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

#WomenInSAR Initiative

Women are hugely under-represented in the maritime sector. The IMRF is working to raise the profile and increase the representation of women in maritime SAR. Our #WomenInSAR initiative is moving into its next phase this year.

IMRF Pandemic SAR Webinar

The IMRF Pandemic SAR Webinar will take place on 26 October 2020 from 11:30-12:30 (GMT – Greenwich Mean Time). This webinar is free and open to everyone.

Fifth Mass Rescue Operations Conference – 17-19 October 2021

The dates of the much-anticipated fifth IMRF Mass Rescue Operations Conference have been announced.

IMRF #WomenInSAR Survey

Last year, the IMRF launched its #WomeninSAR initiative which included a new IMRF #WomeninSAR Award, and women-only SAR training events.

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.