The IMRF's European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme enables crew members to share ideas and experiences amongst their fellow maritime SAR organisations to improve capabilities and operational best practices in a cohesive and cost-effective manner. Crew members can then bring back their gained professional knowledge and experience to their own SAR organisation. 

The IMRF member-only programme launched in 2012 and takes place every year. More than 519 crew members from the IMRF’s member organisations have taken part since its launch. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the IMRF ran a series of online webinars to ensure the programme remained an important part of the maritime SAR calendar.


The next IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme will take place on 21-28 September 2024. Be sure to keep an eye out for more information!


The European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme has remained a key part of the IMRF's annual calendar of events for more than 10 years! Find out more about our past exchange events and learn more from some of our members about what the event meant for them.

Please note that the programme took place online from 2020 to 2022. To view the webinars, please visit the Members Only section of the website.

2023 - Crew Members Gather Once Again For The Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme 

2019Lifeboat Crews Across Europe Swap Places

2018The IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme 2018

2017Rescuers From Across Europe Take Part In Lifeboat Crew Exchange

2016New Skills Learned By 65 Lifeboat Crew Members in Fifth Year of Exchanges

2015Lifeboat Crews From 13 Countries Learn From Exchange Experience Established By The IMRF

2014European Lifeboat Crews Exchange Experience At Third Programme

2013Nine Countries Share Experiences During IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme

2012IMRF Project: Crew Exchange