Bjorn Gunnarson

With more than two decades of experience in search and rescue, civil protection, and_x000d_
operational leadership, I have been directly involved in numerous missions — from land, sea,_x000d_
and air rescue operations to high-risk coordination efforts during natural disasters and mass-_x000d_
casualty events. My professional background includes roles with the Icelandic Coast Guard,_x000d_
including service at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), where we are responsible_x000d_
for coordinating maritime and aeronautical search and rescue operations in the Icelandic area_x000d_
of responsibility. I also served as a crew member aboard Icelandic Coast Guard vessels,_x000d_
operating in Arctic conditions around Iceland and on extended missions through the_x000d_
Mediterranean and along the African coast, as part of the European Union’s Frontex_x000d_
operations._x000d_
In addition, I have worked with fire and ambulance services and participated in several_x000d_
international deployments. Most recently, I was a part of a specialist team from ICE-SAR to_x000d_
Türkiye in response to the 2023 earthquakes. Throughout my professional journey, I have_x000d_
continuously served as a volunteer member of ICE-SAR, reflecting my long-standing_x000d_
commitment to the organization and its mission._x000d_
In addition to my operational roles, I am a qualified Coxswain for all-weather lifeboats, and I_x000d_
hold international certifications in aeronautical engineering and emergency medicine_x000d_
(WEMT-I). Throughout my career, I have coordinated joint training with NATO-aligned_x000d_
forces, overseen multi-agency operations, and worked alongside institutions in disaster risk_x000d_
management._x000d_
As for my presentation, I will be speaking on ICE-SAR’s current renewal programme for our_x000d_
rescue vessels and operations in the North Atlantic, along with a brief introduction to our_x000d_
organization and its mission. I believe this topic will offer insight into the challenges and_x000d_
solutions we are implementing in extreme maritime environments, including modernization_x000d_
strategies, volunteer integration, and real-time decision-making under pressure._x000d_
ICE-SAR is a volunteer-based NGO that maintains professional-level operational standards._x000d_
Operating across Iceland’s rugged and often hazardous terrai