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Of course, the DGzRS is not completely alone in its humanitarian work at sea.
An old seafarer principle dictates that in an emergency all vessels in the area are obliged to come to assistance. Maritime authorities play a particular role, from the Waterways Police, the Federal Police (former Border Guard), the coast guard, the Fishery Inspection and the Waterway Administration, who all provide immediate and discretionary assistance in emergencies at sea. But the Rescue Service also cooperates with the German Lifeguard Association (DLRG), the German Automobile Club (ADAC) and on-shore rescue services.
The cooperation between DGzRS and the German Navy has been contractually
settled, especially in regards collaboration with the navy airmen. The MRCC is in continuously direct contact at all times with RCC Glücksburg, and can request helicopters at very short notice. Normally the aircraft in question is a Sea King, which recovers sick or injured people from damaged ships or rescue cruisers using hoist technology.
Moreover, the airmen help by transporting specialist personnel, such as fire-fighters
or medicals, or necessary material, both quickly and smoothly. The co-operation of rescue crews and helicopters is practised regularly, almost every week, in so-called winch exercises in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
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The patron of the DGzRS is the German Federal President
"The DGzRS is independently and single-handedly rendering an invaluable service to this country and to all those at sea. Probably, it is only the tens of thousands
of individuals who over decades have been rescued from a seemingly hopeless situation, who can truly judge the courage and bravery of the rescue crews.
However, the great number of friends and sponsors of the organisation proves the immeasurable esteem in which the maritime rescue service is held by the people of Germany. I wish the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service the best of luck for the future and God’s blessing."
Those were the words of the patron of the DGzRS, German Federal President Horst Köhler, as he paid tribute to the work of the rescue service.