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1865
The first rescue station on Polish soil was established in Leba. It was equipped with a 9.5-meter-long rowboat, designed for action at sea in strong winds and high swell. It was manned by a crew of eight. It was the beginning of organized sea rescue, still under the supervision of the Prussian rescue company.
1867
The famous "Red Shed" was built in Ustka. - a wooden building, which in time was replaced by a brick one. It served as an equipment base and gathering place for rescuers. The establishment of this station was part of a broader network created by the DGzRS - German Shipwrecked Rescue Society. These stations were established with the support of local communities.
1911
There were already ten rescue stations operating on the coast. They were located in Leba, Ustka, Rowy, Jastarnia and Hel, among others. They were manned by trained volunteer crews, ready to carry help to survivors in all conditions. Their equipment included boats, blasting ropes and special rescue belts.
1945
After World War II ended, Poland regained access to the sea, but marine salvage had to be rebuilt from scratch. It was mainly concerned with towing wrecks, clearing the waterways and restoring the functionality of ports. These activities were coordinated by the General Maritime Office.
1949
The first specialized vessels appeared. These included two Norrland-type rescue vessels (built in Sweden) and three Galta-type boats. It was a breakthrough moment - Poland began to build its own real marine rescue system.
1951
The Polish Ship Rescue (PRO) was established and began organizing rescue stations on the coast. By 1953, 12 modern outposts were in operation. They were equipped with motor boats, rocket lines and communications equipment, and crews received regular training.
1953
Management of shore stations was transferred to the Maritime Offices. This was a period of consolidation of rescue operations and standardization of equipment. Despite technical deficiencies and difficult conditions, constant readiness for rescue operations was maintained.
1983
PRO has assumed responsibility not only for maritime rescue, but also for combating oil pollution at sea. The expansion of responsibilities has necessitated the purchase of new equipment and intensified training. Procedures in line with international standards have been introduced.
2002
The Maritime Safety Act of November 9, 2000 established the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR). It began operations on January 1, 2002 as an independent budgetary unit. It took over all rescue tasks from the PRO and began the professionalization of the SAR system in Poland.
2023
In June, the first female officer - Paulina Wawrzyniak - was hired on the SAR-3000 unit stationed in Hel. She joined the crew of the rescue vessel as a full-fledged team member. This was a symbolic and important moment in the history of the service, opening it up to greater diversity and modernity.