Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • IMRF MRO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT COURSE 2024
International Maritime Rescue Federation
Join the IMRF Members' Knowledge Hub
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Membership
    • Become a Member of the IMRF
    • Our Members
    • Members' Knowledge Hub
    • Members Area Registration Form
  • Training, Resources and Initiatives
    • Initiatives
    • Training and Development
    • Manuals, Reports and Guidance
  • Global Advocacy
    • Global Advocacy and Influencing
  • Events
    • What's Coming Up
    • Global Maritime SAR Forum
    • Maritime SAR Aviation Panel
    • IMRF Awards
    • Public Webinar Recordings
  • Research
    • Research
  • News
    • Latest News
    • IMRF Blog
    • Our Newsletters
    • SAR Matters
  • Support Us
    • Become a Supporter of the IMRF
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
    • Trusts and Foundations
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
  • About Us
    • About the IMRF
    • Annual Report
    • Strategy
    • Staff
    • Trustees and Governance
    • Our Patron
  • Contact Us
  • Admin
    • Log in
    • IMRF MRO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT COURSE 2024
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Caribbean Women Search and Rescue Workshop

    Caribbean Women Search and Rescue Workshop

    Registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop from 21-23 October 2026, hosted by the British Virgin Islands. Read more

  • Caribbean launches first regional women in Search and Rescue workshop to strengthen capability and build cross‑island networks

    Caribbean launches first regional women in Search and Rescue workshop to strengthen capability and build cross‑island networks

    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 IMRF Quadrennial General Meeting 2027

    The IMRF Quadrennial General Meeting 2027

    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

  • World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2027 

    World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2027 

    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

  • Caribbean Women Search and Rescue Workshop
  • Caribbean launches first regional women in Search and Rescue workshop to strengthen capability and build cross‑island networks
  • The IMRF Quadrennial General Meeting 2027
  • World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2027 
  • Next
  • Prev
  1. Events
  2. What's Coming Up

What's Coming Up

We host many interesting events at the IMRF: some are online webinars and others are in person. Many of our events are for members only, so if your organisation would like to join the IMRF, you can find out more and fill in an application form here. 
Caribbean Women Search and Rescue Workshop

Caribbean Women Search and Rescue Workshop

Registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop from 21-23 October 2026, hosted by the British Virgin Islands. Read more

Start: 21st October, 2026 at 12:00am

End: 23rd October, 2026 at 12:00am

Published: 17th July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Location: British Virgin Islands

Caribbean launches first regional women in Search and Rescue workshop to strengthen capability and build cross‑island networks

Caribbean launches first regional women in Search and Rescue workshop to strengthen capability and build cross‑island networks

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

Published: 10th July, 2026

Updated: 17th July, 2026

Author: Grace Roberts

The IMRF Quadrennial General Meeting 2027

The IMRF Quadrennial General Meeting 2027

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

Start: 2nd June, 2027 at 10:00am

End: 2nd June, 2027 at 12:00pm

Published: 2nd July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Location: Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Gothenburg

World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2027 

World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2027 

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

Start: 30th May, 2027 at 12:00pm

End: 1st June, 2027 at 12:00pm

Published: 2nd July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Location: Eriksbergshallen, Gothenburg

The Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme

The Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme

The Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme aims to foster international collaboration and skills development among RCC professionals. Read more

Published: 9th April, 2026

Updated: 8th June, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

August 2026: #WomenInSAR Training

August 2026: #WomenInSAR Training

We are excited to announce that we are organising our fourth international #WomeninSAR training, this time in the Netherlands hosted by KNRM on 27-30 August 2026. Registration has now been closed. Read more

Start: 27th August, 2026 at 7:00pm

End: 30th August, 2026 at 5:00pm

Published: 10th March, 2026

Updated: 15th July, 2026

Author: Jaakko Heikkila

Location: Netherlands

Global Maritime SAR Forum: Survival in Warm and Cold Water

Global Maritime SAR Forum: Survival in Warm and Cold Water

The next GMSF will look at the crucial physiological and clinical elements that impact a person’s ability to survive in aquatic environments, in cold and warm waters. This is for IMRF members only. Read more

