The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Navigation, Communications and SAR (NCSR) Subcommittee met from 22 to 25 June 2026. The IMRF was involved in the SAR Working Group of the meeting, and over four days, delegates considered a wide range of proposals covering international SAR guidance, operational procedures and emerging technologies.

The discussions covered updates to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual, developments in distress alert technology, improvements to global SAR coordination and emerging operational challenges. The decisions taken will have practical implications for Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs), SAR unit organisations and training providers around the world.

The IMRF contributes to IMO discussions

The IMRF submitted three papers to the NCSR Sub-Committee covering the IMRF SAR Academy, the Global SAR System Review and proposals to improve the use of the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) satellite system for SAR purposes.

These papers were considered during the plenary session rather than within the Working Group itself and received generally positive support from Member States. Delegates recognised both the SAR Academy and the Global SAR System Review as valuable initiatives and encouraged wider participation. The discussion on LRIT also reinforced its value as one of several technologies available to support SAR operations.

Updates to the IAMSAR Manual

The Working Group agreed a series of amendments to the IAMSAR Manual and confirmed that future updates should align with the latest 2025 edition. Delegates also supported the continued use of technology-neutral language to ensure the guidance remains relevant as communications and tracking technologies continue to evolve.

This approach was reflected in discussions on the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), where delegates agreed that future editions should replace references to individual service providers with generic terminology. The change brings the IAMSAR Manual into line with wider IMO drafting principles and avoids references to specific commercial systems.

Changing operational priorities

Several agenda items reflected the changing nature of SAR operations.

The Working Group reviewed the future of Appendix O of the IAMSAR Manual, which lists reporting systems used to support SAR. While some delegates questioned its continued relevance given the widespread use of technologies such as the Automatic Identification System (AIS), others highlighted its value, particularly in regions where more advanced tracking systems are not always available. Further submissions from Member States and international organisations will now help determine whether the appendix should be updated, relocated or removed.

The IMRF also highlighted the importance of considering the operational needs of less-developed regions, where manual reporting systems may continue to play an important role.

The Working Group also agreed that the IAMSAR Manual should include new guidance covering submarines, passenger submersibles and other underwater craft. As underwater activity continues to increase, the guidance will help clarify the role of RCCs while recognising that specialist military and commercial organisations often provide the rescue capability required during these incidents. The IMRF is encouraging members with relevant operational experience or viewpoints to contribute as this work progresses.

Strengthening global SAR coordination

Delegates also agreed a number of measures aimed at improving the accuracy and effectiveness of international SAR coordination.

Proposed improvements to the Global SAR Plan within the IMO's Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) include automated reminders prompting Member States to review their information, greater use of regional workshops and visual mapping of Search and Rescue Regions to improve data accuracy. Maintaining accurate SAR information remains essential for effective international coordination, cooperation across boundaries, and for ensuring satellite distress alerts are routed quickly to the correct RCC.

Alongside this work, delegates finalised an updated list of documents and publications that RCCs should maintain. The revised guidance reflects current SAR regulations and operational practice, supporting audits, training and operational readiness.

IMO agrees amendments for Two-Way Communications EPIRBs

The Working Group also agreed amendments introducing optional Two-Way Communications (TWC) for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) using the Galileo Return Link Service (RLS).

Unlike traditional distress beacons, the new generation of EPIRBs will enable survivors to receive confirmation that their distress alert has been received and allow structured messages to be exchanged with RCCs. Operational guidance will now be developed through the Joint ICAO/IMO Working Group on Search and Rescue, which the IMRF attends as an active attendee.

The IMRF also proposed keeping human factors, including training and usability for these beacons, separate from the technical performance standards so that these issues can be addressed through operational guidance, training programmes and national guidance. This was accepted by the group and became its recommendation.

Next steps

Several topics will now continue to be progressed by the Joint ICAO/IMO Working Group on Search and Rescue, including the future of ship reporting systems, guidance for submersible SAR operations and the operational use of two-way EPIRBs.

The IMRF encourages members with relevant operational experience to contribute to the ongoing discussions. Members wishing to provide feedback can contact Roly McKie, the IMRF's IMO Representative and SAR Advisor, at [email protected].

The full report will be available on the Members’ Knowledge Hub in the coming weeks.