IMO Documents

Communications - Procedures

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IMO Resolutions

	MSC.131(75) - Maintenance of a Continuous Listening Watch on VHF Channel by SOLAS Ships Whilst at Sea and Installation of VHF DSC Facilities on Non-SOLAS Ships
	MSC.199(80) - Adoption of Amendments to Provision of Radio Services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Amends Resolution A.801(19).
	MSC.436(99): Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended Includes amendments to chapter IV on Radiocommunications, which incorporate the changes made to accommodate recognized mobile satellite services under GMDSS. Note that this is far from being the only Resolution amending SOLAS.
	A.887(21) - Establishment, Updating and Retrieval of the Information Contained in the Registration Databases for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
	A954(23) - Proper Use of VHF Channels at Sea
	A.1001(25) - Criteria for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Communication Systems in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

IMO Circulars

	COMSAR-Circ.25 - Procedure for Responding to DSC Distress Alerts by Ships
	COMSAR/Circ.29 - Guidance for the Voluntary use of the Standardized Questionnaires and Formats for Reporting False Alerts in Collecting Data on False Alerts
	COMSAR/Circ.35 - Recommendations on Medium Frequency/high Frequency (MF/HF) Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Test Calls to Coast Stations
	COMSAR.1/Circ.45 - Guidance on Distress Alerts
	COMSAR.1/Circ.50/Rev.4 - Distress Priority Communications for RCCs from Shore-to-Ship Via Inmarsat
	COMSAR.1/Circ.56 - Guidance on Smartphone and Other Computer Device SAR Applications
	MSC/Circ.892 - Alerting of SAR Authorities
	MSC/Circ.959 - Interim Procedures for MRCCs on Receipt of Distress Alerts
	MSC/Circ.1078 - Guidelines to Administrations on Reporting False Alerts
	MSC.1/Circ.1248 - Minimizing Delays in SAR Response to Distress Alerts
	MSC.1/Circ.1365 - Commercially Available Locating, Tracking and Emergency Notification Devices

Latest WIMOWCA event puts the spotlight on maritime safety in Africa

IMRF Champion Mbuensie Njoya Alvine Laure Epse Nsangou from Cameroon continued to advocate for greater representation of women in maritime safety efforts.
#SaferSAR Webinar: The Importance of Global SAR Unit Safety Reporting

Join the global maritime SAR community as the IMRF hosts this crucial webinar on the importance of global SAR unit safety reporting in order to advance the knowledge, experience and capabilities of maritime SAR personnel worldwide.
Blog: Fredrik J. Eriksen, Director of Sales, Hansen Protection

We spoke with Fredrik J. Eriksen, Director of Sales at Hansen Protection, about his admiration for the work of SAR organisations and the importance of developing crucial lifesaving equipment for maritime SAR organisations
IMRF returns to Finland for its second-ever #WomenInSAR training event

More than 40 members of the IMRF community came together in Finland for another bespoke and engaging course that enabled women in maritime SAR the chance to learn from one another.

SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

People known to be in distress need to be rescued, of course – and the SAR community knows that this concept must also be extended to those believed to be in distress, and to those who, while not yet in distress, will become so if help is not provided to them in the meantime.
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The IMRF brings together and represents the world’s maritime search and rescue organisations, including voluntary and governmental organisations, as well as suppliers to the sector, to improve maritime SAR capabilities worldwide.
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Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

This manual, together with the accompanying Rescue Boat Operator Search Cards, provides recommended best practice for any organisation looking at introducing basic training in Rescue Boat SAR operations.
Annual meeting 2024 - 100 years of excellence in SAR!

We are thrilled to announce the theme for the 2024 Annual Meeting is: "Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Everywhere and at All Times." This special event, marking 100 years of IMRF Excellence, will be hosted by the Hellenic Rescue Team (HRT) in the beautiful city of Thessaloniki, Greece. Attendance is complimentary for all IMRF members.
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Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

Commercial MASS and remotely operated vessels could play a significant part in future maritime SAR operations to help improve capabilities and operations.