Through sustained engagement at the International Maritime Organization the IMRF is helping shape discussions on maritime safety, securing support for key initiatives and ensuring search and rescue remains central to the future of the global maritime system.

The IMRF has been highly active at the International Maritime Organization in recent months, engaging with Member States, IMO staff, technical experts and fellow international organisations to ensure maritime safety and search and rescue remain firmly embedded and are a key focus across the IMO agenda.

Particular emphasis has been on the Global Maritime SAR System Review, a first-of-its-kind assessment of global SAR capability and future requirements. Funded and supported by Lloyd's Register Foundation, the Review is examining the strengths, challenges and opportunities facing maritime SAR organisations around the world.

In May, the IMRF briefed Member States, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs during the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) meeting on progress being made through the Global Maritime SAR System Review. The session provided an opportunity to share emerging findings and discuss the importance of maintaining an effective global SAR system as maritime activity, technology and operational demands continue to evolve.

The briefing also highlighted the important role that commercial shipping and seafarers continue to play in assisting people in distress at sea providing critical support to the wider SAR system.

The Global Maritime SAR System Review was also discussed during the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee meeting in June, where Member States expressed support for the initiative and its contribution to developing a clearer understanding of global SAR capability and future needs.

Alongside the Review, the IMRF provided updates on its #WomenInSAR initiative and the recently launched IMRF SAR Academy. Both initiatives were positively received by Member States, demonstrating growing recognition of their role in strengthening the future of the SAR sector through greater diversity, training and knowledge sharing.

The IMRF has also been actively engaged in discussions concerning Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Following the IMO's adoption of the first non-mandatory MASS Code, the IMRF has worked to ensure that search and rescue responsibilities remain central to discussions as autonomous and remotely operated vessels become more common.

While the technology continues to develop, important questions remain around rescue coordination, the recovery of survivors and the interaction between SAR services and vessels operating under the Code. The IMRF continues to advocate for clear SAR responsibilities and make proposals to the code and related guidance to ensure the continued recognition of SAR obligations under international law.

This work is continuing through the IMRF’s participation in the 13th session of the IMO’s Sub‑Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13), held last week. The Sub‑Committee is responsible for navigation, communications, search and rescue, and other safety‑related services, and develops and maintains the international standards, guidance and operational procedures that underpin the safety of shipping worldwide.

At NCSR 13, the IMRF presented papers, hosted a stand in the IMO delegate lounge, and made significant contributions to the SAR Working Group discussions, as well as delivering a plenary presentation on the IMRF’s work. Read the IMRF full report on NCSR 13 here.

Throughout the latest IMO meetings and working groups, the IMRF team has held several meetings, informal discussions and technical exchanges. These conversations have helped raise awareness of emerging SAR challenges, highlight the operational realities faced by rescue services worldwide and ensure that SAR considerations are reflected not only in IMO deliberations but also in the work of allied organisations.

Through its participation in IMO committees, technical cooperation activities and ongoing engagement with Member States and international partners, the IMRF continues to strengthen both the operational and strategic foundations of maritime search and rescue. From supporting efforts to build global SAR capability to contributing expertise to the development of international policy and guidance, the IMRF ensures the experience of the SAR community is reflected where it matters most.

Looking ahead, the IMRF will continue working closely with the IMO, Member States and partners across the maritime sector to build on the progress made in recent months. By turning shared priorities and growing support into practical action, the IMRF remains committed to strengthening global maritime SAR capability. These efforts will help strengthen maritime SAR worldwide and advance the IMRF’s vision of zero lives lost on the world’s waters.