IMRF Awards 2026

IMRF Awards 2026 - Judges

IMRF Awards 2026 – Judges

Meet the international panel judging this year's nominations.

Every nomination is assessed by an experienced international judging panel with direct expertise across maritime search and rescue operations, policy and training. The panel's decisions are made independently and are final.

Panel Chair

Nigel Clifford (RET)

Chair of the Awards Judging Panel

Clay Evans (RET)

IMRF Trustee

Jerzy Kiszczak

Deputy Director, Maritime Search and Rescue Service, Poland

Julie-Anne Wood

Assistant Director, Policy, Standards & International, UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Herby Meth

Lead & Trainer, Ascension Island Sea & Land Rescue Service

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The #SaferSAR initiative is designed to improve safety at sea by encouraging SAR professionals to share lessons learned from incidents and accidents.
Research Project Overview

This collaborative project, led by the University of Queensland, aims to improve the understanding of shipboard fires involving lithium-ion batteries and develop practical solutions for maritime crews and search and rescue (SAR) teams.
Benefits to SAR Organisations

As a SAR Organisation, promoting the #SaferSAR system to your crews offers several key advantages.
The Morning Midas Fire

The most recent incident involving electric vehicles was the fire on the cargo ship Morning Midas, on 3 June 2025.

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

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

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)

The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment.
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IMRF Awards 2026

IMRF Awards 2026 – Judges

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