We are inviting everyone connected with the IMRF to share their views in a short, anonymous survey. Your feedback will help shape how we communicate, strengthen our brand, and better support the global maritime search and rescue community. Read more
Following the success of the inaugural Caribbean Women in SAR Summit, registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop taking place in October in the British Virgin Islands. Read more
The latest IMRF webinar explored how reporting systems, shared situational awareness and human factors can help SAR organisations reduce risk and strengthen safety culture. Read more
From maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability and training to autonomous vessels and international guidance, the IMRF continues to represent the interests of maritime SAR organisations at the International Maritime Organization. Read more
Working Group 3 (WG3), focused on Search and rescue matters, met from 22 to 25 June 2026 to progress several core elements of the IMO’s search and rescue (SAR) work programme. Read more
Working Group 3 (WG3), focused on search and rescue matters, met from 22 to 25 June 2026 to progress several core elements of the IMO’s search and rescue (SAR) work programme. Read more
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) 2027 will take place on the morning of 2 June 2027 at Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more
The global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community will come together in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 30 May and 1 June 2027 for the next World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC), the sector's flagship international event, held every four years. It is hosted by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) in partnership with the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). Read more
From updates to the IAMSAR Manual and advances in distress alert technology to improvements in global SAR coordination, IMO NCSR 13 progressed several initiatives that will influence SAR procedures, training for SAR personnel and seafarers and international cooperation. The IMRF contributed to several discussions and is now inviting members to share their operational experience as work continues. Read more
In this blog, Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, explores why some safety ideas spread easily in maritime SAR while others struggle, and what the adoption of helmets can tell us about how good practice travels. Read more
The IMRF is pleased to welcome six new members to its global community. From emergency response services, humanitarian rescue organisations and an association representing independent lifeboat organisations to satellite technology, environmental policy research and aviation regulation, these new members bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to our international maritime search and rescue network. Read more
The IMRF received strong support from Member States at the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) for three key initiatives: the Global Maritime SAR System Review, Women in SAR and the IMRF SAR Academy. The positive response reinforces the IMRF’s role in advancing global search and rescue capability, promoting diversity within the sector and strengthening access to SAR training worldwide. Read more
The IMRF Maritime SAR Academy is launching its first e-learning modules, marking a major milestone in the development of a new global learning platform for maritime search and rescue (SAR) personnel. Read more
Alongside the University of Queensland, the IMRF led a day of discussions that explored the risks and responses to the growing issue of battery fires on board car carriers, ferries, fishing vessels, tugs and leisure craft and small work boats. Read more
Thanks to a major three-year grant from The TK Foundation, the IMRF has launched the Maritime SAR Academy for maritime SAR personnel and commercial seafarers. It is a modern, accessible e-learning programme designed to strengthen lifesaving capability worldwide. Read more
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Representatives from nine African countries gathered in Accra, Ghana, for the third regional workshop of the Global Maritime SAR System Review, identifying key challenges and opportunities for strengthening maritime search and rescue across the continent. Read more
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the first non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), marking a significant milestone in the future regulation of autonomous and remotely operated shipping. Read more
Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, discusses the “Improving the effectiveness of safety interventions in maritime SAR” research, showing why maritime SAR solutions, from lifeboat design to crew training, rarely transfer directly from one country to another. Read more
Our high-quality resources and guidance are designed to enhance SAR capabilities worldwide and support SAR professionals and volunteers. They can be adapted to your local organisational context. Read more
The IMRF, alongside the IMO, Morocco’s Secretariat of State in charge of Marine Fisheries and HM Coastguard UK, brought together maritime SAR professionals from multiple countries to share operational experience, strengthen cooperation and enhance Mass Rescue Operations capability. Read more