The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment. Read more
Welcome to the IMRF's IMO Documents section, containing IMO guidance which is relevant to search and rescue (SAR). Read more
This guidance on delivering Rescue Boat Operator training complements our Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual. Read more
Four years after the launch of the initial survey, the IMRF has returned to evaluate the progress the industry has made in gender balance and equality by conducting another industry-wide survey. 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.
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This guidance outlines the critical components of an MRO response: the need for additional resources, enhanced coordination, specific planning, dedicated training and exercises, and learning from real-world incidents.
This section contains IMO guidance which is relevant to search and rescue (SAR). You can order hardcopies or access free digital IMO publications, offering essential knowledge on maritime SAR best practices, training, and operational procedures.
The core of the guidance is structured around the 'Prepare, Normalise, Support' approach to help manage stress and trauma among SAR personnel.
The report separately looks at adaptations required by SAR services to climate change, and mitigation measures that these services could do to alleviate climatic change.
The purpose of this IMRF Guidance is to assist voluntary and non-voluntary marine rescue surface craft in operating organisations, maritime training institutes and other types of SAR education programmes.
The report and guidance showcase best practices for increasing the representation of women in the maritime SAR sector.
The IMRF has published a formal position paper discussing the requirements and obligations for all those taking part in a maritime SAR operation involving migrants.
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.
This manual contains important information valuable to any country or IMRF member wishing to establish their own procedures or operational plans for maritime search and rescue (SAR) incidents involving hazardous and noxious substances (HNS).
With the support of Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the IMRF has developed Pandemic Response Guidance for Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Organisations
The IMRF compiled its official #SARyouOK? Guidance document in February 2024, structured around the 'Prepare, Normalise, Support' approach to help manage stress and trauma among SAR personnel. Read more
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. Read more
The #FutureSAR initiative identifies key challenges the global maritime SAR industry will face as a result of climate change and proposes guidance and best practices to aid future rescue operations. Read more
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. Read more
The ChemSAR project started when the Finnish Border Guard realised there was an information gap in this area. Enormous volumes of different chemicals are transported by sea every day and as a result there’s always a risk of a major incident. Read more
The IMRF has now developed a guidance manual that could be used as the basis for planning and delivering maritime SAR services in pandemics. Read more
Order hardcopies and access free digital publications, from our extensive IMRF library of resources. Read more