The recently restructured second phase of the ‘Support to Integrated border and migration management in Libya — SIBMMIL’ (EUR 15 million) includes the provision of three new search and rescue (SAR) vessels for the Libyan Coast Guard, with an accompanying maintenance plan and the development of a mobile Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to support SAR operations. The three vessels belong to the P150 class and have the sole purpose of supporting SAR operations.

The Libyan authorities already have a very basic MRCC based in Tripoli. The SIBMMIL project will support the development of a new and improved MRCC by supplying equipment, a container unit, a mobile unit and accompanying capacity development (i.e.  training and coaching of MRCC staff) .

The new MRCC, currently being des igned by the Italian Ministry of Interior, will also support the Libyan Coast Guard in such operations. The Commission considers a functional MRCC, initially hosted in containers, an essential tool to improve SAR operations at sea.

No expenditure is foreseen for the radar-supported surveillance network for the Libyan coast.