News

Meet the new Board of Trustees

The new Board of Trustees was elected at the QGM in Vancouver on 18 June 2019: (from left to right) Zhang Rongjun (CRS); James Vaughan (RNLI); Mohammed Drissi (Ocean Fisheries Department, Morocco); Cia Sjostedt (SSRS); Theresa Crossley(CEO, IMRF); Dean Lawrence, Chairman (Coastguard New Zealand); Jorge Diena (ADES); Nicolaus Stadeler (DGzRS).

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Affiliate Members
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Maritime SAR

Search and rescue workers often face stresses that are not present in many other fields of work. A job that requires a person to put themselves in harm’s way repeatedly carries a high risk to their physical and mental health. Research indicates that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst first responders is comparable to that of combat veterans.
Swim & Sup the Sound 2020

VIRTUAL COMPETITION Saturday & Sunday, 6 & 7 June 2020 Sponsored by Carey Olsen & KRyS Global
Antarctica200 Marca Con Éxito la Primera Vista del Continente Hace 200 Años

El S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen, un yate estonio de 24 metros construido en Holanda, completó la última etapa de su viaje para celebrar los 200 años desde el descubrimiento de la Antártida por Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, nacido en Saaremaa, Estonia.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Maritime SAR

Search and rescue workers often face stresses that are not present in many other fields of work. A job that requires a person to put themselves in harm’s way repeatedly carries a high risk to their physical and mental health. Research indicates that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst first responders is comparable to that of combat veterans.
Member Focus: The Japan Association of Marine Safety

The IMRF has 113 members from 54 countries around the world. Our member organisations might be large or small, newly formed or long established. Some members are charities, others are private or public agencies, supporting organisations or industries. We’ve talked to new member the Japan Association of Marine Safety to find out more about their work and the organisation.
IMRF COVID-19 Operational Guidelines: Guidance for SAR Organisations

The main priorities for all SAR organisations are firstly, to minimise the risk of infection for all staff and volunteers and secondly, to continue to provide effective SAR and lifesaving services. These priorities should underpin all aspects of the provision of SAR services during the COVID-19 or any similar epidemic/pandemic.
COVID-19 Voluntary Guidelines: Medical-Hygiene Issues Related to COVID-19 - Frequently Asked Questions

This document is for SAR organisations currently facing operating challenges as a result of COVID-19. It is primarily based on guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), existing national protocols provided by IMRF member organisations and consensus of an IMRF expert panel. Recommendations by ILCOR[1] and national resuscitation councils have also been included.
COVID-19 in SAR - Funding Appeal

Our members from international search and rescue organisations across the globe are continuing to save lives in the world’s waters. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presents very serious challenges to search and rescue crews, as they care for those they rescue and protect their own well-being.
Meet the IMRF Chairman

Dean Lawrence was appointed IMRF Chairman, in June last year at the World Maritime Rescue Congress in Vancouver. Here we ask him to tell us a bit more about himself and the challenges facing the sector.
Members Assisting Members: DGzRS Share Fundraising Expertise

IMRF Members work together for many purposes, not just at sea and on exercises. Last year, Chris Hartmann from the Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger (DGzRS) or German Maritime Search and Rescue Association traveled to Estonia for three days to work with the Estonia Volunteer Rescue Organisation, sharing and discussing successful approaches to fundraising, based on DGzRS’s experience.
Antarctica2020 Successfully Marks First Sighting of Continent 200 Years Ago

The S/Y Admiral Bellingshausen, a 24-meter Dutch built Estonian yacht has completed the last leg of its journey to celebrate 200 years since the discovery of Antarctica by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen who was born in Saaremaa, Estonia.
IMRF Global SAR Development Programme Supports Benin Upgrade to MRCC

The IMRF’s programme to support global SAR development has helped the Benin Maritime Prefecture upgrade its headquarters in Cotonou, from maritime rescue sub-centre (MRSC) to full national maritime rescue coordination centre (MRCC).
The IMRF's Global SAR Development Programme in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health estimates that 320,000 people drown every year. Furthermore, Africa and Asia-Paciﬁc account for almost 90% of drowning deaths, with the highest rates being in the WHO Africa Region - 20x higher than in the United Kingdom.

COVID–19 – Planning Checklist

The Main priorities for all SAR organisations are to minimise the risk of infection for all staff and volunteers and to continue to provide effective SAR and lifesaving services. These priorities should underpin all COVID-19 response planning.
IMRF Holds First All-Women SAR Training to Address Gender Imbalance

As part of its ongoing #WomenInSAR initiative and supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) theme of empowering women, the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) has held its first all-women maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) training in Morocco.
MEDEVAC de Enfermos COVID-19 a Bordo de Crucero

Jorge Diena, Consejero de la IMRF, nos envió este documento preparado por el Capitan de Fragata (CG) Artigas Zorrilla y la Teniente de Navío (MED) Ana Mieres, explicando lo sucedido cuando la Armada Uruguaya recibió un llamado de emergencia de un crucero, requiriendo asistencia para un pasajero con dificultades respiratorias.
Meet the new Board of Trustees

Meet the new Board of Trustees - elected at the QGM in Vancouver on 18 June 2019.
International Maritime Rescue Federation Elects New Board

IMRF members elected their new Board of Trustees yesterday (18 June 2019) at their Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) in Vancouver. The meeting followed on from the 4th World Maritime Rescue Congress, which brought together maritime search and rescue specialists and equipment providers from around the globe.
The IMRF Awards 2019 Winners Have Been Announced

Exceptional search and rescue teams, outstanding individuals and innovative technology from around the world have been recognised in the annual IMRF Awards
The IMRF Awards 2019 shortlist is announced

International shortlist showcases skills and commitment to saving lives at sea, across the sector and around the world
IMRF Second Fundraising and Communication Skills-Share hosted by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS)

“It was two very productive days in keeping our skills current. Tacit and explicit knowledge (information, skills, or expertise) was “It was two very productive days in keeping our skills current. Tacit and explicit knowledge (information, skills, or expertise) was exchanged among experts of our organizations. Skill-sharing not only bolstered our understanding, but helped create an archive of accessible knowledge. "
IMRF Launches Updated Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual

The International Maritime Rescue Federation has launched a new Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual, a vital best practice guide for any SAR rescue organisation.
COVID-19 Voluntary Guidelines: Medical-Hygiene Issues Related to COVID-19 - Frequently Asked Questions

This document is for SAR organisations currently facing operating challenges as a result of COVID-19. It is primarily based on guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO), existing national protocols provided by IMRF member organisations and consensus of an IMRF expert panel. Recommendations by ILCOR[1] and national resuscitation councils have also been included.