DOĞAL AFETLER ARAMA KURTARMA DERNEĞİ
Search and rescue
DARKSAR
Trainings
The determination, effort, and teamwork displayed in the field are no coincidence; they are the result of a disciplined, continuous, and goal-oriented training process. No search and rescue team is born ready for the field—they become ready. At DARKSAR, with this understanding, we place great importance on our training programs both to enhance our internal expertise and to raise disaster awareness and consciousness within the community.
Below, we present highlights from trainings we have participated in as well as those we have organized ourselves.
21-23 June 2025 Giresun AFAD Training Camp
A comprehensive accreditation training process was carried out between 20–23 June 2025 in Giresun, which was determined as the support province of Güngören district of Istanbul province within the scope of the Türkiye Disaster Response Plan (TAMP).
In this training, in which we participated as a solution partner with the Güngören Municipality Search and Rescue Team, theoretical and practical training was received in many areas such as GPS use, basic camping, field entry procedures and coordination in the disaster area within the scope of urban search and rescue accreditation.
Additionally, the role Giresun AFAD would undertake in the Güngören district in a potential Istanbul earthquake scenario and inter-institutional collaboration issues were discussed in detail. Giresun AFAD's exemplary hospitality, coupled with mutual support and experience sharing, led to significant disaster preparedness efforts.
June 14-15, 2025 GÜNAK Accreditation Preparation Training
On June 14–15, 2025, as a solution partner of the Güngören Municipality Search and Rescue team, theoretical and practical training sessions were conducted to prepare for the accreditation process, and important matters related to the exam were addressed.
May 18, 2025 OGM 2nd Course Training
Our team members who have completed the 1st Level Theoretical Forest Fire Training and received their identification participated in the 2nd Level field training held on May 18, 2025.
May 17, 2025 Knotting Techniques
On May 17, 2025, an introductory and knot-tying techniques training was conducted at Güngören TOBİM.
Disaster Awareness Training in Güngören High Schools and Middle Schools
At Form College Beylikdüzü campus, disaster awareness training was provided to a total of 150 students.
Drills and Disaster Awareness Trainings at MBA Schools, March 4-17, 2025
Between March 4 and 17, 2025, disaster awareness training was provided to a total of 1,200 students at MBA Schools’ Beylikdüzü, Ümraniye, and Gaziosmanpaşa campuses. Simultaneously, the schools’ emergency evacuation plans were reviewed, and evacuation drills were conducted at each campus. These efforts aimed to equip both students and school administrations with correct and safe evacuation behaviors during disasters.
Disaster Awareness Training in Güngören High Schools and Middle Schools
As DARKSAR – Natural Disasters Search and Rescue Association, during the 2024–2025 academic year, a total of 2,950 students in grades 9, 10, and 11 across 14 high schools in the Güngören district of Istanbul were provided with training on disaster awareness, basic risks in debris areas, search and rescue processes, and signaling systems. These activities, conducted in February, April, and May, aimed to contribute to raising young generations as conscious, prepared, and responsible individuals in the face of disasters.
August 11, 2024 Field Entry Process and Equipment Introduction
Under the coordination of Güngören Municipality Disaster Affairs Directorate, disaster awareness training was provided to 100 students at Uğur Schools Basın Express Campus.
August 11, 2024 Field Entry Process and Equipment Introduction
On August 11, 2024, theoretical field entry procedures and equipment introduction training were provided to volunteers from ÇOİS and DARKSAR.
Field Training for ÇOİS and Güngören Volunteers on July 7, 2024
On July 7, 2024, field entry process training was provided to volunteers from ÇOİS, DARKSAR, and Güngören.
May 26, 2024 ÇOİS & DARKSAR Disaster Awareness Training
On May 26, 2024, Disaster Awareness Training was provided to volunteers from ÇOİS and DARKSAR.