Advancing Regional Readiness: Rope Rescue Training at the 2025 Joint Indo-Pacific Program

From 3rd to 7th November, the “2025 Joint Indo-Pacific Region Rope Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)” training program took place at the NFA Training Centre in Nantou County, Taiwan, bringing together 26 participants from Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The intensive program aimed to strengthen regional disaster response capabilities through advanced rope rescue techniques and collaborative learning.

The program began with classroom sessions covering rope systems, safety procedures, equipment handling, and operational planning. This theoretical foundation prepared participants for advanced practical training, including T-Rescue, V-Rescue, and diagonal rescue techniques essential for high-angle and complex environments.

A key highlight of the program was the opportunity to train in challenging real-world locations. Participants carried out exercises at the Sun-Moon Bridge and the Neilu Creek artificial river—both high-risk environments that provided realistic exposure to complex rescue conditions. Training in these locations allowed participants to apply their skills in dynamic terrains, sharpening their decision-making, teamwork, and adaptability.

The hands-on experience enabled participants to gain advanced knowledge while fostering strong cross-regional collaboration in disaster response and preparedness.