IMRF Conference 2026

The members-only IMRF Conference 2026 will take place on 25–26 November in St. Malo, France. It will bring together the global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community for two focused days of collaboration, learning, and exchange, built around the theme “Navigating complexity - building safer seas through collaboration, prevention, and innovation”. The conference is organised by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) and hosted by the French National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM). If is free for members to attend. 

The day before the IMRF Conference starts we have organised a separate Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminar, which is also open to non-members. For members it is £200 and for non-members it is £275. More information on the seminar can be found here. You can register for the annual conference and the seminar using the same link. 

REGISTER HERE

Location

The conference will take place at Le Carré Business Centre, St. Malo, France (Espace Edeis – Le Carre Centre d’Affaires). The facilities provide a contemporary, well-connected venue located just a short walk from St. Malo railway station (approximately 3 hours from Paris by train). Venue: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u6YuReGdinZD5Xhw5 

Why attend?

Maritime SAR is operating in an increasingly complex environment. This conference creates a dedicated space for the global community to explore how we can respond through collaboration, prevention, and innovation.

Under the theme “Navigating Complexity – Building Safer Seas Through Collaboration, Prevention, and Innovation,” the programme highlights real challenges and practical solutions from across the international SAR sector.

Last year’s event welcomed 134 participants from 35 SAR organisations across 20 countries, highlighting the truly international nature of this event.

Who is it for?

This conference is designed for anyone involved in maritime SAR, including:

• Operational personnel and volunteers
• Leaders and decision-makers
• Training, learning and technical specialists
• Organisations and companies supporting maritime safety and emergency response

It brings together a wide range of organisations across the SAR ecosystem, including:

• Academic and training institutions
• Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs)
• Coast Guards and navies
• Lifeboat and volunteer rescue organisations
• Maritime administrations
• Industry partners and technology providers

Whether you are on the front line or supporting behind the scenes, the conference is designed to be relevant and practical.

What to expect

The programme combines strategic insight with real-world experience, creating a strong balance between thought leadership and practical application. 

• Expert-led panel sessions and case studies covering topics such as:
  • Operational complexity and global challenges, including armed conflict and its impact on maritime SAR
  • Preventative interventions in SAR that aim to reduce incidents before they happen through awareness, training, data-driven risk identification, or improved safety practices among maritime users.
  • Innovation and new technologies, enabling SAR organisations to improve decision-making, coordination, and operational effectiveness through tools such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, or enhanced communications.
• Interactive discussions: Shorter contributions and open discussions are built into the programme to encourage active participation and exchange of ideas.
• Member focus sessions: A dedicated section featuring presentations by IMRF members sharing operational experiences, lessons learned, innovations, and honest reflections on what works – and what doesn’t. (Participants should notify the organisers by Oct 18 of their willingness to raise a topic and make a presentation by emailing [email protected]. The organisers reserve the right to choose the topics to be presented and discussed).
• Showcase opportunity: A dedicated area for corporate displays, where commercial members can bring banners, equipment, or promotional materials to display. To support this opportunity we suggest a donation of £750 to the IMRF. If you are interested in showcasing your organisation, please contact Tom Lees.
• Networking and IMRF Awards Dinner: Dedicated time to connect with peers, including a networking dinner featuring the IMRF Awards, recognising achievements across the global SAR community.
• Site visits: Participants will have the opportunity to visit:
  • SNSM St. Malo lifeboat station
  • A local lifeguard training centre
  • PSF, the SNSM lifeboat centre and shipyard
  • These are all located within approximately 10 minutes of the venue, connecting conference discussions to real-world operations.

Some of our speakers

Gaston Doucette

Gaston Doucette is National Director, Maritime Search and Rescue, Canadian Coast Guard, National Defense.

Jong-Hwui Yun

Jong-Hwui Yun is Visiting Research Fellow of Korea Environment Institute.

Darren Schott

Darren Schott is Deputy Commissioner, Marine Rescue New South Wales.

Abby Zeith

Abby Zeith is Legal Adviser, Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Roly McKie

Roly McKie is SAR Adviser at the IMRF.

A familiar event repackaged

You may know this event as the IMRF Annual Meeting. While the name has changed, the purpose remains the same: bringing the global maritime SAR community together. Over recent years, the event has grown beyond a traditional annual meeting into a fully developed international conference, with a broader programme, more diverse contributions, and increased participation from across the sector. The new name reflects what the event has already become – a dynamic, collaborative forum for sharing knowledge, experience, and innovation across the whole maritime SAR system.

Cost

Participation is free of charge for IMRF members. Non-members are welcome to join by becoming an IMRF member via the IMRF website.

How to get there? 

By train: From Paris Montparnasse Station. Buy tickets at: https://www.sncf-connect.com/, choosing the destination "Saint-Malo", your departure station in Paris, and the desired dates.

From St. Malo train station there is a 400 metres walk to the conference location. 

Accommodation

There are several hotels in the area. Some of them are higlighted here.

Hotel 1: Ibis Budget Saint Malo Centre
Address: Boulevard des Talards 138-140, 35400 Saint-Malo. 16 minute walk from the conference center. Room capacity: 64 rooms. Price: 60-90 €. Click here to book.

Hotel 2: Mercure Saint Malo Balmoral
Address : 24 Rue Theodore Monod, 35400 Saint-Malo. 5 minute walk from the conference center (next to the train station). Room capacity: 77 rooms. Price: 90-120 € in early booking. Click here to book.

Hotel 3: Escale Oceania Saint Malo
Address : 76 Chaussée Du Sillon, 35400 Saint-Malo. 15 minute walk from the conference center. Room capacity: 88 rooms. Price: 90-120 € in early booking. Click here to book.

Hotel 4: Hôtel de l’univers
Address : 12 place Chateaubriand, 35400 Saint-Malo. 17 minute walk from the conference center. Room capacity: 64 rooms. Price: 100-140 €. Click here to book.

Hotel 5: Hôtel France et Chateaubriand
Address : 12 Pl. Chateaubriand, 35400 Saint-Malo. 17 minute walk from the conference center. Room capacity: 80 rooms. Price: 100-150 €. Click here to book.

More information on the hotels available in this pdf.

Questions

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask us at [email protected]