As International Women’s Day approaches, the IMRF is proud to share a powerful new podcast episode celebrating the women helping to shape the future of maritime search and rescue (SAR). Now in its seventh year, the IMRF’s #WomenInSAR initiative continues to build momentum across the global SAR community. Since launching in 2019, the programme has helped raise the profile of women working at sea and ashore, many of whom say the campaign gave them the confidence to take that first step or push further in their careers.

In this episode, CEO Caroline Jupe sits down with three remarkable women whose stories reflect both resilience and progress. We hear from Sarah Psaila of Coastguard New Zealand, who also leads the Safe Boating Initiative and was awarded the IMRF’s 2025 Patron Award in recognition of her dedication to safety at sea. She is joined by Kim Germishuys, a lead crew member with the SAR Technical Crew at Bristow Ireland and Board Member of the EURORSA Rescue Swimmers Association, as well as Emma Atkinson, now training as a SAR winch paramedic with Bristow Helicopters.

Together they speak openly about their journeys into what has traditionally been a male dominated industry, the barriers they have faced and the quiet determination that keeps them going. Their advice to other women is honest and grounded in real experience. It is not just about recognition, it is about opportunity, belief and the importance of visible role models. It is a conversation that reminds us why representation matters and why progress, when nurtured properly, can have a lasting impact across the entire SAR community.

Listen to the podcast below: