Order of Malta

 

Our Foundation and Objectives

The Search and Rescue Unit of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta was formally established following the signing of its founding documents, including the Objectives, Organisation and Operational Procedures Manual.

These documents were officially signed during a formal ceremony held on Wednesday, 2nd June 2021, at the Roger de Giorgio Hall, Casa Lanfreducci, marking a significant milestone in the development of specialised search and rescue capabilities within the Association.

 

 

Our Mission

In its initial phase, the Search and Rescue Unit operates within the Maltese Islands, providing operational support as a resource to the local government Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams. The primary role of the Unit is to deploy trained canine units for the efficient and rapid location of trapped live victims, particularly in scenarios involving structural collapse.

Through close cooperation with national authorities and emergency services, the Team enhances Malta’s overall disaster response capacity.

The long-term objective of the Search and Rescue Unit is to develop the capability to operate internationally, offering immediate humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters worldwide.

To achieve this goal, the Unit is committed to training and operating in accordance with the standards of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). The ultimate objective is to obtain official INSARAG classification and registration, allowing inclusion in the internationally recognised INSARAG framework for disaster response.

 

 

Training & Readiness

Our dogs and handlers undergo continuous training to meet high operational standards, ensuring:

• Operational reliability in complex environments
• Strong handler–dog teamwork
• Physical endurance and psychological readiness
• Compliance with national and international SAR protocols

Readiness, discipline, and safety are at the core of every deployment.

 

 

A Tradition of Service

As part of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, our team carries forward a centuries-old tradition of humanitarian service, adapted to modern emergency response challenges. We are proud to contribute our skills in support of life-saving operations at local, national, and international levels.

Management and Leadership

The Canine Search and Rescue Team operates under a clearly defined leadership and management structure, ensuring effective governance, operational readiness, and compliance with national and international standards.

President

The Noble Baroncino Michael Trapani Galea Feriol KM

Unit Leader & Search Manager

Simon Briffa

Secretary & Rescue Manager

Samara Littlejohn

Logistics Manager

Maria Cutajar

Deputy Administrative Manager

Alfonso Reisang Tolomeo

 

This management team provides strategic direction, operational coordination, administrative oversight, and logistical support, enabling the Canine SAR Team to carry out its humanitarian mission with professionalism, efficiency, and accountability.

 

ART