Maine Association for
Search and Rescue

The Maine Association for Search and Rescue (MASAR) is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Maine in 1990. It's main purpose is to promote and develop search and rescue (SAR) capabilities and resources in the State of Maine with the underlying principle of saving lives. To serve this purpose, it organizes symposia providing classes in SAR topics for SAR personnel across the state and, in conjunction with the Maine Warden Service, plans mock search practice sessions to provide realistic training for volunteers and Game Wardens statewide. To promote individual and unit competence and to develop confidence in the abilities of SAR volunteers statewide, it has developed standards defining the knowledge and skills SAR unit members must have and manages the certification procedure for volunteer search and rescue personnel in state.

MASAR provides a forum for Maine’s volunteer SAR organizations to express their concerns and exchange ideas in the furtherance of SAR throughout the state. It also acts as liaison between the individual member organizations and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), and similar agencies both in and out of state.