Mass Rescue Operations

Podcasts: Mass Rescue Operations in maritime SAR

Mass Rescue Operations, or MROs, are defined as the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress such that the capabilities normally available to the search and rescue authorities are inadequate. Filling this capability gap is vital if SAR organisations are going to able to respond to an MRO effectively.

The IMRF is committed to providing comprehensive guidance for maritime SAR organisations in order to be best prepared for MROs. You can find more information on our range of resources here.

As part of our drive to provide critical information to maritime SAR organisations, we have produced two podcasts with Tom Gorgol, Mass Rescue Programme Manager at the US Coast Guard, and David Jardine Smith, the IMRF’s former MRO Project Manager.

IMRF MRO Podcast #1

In this podcast, Tom Gorgol, Mass Rescue Programme Manager at the US Coast Guard, and David Jardine Smith, the IMRF’s former MRO Project Manager, look at the biggest challenges in mass rescue operations and how to mitigate those challenges.

IMRF MRO Podcast #2

In this podcast, Tom Gorgol, Mass Rescue Programme Manager at the US Coast Guard, and David Jardine Smith, the IMRF’s former MRO Project Manager, discuss some of cultural barriers involved with MROs and how to manage them, particularly when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime event. In addition, Tom and Dave also talk about the involvement of major industry players in shore-side response to MROs.

Registration for the IMRF's 2024 Maritime Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) Subject-Matter Expert Course is now open. Click here to find out more and how to register.

This year's course will take place at JRCC, Fareham in the United Kingdom, hosted by the UK's HM Coastguard. The event will take place on 18-20 June 2024.

Latest

Blog: Alex Morkin, Director, SiiTech

We speak with Alex Morkin from SiiTech about how his AIS technology is helping to improve the situational awareness of maritime SAR organisations during vital operations.
Rescue Boat Service Implementation Guide
GADSS & Aviation in Search and Rescue (SAR) Webinar

We are pleased to announce that the IMRF will be hosting a Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System webinar on 14th May at 8 am (UK Time). This event is the first of the new SAR Aviation Panel.
Development of Inflatable Rescue Craft

Blog: Alex Morkin, Director, SiiTech

We speak with Alex Morkin from SiiTech about how his AIS technology is helping to improve the situational awareness of maritime SAR organisations during vital operations.
Blog: Captain Hilmar Snorrason, Principle at the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre, ICE-SAR

We speak with Captain Hilmar Snorrason, Principal at the Maritime Safety and Survival Training Centre at ICE-SAR, about his 30-year career in maritime safety.
Blog: Amber Sheasgreen, Operations Manager, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue

We speak with Amber Sheasgreen, the winner of the 2023 #WomenInSAR award, about the importance of asking questions and the need for cohesive teamwork in maritime SAR operations.
Blog: Angelo Abreu, Commander-in-Chief, SANAS Madeira

We talk to Angelo Abreu from SANAS Madeira about the impact and challenges of smaller maritime SAR organisations and how learning from peers is of the utmost importance.
Blog: Geoffrey Denman, Canadian Coast Guard, JRCC, Victoria

Geoffrey Denman from the CCG speaks about his almost four decades in the maritime SAR sector and the importance of relationships to promote operational excellence.
Blog: Björn Jónsson, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder, Hefring Marine

We talk to Björn Jónsson of Hefring Marine to discuss how their technology is playing a critical part in improving maritime SAR safety for crews and their recent project to raise awareness of the impact of onboard vibrations.
Blog: Dean Lawrence, President, Waiuku Coastguard, New Zealand

We speak to Dean Lawrence, former national President of the Royal New Zealand Coastguard, and current President of the local Waiuku Coastguard, about his lifetime in service as a SAR operator.
Blog: Christian Karlsen Skeie, AntiSink

We speak with Christian Karlsen Skeie from AntiSink about how developing technologies and safety systems for leisure boats and emergency services are vital to minimising the impact of shipwrecks
Blog: Martina Capriotti, member of the board of directors at FISA

We sit down with Martina Capriotti, a member of the board of directors at FISA in Italy, about her Sea Rescuers Against Plastics campaign and the importance for SAR personnel and organisations to be aware of the dangers of microplastics.
Blog: Herbert Meth, Head of Ascension Island Sea and Land Rescue Service

We speak to Herby Meth, Head of AISLR, about some of the challenges facing a SAR organisation that faces geographical isolation and the impact that can have on major medical emergencies.

SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

People known to be in distress need to be rescued, of course – and the SAR community knows that this concept must also be extended to those believed to be in distress, and to those who, while not yet in distress, will become so if help is not provided to them in the meantime.
MRO Home
Our Work
People's Choice Award 2024
Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

This manual, together with the accompanying Rescue Boat Operator Search Cards, provides recommended best practice for any organisation looking at introducing basic training in Rescue Boat SAR operations.
Join Our Mailing List
Contact Us
Join the IMRF

The IMRF brings together and represents the world’s maritime search and rescue organisations, including voluntary and governmental organisations, as well as suppliers to the sector, to improve maritime SAR capabilities worldwide.
Our Members
Staff