway, hosted by the Norwegian Polar Institute.
To participate in any of the meetings & events, registration is required. More information on registration will be provided early in 2026.

The COMNAP Antarctic Search & Rescue (SAR) Workshop 6

Thursday 6 & Friday 7 August, 2026
Tromsø, Norway

The COMNAP Antarctic Search & Rescue (SAR) Workshop 6 will be held as an in-person meeting. A prelimary agenda for the Antarctic SAR Workshop is available below.

Agenda

Item 1: Opening, introductions

Item 2: Background to the SAR Workshop 6, and brief review of SAR Workshop 5 / update on progress

Item 3: Exchange of information/key messages from Rescue Coordination Centres

Item 4: Exchange of information/key messages related to experts from non-governmental operations, fisheries, IAATO Members

Item 5: Exchange of information/key messages from National Antarctic Programs

Item 6: Best practice and lessons learned during recent real Antarctic [Polar] events

Item 7: Regional Discussions
Peninsula
High Plateau
Dronning Maud Land/East Antarctica
Ross Sea Region

Item 8: Tabletop Exercise(s) [Regional]

Item 9: Conclusions & Reporting

Item 10: Close


Meetings & symposium General Principles

“Welcomed, safe & respected”

Meeting the COMNAP Objectives requires the talents and perspectives of people with different personal, cultural, and disciplinary backgrounds. We are committed to welcoming and respecting these differences. We ask our AGM hosts to recognise this and to support all delegates to feel welcomed, safe, and respected at the AGM and associated events.

“Green Meeting”

A "green" meeting is one that is organized and implemented in such a way as to minimize negative impacts on the environment and promote a positive social impact for the host community and for participants. When planning for the AGM, we ask you to consider a few options to make our meeting “greener”. Here are some things to consider:

  • Reduce the amount of printed materials at the meeting venue and, when printed materials are necessary, please ensure there is a paper recycling bin/system for delegates to use. The Secretariat will utilise electronic distribution of meeting papers and handouts.

  • Minimise packing and shipping materials.

  • Create reusable or recyclable badges to minimise waste after the meeting concludes.

  • Reduce single-use plastic in food service ware, including by not providing water in plastic single-use bottles. Ask delegates to bring their own water bottles or use reusable glassware.

  • Buy local and utilise local suppliers of services.

  • Provide food that is local and in season. Ask your catering company about their plans for uneaten food and if leftovers can be donated.

  • Minimise giveaways, or ensure giveaways are made of greener material choices and minimise any plastic wrappings.

  • Provide information to delegates on local mass-transit/public transportation options to/from the AGM venue.

  • Minimise travel distance for delegates choosing venues close to international transit hubs.

  • Provide information on hotels that have “green credentials”.

  • Partner with the local community to support a local “green” programme that delegates can choose to donate to or support in some way while they are there.