The IMRF has co-opted two new members to its board of trustees in order to widen its reach to SAR organisations around the world.

The board, which was put in place following WMRC in June, unanimously agreed to welcome Anna Classon and Captain Mohammed Drissi as new members in recognition of their extensive work in maritime SAR and level of experience they can bring to the IMRF.

Anna Classon is Head of Ireland (Region) for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI). She has been involved with the RNLI for more than 25 years where she was Head of Operational Policy. Prior to that, she had an extensive career in Fundraising and Communications, both at Strategic and Leadership level. She has broad experience in both working with and supporting the RNLI’s vast network of volunteers.

Captain Mohammed Drissi is a Master Mariner, maritime affairs administrator and a recognised expert on maritime matters. He is also Maritime Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He has worked in maritime SAR since 1999 and since 2014 has been the Head of the Moroccan SAR Service, and MRCC Director, Ministry of Marine Fisheries. Since 2010, Captain Drissi has also been the IMRF Regional Coordinator for Africa and has been involved in many SAR projects within the African continent, with the cooperation of the IMO and the IMRF.

“I would like to personally welcome Anna and Captain Drissi to the IMRF. Both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in maritime SAR, as well as a critical understanding of the importance of the IMRF to the maritime SAR community. Crucially, they will enable the IMRF to extend its reach and enable us to work with more SAR organisations globally, provide best practices and allow the IMRF’s voice to be heard,” said Jacob Tas, Chair of the IMRF.

Click here to find out more about the IMRF's Board of Trustees.