Published: 3rd March, 2026

Updated: 2nd July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Survival in Warm and Cold Water

Survival in Warm and Cold Water

The IMRF’s Global Maritime SAR Forum (GMSF) is the world’s leading platform bringing the global SAR community together to exchange ideas, explore innovation, and learn from real-world experience - all with one shared goal: improving maritime search and rescue. Read more

Start: 8th September, 2026 at 9:00am

End: 8th September, 2026 at 10:00am

Published: 13th January, 2026

Updated: 16th July, 2026

Author: Tom Scott

Location: Online

Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminar

Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminar

The IMRF is pleased to announce that the next Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminar will take place on 24 November in St Malo, France. This dedicated event will bring explore how organisations can strengthen mental health and wellbeing support across their teams. This seminar is open to IMRF members and non-members. Read more

Start: 24th November, 2026 at 9:00am

End: 24th November, 2026 at 5:00pm

Published: 17th December, 2025

Updated: 6th July, 2026

Author: Margaret Mentz

Location: 4 Avenue Louis Martin, St Malo, 35400

IMRF Conference 2026

IMRF Conference 2026

The members-only IMRF Conference 2026 will take place on 25–26 November in St. Malo, France. It will bring together the global maritime SAR community for two focused days of collaboration, learning, and exchange, built around the theme “Navigating complexity - building safer seas through collaboration, prevention, and innovation”. Read more

Start: 25th November, 2026 at 9:00am

End: 26th November, 2026 at 5:00pm

Published: 17th December, 2025

Updated: 17th June, 2026

Author: Margaret Mentz

Location: 4 Avenue Louis Martin, Saint Malo, 35400

Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange

Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange

The Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme aims to foster international collaboration and skill development among RCC professionals. Participants have the unique opportunity to broaden their expertise in SAR operations, learn new techniques, explore diverse operational structures, and bring back valuable insights to enhance their home organisations. Read more

Start: 1st March, 2027 at 12:00am

End: 5th March, 2027 at 12:00am

Published: 13th December, 2024

Updated: 29th May, 2026

Author: Jaakko Heikkila

Location: -

Lifeboat Crew Exchange 2026

Lifeboat Crew Exchange 2026

The experience proves invaluable for participants across various countries and SAR organisations to broaden their skills and knowledge in SAR operations by engaging with international peers. Planning for the event starts in January 2026. Read more

Start: 19th September, 2026 at 12:00am

End: 26th September, 2026 at 12:00am

Published: 11th November, 2024

Updated: 15th July, 2026

Author: Jaakko Heikkila

Location: -

WMRC 2023 - Media Gallery

WMRC 2023 - Media Gallery

Read more

Published: 19th December, 2022

Author: Anonymised User

International Day of Drowning Prevention – 25 July 2021

International Day of Drowning Prevention – 25 July 2021

STOP PRESS: Following up on the article from SAR Hub Bulletin 11 in June about the UN Resolution on Drowning Reduction and the first ever International Drowning Prevention Day on 25th July this year, the WHO have developed some comprehensive information and guidance to support your national and local activities on the day. Read more

Published: 1st July, 2021

Updated: 28th July, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

Back to top

Latest

  • Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop

    Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop

    Registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop from 21-23 October 2026, hosted by the British Virgin Islands.

  • Search begins for the global maritime SAR community's outstanding contributors as IMRF Awards 2026 open for nominations

    Search begins for the global maritime SAR community's outstanding contributors as IMRF Awards 2026 open for nominations

    Every rescue tells a story of courage, teamwork and dedication. The IMRF Awards 2026 celebrate the people and organisations whose achievements continue to strengthen maritime search and rescue around the world.

  • How can the IMRF help good ideas spread in search and rescue?

    How can the IMRF help good ideas spread in search and rescue?

    Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, explores why good practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations, and how effective “translation” can help ideas take hold across different contexts.

  • Global SAR Safety Learning Logs

Most read

  • Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

    Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

    Commercial MASS and remotely operated vessels could play a significant part in future maritime SAR operations to help improve capabilities and operations.

  • Join the IMRF

    Join the IMRF

    IMRF Members around the world support each other and share knowledge, experience, expertise and innovations.

  • Our Members

    Our Members

  • Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

    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.

  • SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

    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 (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment.

  • Our Work

    Our Work

  • Join Our Mailing List

    Join Our Mailing List

  • Contact Us

    Contact Us

  • Staff

    Staff

Tag cloud

#WomenInSAR STEM Award Finalists 2016 COVID-19 Exchange Exchange - Dictionary Exchange - News IMRF Awards IMRF Awards - Home IMRF Blog Latest News Members News - English Past Awards 2016 Past Awards 2017 Past Awards 2018 What's On

Join our mailing list

Stay Connected with IMRF News & Insights. The IMRF offers a range of tailored e-newsletters to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community.

Sign up

Our Collaborators

Our Supporters

  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Company Registration Number: 04852596 - Charity Registration Number: 1100883

 CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION

Every day, maritime search and rescue (SAR) professionals and volunteers respond to some of the world's most challenging emergencies. While the operating environment continues to evolve, the vision remains the same: zero lives lost on the world's waters.

Behind every rescue is a network of individuals and teams whose professionalism, expertise and dedication make maritime SAR possible. From front-line responders and coordination teams to trainers, support staff, technical specialists and innovators driving new technologies, each plays a vital role. The IMRF Awards celebrate these achievements by recognising the individuals, teams and organisations whose commitment continues to strengthen maritime SAR around the world.

As nominations open for the Awards 2026, the IMRF encourages organisations and individuals across the global SAR community to recognise colleagues and organisations whose commitment, innovation and professionalism continue to strengthen maritime SAR. By sharing their stories, the global SAR community can celebrate the people making a real difference while inspiring the next generation of lifesavers, responders and SAR professionals.

Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF, said: "Every day, people across the global maritime SAR community respond to challenging situations with courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to saving lives. The Awards provide an opportunity not only to recognise those achievements, but also to celebrate the people and organisations behind them.

"By sharing these experiences, we acknowledge exceptional contributions, inspire others across the SAR community and remind those working across the global SAR system that their dedication is seen, valued and appreciated."

The Awards recognise courage, teamwork, innovation, leadership and lifetime achievement across the maritime SAR community.

The 2025 winners included a rescuer who helped save seven seafarers during a typhoon, a team that coordinated the rescue of ten mariners following an attack at sea, a leader championing opportunities for women in SAR, innovators advancing SAR communications, and a lifelong advocate for water safety and lifesaving standards. Their stories demonstrate the dedication, professionalism and collaboration that underpin maritime search and rescue around the world. You can read more about last year's winners here.

The IMRF Awards are made possible through the generous support of our award sponsors.

Nominations are now open for the following categories:

  • IMRF Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution – sponsored by Zhejiang Four Brothers Rope
  • IMRF Award for Outstanding Team Contribution
  • IMRF Innovation and Technology Award
  • IMRF #WomenInSAR Award – sponsored by HamiltonJet
  • IMRF Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Inmarsat Maritime

 

The IMRF People's Choice Award is determined by a public vote from a shortlist of finalists. The IMRF Patron's Award is selected by the IMRF's Patron Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. This award honours an individual or team that has shown outstanding efforts in maritime SAR. This is chosen from the nominations. You cannot make a nomination for this category.

This year's awards include revised judging criteria, word limits, a new Model Answers Pack and a downloadable Blank Nomination Form, to help nominators prepare clear, focused submissions.

Please read the updated Terms and Conditions for further information on the awards process.

Nominations close at 23:59 UTC on Friday, 18 September 2026 and nominated activities must have taken place between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION

Manage Cookie Preferences