Registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop from 21-23 October 2026, hosted by the British Virgin Islands. Read more
Every rescue tells a story of courage, teamwork and dedication. The IMRF Awards 2026 celebrate the people and organisations whose achievements continue to strengthen maritime search and rescue around the world. Read more
Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, explores why good practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations, and how effective “translation” can help ideas take hold across different contexts. Read more
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The #SaferSAR initiative is designed to improve safety at sea by encouraging SAR professionals to share lessons learned from incidents and accidents. Read more
This collaborative project, led by the University of Queensland, aims to improve the understanding of shipboard fires involving lithium-ion batteries and develop practical solutions for maritime crews and search and rescue (SAR) teams. Read more
As a SAR Organisation, promoting the #SaferSAR system to your crews offers several key advantages. Read more
The most recent incident involving electric vehicles was the fire on the cargo ship Morning Midas, on 3 June 2025. Read more
We invite all SAR organisations to encourage their crews to actively participate in the #SaferSAR reporting system. Read more
These fires present significant hazards, including high heat release rates, toxic emissions, and other risks associated with thermal runaway. Read more
We are inviting everyone connected with the IMRF to share their views in a short, anonymous survey. Your feedback will help shape how we communicate, strengthen our brand, and better support the global maritime search and rescue community. Read more
Following the success of the inaugural Caribbean Women in SAR Summit, registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop taking place in October in the British Virgin Islands. Read more
The Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) System Review is a pioneering initiative led by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation and research support provided by SeaFocus. Read more
The Intelligence Hunt is a different kind of consultancy project where industry challenges are matched with the next generation of talent from the logistics, supply chain management, shipping and maritime sectors. Read more
The project consists of a launch, analysis of different scenarios - past, present and future - and a final showcase. Read more
The latest IMRF webinar explored how reporting systems, shared situational awareness and human factors can help SAR organisations reduce risk and strengthen safety culture. Read more
From maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability and training to autonomous vessels and international guidance, the IMRF continues to represent the interests of maritime SAR organisations at the International Maritime Organization. Read more
Working Group 3 (WG3), focused on Search and rescue matters, met from 22 to 25 June 2026 to progress several core elements of the IMO’s search and rescue (SAR) work programme. Read more
Working Group 3 (WG3), focused on search and rescue matters, met from 22 to 25 June 2026 to progress several core elements of the IMO’s search and rescue (SAR) work programme. Read more
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) 2027 will take place on the morning of 2 June 2027 at Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more
The global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community will come together in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 30 May and 1 June 2027 for the next World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC), the sector's flagship international event, held every four years. It is hosted by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) in partnership with the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). Read more
From updates to the IAMSAR Manual and advances in distress alert technology to improvements in global SAR coordination, IMO NCSR 13 progressed several initiatives that will influence SAR procedures, training for SAR personnel and seafarers and international cooperation. The IMRF contributed to several discussions and is now inviting members to share their operational experience as work continues. Read more
You can access recordings of all our webinars here. Read more
Research activities designed to gather insights from diverse user groups and stakeholders, include structured regional workshops covering all parts of the world. Read more