Making Safety Work at Sea: A Study with Cranfield University

A new study led by Cranfield University in collaboration with the IMRF, shows why safety practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations and countries. Read more
The Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) System Review

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation and SeaFocus, has launched a comprehensive review of the global maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) system. This initiative is running from June 2025 to January 2027. Read more
Addressing the challenges of lithium-ion battery fires on board ships: A collaborative approach

The University of Queensland is leading the ‘Batteries at Sea and the Global SAR Community’ project with the IMRF and a range of other international partners, contributing to this research through discussions and sharing maritime search and rescue expertise. Read more

Research

The IMRF takes part in many research projects with high-profile companies and universities which are leading the way in SAR. If you are a member of a university and you would like to partner with us, please email us – [email protected].

Making Safety Work at Sea: A Study with Cranfield University

A new study led by Cranfield University in collaboration with the IMRF, shows why safety practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations and countries. Read more

The Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) System Review

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation and SeaFocus, has launched a comprehensive review of the global maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) system. This initiative is running from June 2025 to January 2027. Read more

Addressing the challenges of lithium-ion battery fires on board ships: A collaborative approach

The University of Queensland is leading the ‘Batteries at Sea and the Global SAR Community’ project with the IMRF and a range of other international partners, contributing to this research through discussions and sharing maritime search and rescue expertise. Read more

Latest

Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop

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.
Search begins for the global maritime SAR community's outstanding contributors as IMRF Awards 2026 open for nominations

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.
How can the IMRF help good ideas spread in search and rescue?

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.
Global SAR Safety Learning Logs

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

Commercial MASS and remotely operated vessels could play a significant part in future maritime SAR operations to help improve capabilities and operations.
Join the IMRF

IMRF Members around the world support each other and share knowledge, experience, expertise and innovations.
Our Members
Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

This manual, together with the accompanying Rescue Boat Operator Search Cards, provides recommended best practice for any organisation looking at introducing basic training in Rescue Boat SAR operations.
SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

People known to be in distress need to be rescued, of course – and the SAR community knows that this concept must also be extended to those believed to be in distress, and to those who, while not yet in distress, will become so if help is not provided to them in the meantime.
MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment.
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