IMRF Blog

Celebrating International Women’s Day …

Winner of the first IMRF’s #WomeninSAR Award 2019, Isobel Tugwell is a member of the Shoreham Lifeboat Crew, with the UK’s Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Read more

Jared Blows: Representing the IMRF at the IMO

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is the only maritime search and rescue non-governmental organisation that has consultative status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO). Read more

The First of a Regular Blog for the IMRF

As the first of a regular blog for the IMRF, this month we have interviewed Dean Lawrence, IMRF Chairman. Read more

Latest

COVID-19: ILS-IMRF-IDRA Working Group on Drowning Resuscitation

COVID-19 is affecting all aspects of society across the globe, including SAR organisations and others who have to deal with drowning victims. Currently, if a non-immunised person starts mouth-to-mouth ventilation on a drowned casualty, the chances of the rescuer becoming infected with COVID-19 are very high and the risk of that rescuer subsequently becoming severely ill - or even dying – are unknown.

COVID-19 in SAR - Fundraising resources

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.

Focus on Members: The Latvian Beach Lifesaving Association (LBLA)

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 The Latvian Beach Lifesaving Association to find out more about their work and the challenges they face.

The European Regional Development Meeting: 14-15 October 2020 in Reykjavík, Iceland

The European Regional Meeting (ERM) 2020 will be held from 14-15 October 2020 in Reykjavík, Iceland, hosted by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR). It will be followed by the Rescue20 conference and exhibition from 16–18 October 2020, also in Reykjavik.

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.

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.