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  • AI in SAR
  1. Home
  2. AI in SAR

AI in SAR

As AI technologies continue to evolve, they are increasingly influencing SAR operations through applications such as search planning, situational awareness, communications, decision support and detection systems. However, adoption across the global SAR community remains uneven, and many organisations continue to face operational, technical and regulatory challenges in implementing AI effectively.

IMO Briefing Paper: The need for performance standard(s) for AI systems embedded in marine equipment

This briefing paper, prepared for IMRF members, summarises IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Paper 111-21-2, which advocates for the development of formal performance standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems embedded in marine equipment. It can be found in the Members' Knowledge Hub.

Views and comments can be fed to the IMO discussions through the IMRF IMO representative via an email to [email protected] 

AI Working Group

The IMRF is planning to establish a dedicated AI Working Group for members. The group will support knowledge sharing and will feed operational experience into policies. It will provide a forum for SAR organisations to contribute expertise and operational perspectives as AI use across the sector develops. To express your interest please email [email protected].

IMO Briefing Paper: The need for performance standard(s) for AI systems embedded in marine equipment (IMO)

IMO Briefing Paper: The need for performance standard(s) for AI systems embedded in marine equipment (IMO)

This briefing paper, prepared for IMRF members, summarises IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Paper 111-21-2, which advocates for the development of formal performance standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems embedded in marine equipment. Read more

Published: 18th May, 2026

Updated: 22nd May, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Full IMO Paper: Considerations on the need for performance standard(s) for AI systems embedded in marine equipment

Full IMO Paper: Considerations on the need for performance standard(s) for AI systems embedded in marine equipment

The IMO MSC paper calls for robust, formal standards for AI in marine equipment to ensure safety, reliability, and human control—issues directly impacting the operation of SAR vessels and aircraft. Read more

Published: 17th May, 2026

Updated: 19th May, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

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Copyright © International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) 2026. All Rights Reserved.

Company Registration Number: 04852596 - Charity Registration Number: 1100883

 CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION

Every day, maritime search and rescue (SAR) professionals and volunteers respond to some of the world's most challenging emergencies. While the operating environment continues to evolve, the vision remains the same: zero lives lost on the world's waters.

Behind every rescue is a network of individuals and teams whose professionalism, expertise and dedication make maritime SAR possible. From front-line responders and coordination teams to trainers, support staff, technical specialists and innovators driving new technologies, each plays a vital role. The IMRF Awards celebrate these achievements by recognising the individuals, teams and organisations whose commitment continues to strengthen maritime SAR around the world.

As nominations open for the Awards 2026, the IMRF encourages organisations and individuals across the global SAR community to recognise colleagues and organisations whose commitment, innovation and professionalism continue to strengthen maritime SAR. By sharing their stories, the global SAR community can celebrate the people making a real difference while inspiring the next generation of lifesavers, responders and SAR professionals.

Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF, said: "Every day, people across the global maritime SAR community respond to challenging situations with courage, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to saving lives. The Awards provide an opportunity not only to recognise those achievements, but also to celebrate the people and organisations behind them.

"By sharing these experiences, we acknowledge exceptional contributions, inspire others across the SAR community and remind those working across the global SAR system that their dedication is seen, valued and appreciated."

The Awards recognise courage, teamwork, innovation, leadership and lifetime achievement across the maritime SAR community.

The 2025 winners included a rescuer who helped save seven seafarers during a typhoon, a team that coordinated the rescue of ten mariners following an attack at sea, a leader championing opportunities for women in SAR, innovators advancing SAR communications, and a lifelong advocate for water safety and lifesaving standards. Their stories demonstrate the dedication, professionalism and collaboration that underpin maritime search and rescue around the world. You can read more about last year's winners here.

The IMRF Awards are made possible through the generous support of our award sponsors.

Nominations are now open for the following categories:

  • IMRF Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution – sponsored by Zhejiang Four Brothers Rope
  • IMRF Award for Outstanding Team Contribution
  • IMRF Innovation and Technology Award
  • IMRF #WomenInSAR Award – sponsored by HamiltonJet
  • IMRF Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by Inmarsat Maritime

 

The IMRF People's Choice Award is determined by a public vote from a shortlist of finalists. The IMRF Patron's Award is selected by the IMRF's Patron Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. This award honours an individual or team that has shown outstanding efforts in maritime SAR. This is chosen from the nominations. You cannot make a nomination for this category.

This year's awards include revised judging criteria, word limits, a new Model Answers Pack and a downloadable Blank Nomination Form, to help nominators prepare clear, focused submissions.

Please read the updated Terms and Conditions for further information on the awards process.

Nominations close at 23:59 UTC on Friday, 18 September 2026 and nominated activities must have taken place between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A NOMINATION

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