Coast Guard Evolution: AI and Unmanned Systems Enhancing SAR Operations

On 25–26 February 2025, the Italian Coast Guard, acting as Chair of the European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF), together with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) hosted an international workshop on AI and unmanned systems entitled “Coast Guard Evolution: Artificial Intelligence and Unmanned Systems Enhancing SAR Operations”. The event, held in Cagliari, Italy, brought together delegations from EU Member States and leading experts in AI and emerging technologies to discuss the future of maritime safety and the use of cutting-edge technology in optimising Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. 

As the maritime domain faces increasingly complex challenges, close and effective cooperation between coast guard functions across the EU is now more important than ever. At the same time, if we want to considerably boost Europe’s collective capacity to safeguard its waters and protect lives at sea, prudent adoption of AI-driven technologies is the way to go. 

In this context, the ECGFF and Frontex play a vital role in fostering cooperation and strengthening interoperability between Member States and EU coast guard agencies, ensuring that national coast guard authorities are equipped with the most effective tools and up-to-date knowledge to address any emerging issues.   

With a blend of thematic presentations and panel discussions, the ECGFF-Frontex workshop was a platform for sharing knowledge on the latest advancements in SAR technologies and discussing how AI solutions can promote synergies and improve rescue operations.  

With over 100 participants from 22 Member States, the EU Commission, European Defence Agency, Joint Research Center, and our sister EU agencies — EFCA and EMSA — this strong engagement reflects the growing interest in discussing this crucial topic. 

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