Migration and SAR The maritime ‘mixed migrant’ situation – the movement of asylum-seekers and economic migrants across large areas of sea, usually in wholly inadequate craft with consequent loss of life – sadly continues in several parts of the world. The IMRF continues to advocate action at the international level to address this ongoing disaster and to defend the fundamental principles of maritime search and rescue (SAR), as well as the humanitarian principle of non-refoulement implicit in the SAR principle of delivery of anyone in distress to a ‘place of safety’. This includes advocating for and promoting the international conventions that Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) must adhere to in order to provide prompt and efficient SAR response within their designated SAR region. This includes the organisation of the rescue of any person reported or found to be in distress and call upon any available vessels at sea and/or dedicated SAR units to carry out a rescue operation. To reinforce its position as a global leader in promoting effective and safe maritime SAR operations, the IMRF has published a formal position paper discussing the requirements and obligations for all those potentially involved in a maritime SAR operation – such as mariners, international SARorganisations, agencies, governments and authorities – as well as all applicable international treaties and conventions. You can read this position paper here. Manage Cookie Preferences