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What is an IEC/R

IEC/R Requirements​

INSARAG classified USAR teams undergoing an IEC/R are required to:

  • Comply with and operate according to the methodology and minimum standards prescribed by the INSARAG Guidelines
  • Be able to rapidly deploy within the shortest possible timeframe following a disaster to maximise their positive impact on the affected community
  • Understand and comply with the roles and responsibilities regarding the set-up, operation and staffing of an RDC, UCC and/or SCC
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities regarding the LEMA and be able to integrate effectively with the response resulting in a coordinated and coherent rescue effort in support of the LEMA
  • Understand how international USAR assistance compliments the national response effort
  • Requesting governments will then be aware of the type of value-adding support that is arriving from INSARAG classified USAR teams

IEC/R Purpose​

The purpose of the IEC/R is to enable the classified USAR teams to operate according the INSARAG minimum standards and to provide the government of an affected country with a database of independently classified INSARAG Light, Medium, Heavy USAR teams that will:

  • Mobilise and deploy rapidly
  • Be self-sufficient
  • Perform life-saving operations professionally and safely
  • Coordinate its activities based on the priorities established by the Local Emergency Management Authority (LEMA)
  • Assist LEMA and UN with the Reception/Departure Centre (RDC), the USAR Coordination Cell (UCC), the Sector Coordination Cell (SCC) and Operations
  • Coordinate its efforts with other international responders and augments national resources.
  • Not become a burden to the affected country
  • Adopt internationally accepted coordination mechanisms established on-site. Ensure linkage to the Early Relief phase of an incident to support wider humanitarian response efforts.
  • Take responsibility and adhere to INSARAG Minimum Standards and Processes

Scheduling an IER Exercise​

The IER must occur at some stage within five years following the original IEC. The INSARAG Secretariat will confirm the exact date of the IER exercise with the Team concerned. Any applications for an IER exercise that fall either before or after the USAR team’s five-year cycle must be submitted to the INSARAG Secretariat for consideration.

IEC/R Assessment​

The IEC/R assesses and classifies two key components of international USAR operations: response capability and technical capacity.

Response Capability
The response capability assessment, including the decision-making role of the sponsoring organisation or government, will assess a USAR team’s ability to monitor for sudden-onset disasters, receive notification of a breaking emergency, mobilise its resources and respond internationally in a timely manner. It will also assess a USAR team’s ability to establish an RDC/UCC if it is the first arriving international USAR team to assist the LEMA to receive international assistance. Refer to the USAR Coordination Handbook.

USAR teams need to demonstrate self-sufficiency for the duration of the IEC/R exercise. It is however acknowledged that teams will require assistance with procurement of fuel, timber, water and a secure location to establish their Base of Operations (BoO). Most teams will also require transport upon arrival in the affected country.

Technical Capacity
During an IEC/R the USAR team’s technical capacity will be assessed as to how it performs USAR operations. This assessment will differ depending on whether a team is attempting a Light, Medium, Heavy classification.

USAR teams are required to demonstrate proficiency using its full USAR technical capacity (skills and equipment) during a constantly evolving realistic structural collapse exercise of at least 36-hour duration. > The exercise duration is to be announced to the IEC/R cadre in advance.

It is designed in a manner that challenges the USAR team’s ability to operate effectively in simulated “real life” mission and timeline required for the desired level of classification.

For both, the response capability and technical capacity, the assigned IEC/R classifiers use the IEC/R checklist to conduct the assessment and classification.

IEC/R Cost​

As teams are expected to conduct an annual USAR exercise which should be included in their annual budget planning as agreed with their sponsoring organisation, there will be additional cost associated to the delivery of the IEC/R process.

The cost of the IEC/R classifiers representatives is covered by their respective sponsoring organisation or government, while the INSARAG Secretariat covers its own costs.

The IEC/R host will determine whether observers will be invited to the IEC/R. Any expenses and services provided by the IEC/R host will be explained in the announcements leading.

Reasons for Reclassification​

Expiration of Classification Period
The ISG has determined the need for IER after five years. Should a USAR team not be able to reclassify at the fifth-year mark for valid reasons announced by their respective INSARAG Policy and Operational Focal Point, the INSARAG Secretariat may approve an extension, on a case-by-case basis.

Change in USAR Team Structure
The classification awarded is applicable to the USAR team structure evaluated. If there has been any structural change in the configuration of the team, the responsibility is on the INSARAG Operational Focal Point to immediately inform the INSARAG Secretariat. The INSARAG Secretariat will facilitate a review of the structural change to determine whether it impacts the USAR team’s classification. If it is determined that the structural change has had a negative effect on the classification, the INSARAG Secretariat will inform the USAR team and its sponsoring organisation if a reclassification (IER) or classification (IEC) is required. The INSARAG Secretariat will consult with the INSARAG global chair and advise the USAR team on whether it can retain its current classification pending the reclassification.

Change in Classification Level
This occurs when a team migrates from one classification level, e.g. light to medium, medium to heavy. Ideally, USAR teams should aim to undergo this classification review at the five-year mark. If a team would like to migrate from one level to a lower level an IER is sufficient. However, if a USAR team would like to migrate from e.g. light to medium/heavy or medium to heavy a full IEC process is required. Within the five-year period, they are required to submit a written request to the INSARAG Secretariat.

Joint IEC/Rs​

If two USAR teams elect to conduct a combined IEC/R exercise, they are required to submit a written request to the INSARAG Secretariat seeking approval. If approval is given, the USAR teams are required to prepare and submit separate documentation, including the Exercise Plan and Exercise Timeline. It is very important for the USAR teams (and its mentors) to start discussions early with the IEC/R classifier team leaders and the INSARAG Secretariat.

Conducting joint exercises require clear planning and documentation, including:

  • Is the location suitable to host two or more USAR teams?
  • Is there one EXCON?
  • How will the RDC be staffed and maintained?
  • How will the UCC be staffed and maintained?
  • Is there one cast of role players?
  • Is there adequate support-staff to keep both exercises running?
  • Do the USAR teams have the same sponsoring organisation?

Nomination of USAR Teams for IEC/R​

A government or sponsoring organisation through its INSARAG Policy Focal Point may consider nominating its USAR team for the INSARAG Classification/Re-Classification process.

Directory of USAR Teams​

Upon successful completion of an IEC/R, the USAR team will be recorded in the USAR Directory. This directory is managed by the INSARAG Secretariat.

How to Contact the INSARAG Secretariat​

The function of the INSARAG Secretariat is provided by the Response Support Branch (RSB) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The INSARAG Secretariat can be contacted at:

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Response Support Branch (RSB)
Emergency Response Section (ERS)
UN OCHA
INSARAG Secretariat
Palais des Nations
CH 1211, Geneva 10, Switzerland
Email: insarag@un.org