About Advocacy

As the international voice of maritime SAR, the IMRF plays a significant role in the development of international maritime SAR regulation and policy.

Recently the IMRF has:

	contributed to the work of the IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, particularly the SAR Working Group.
	provided SAR recommendations on work undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross on the Commentaries on the Second Geneva Convention.
	addressed members of the European Parliament regarding the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
	provided SAR recommendations on work undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross on the Second Geneva Convention, supporting the work of the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group.

For the latest IMO and NCSR reports, please go to "IMO Meeting Reports & Various" (new window) page under IMO Documents.

IMRF at the IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) is the lead technical SAR forum at the international level. Read more

ICAO / IMO Joint Working Group on SAR

Each year the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the ... Read more

IMRF to Update the IMO

The IMRF attends meetings of the International Maritime Organization’s ... Read more

Latest

ChemSAR Manual Now Available

The ChemSAR project started when the Finnish Border Guard realised there was an information gap in this area. Enormous volumes of different chemicals are transported by sea every day and as a result there’s always a risk of a major incident. By the nature of the industry, maritime accidents are almost always international which highlights the need for common procedures and a basic level of global knowledge.

ChemSAR manual

Following discussions at the International Maritime Organization, the Finnish Border Guard has shared a manual which was developed as part of the ChemSAR project.

IMRF CEO Update – COVID-19

Dear Member, At this time of unprecedented disruption, I wanted to send you a personal note as we all face the effects of COVID-19. If we haven’t already been affected, it is inevitable that everyone will be touched by it to some extent, whether it is in our work, our organisation or our own family and friends.

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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.

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.

World’s Maritime Search and Rescue Experts Gather in Vancouver

Some of the world’s leading maritime search and rescue experts will be meeting in Vancouver, Canada to share knowledge and improve their skills this weekend (15-18 June).

Membership of the IMRF

IMRF membership provides a unique opportunity for SAR organisations to share knowledge, experience and expertise, through the IMRF’s programme of conferences, meetings, forums and activities. Suppliers into the sector can also attend, participate, and engage in discussions and are encouraged to share any innovations that might benefit wider SAR activities.