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  • IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

    IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

    Alongside the University of Queensland, the IMRF led a day of discussions that explored the risks and responses to the growing issue of battery fires on board car carriers, ferries, fishing vessels, tugs and leisure craft and small work boats. Read more

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  2. Lithium-Ion Battery Fires at Sea

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires at Sea

A groundbreaking international project led by the University of Queensland (UQ) and funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation is addressing the growing challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires aboard ships. The IMRF, Atlantic Pacific, as well as Fisheries Innovation and Sustainability, the Hapag-Lloyd Centre for Shipping and Global Logistics, and University College London are all key collaborators in the project.

Research Project Overview

Research Project Overview

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

Published: 14th July, 2026

Updated: 16th July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

The Morning Midas Fire

The Morning Midas Fire

The most recent incident involving electric vehicles was the fire on the cargo ship Morning Midas, on 3 June 2025. Read more

Published: 13th July, 2026

Updated: 16th July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

The Challenges of Fires at Sea

The Challenges of Fires at Sea

These fires present significant hazards, including high heat release rates, toxic emissions, and other risks associated with thermal runaway. Read more

Published: 12th July, 2026

Updated: 16th July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Reporting Platform

Reporting Platform

Your insights help strengthen safety standards and practices worldwide. Every report, no matter how small, has the potential to prevent future incidents and enhance SAR operations globally. Read more

Published: 1st July, 2026

Updated: 16th July, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

Alongside the University of Queensland, the IMRF led a day of discussions that explored the risks and responses to the growing issue of battery fires on board car carriers, ferries, fishing vessels, tugs and leisure craft and small work boats. Read more

Published: 11th June, 2026

Updated: 16th July, 2026

Author: Grace Roberts

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  • The Global Maritime Search and Rescue System Review

    The Global Maritime Search and Rescue System Review

  • Lithium-Ion Battery Fires at Sea

    Lithium-Ion Battery Fires at Sea

    A ground-breaking international project led by the University of Queensland (UQ) and funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation is addressing the growing challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires aboard ships.

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    The Rescue Boat Service Implementation Guide

    The primary aim of the Rescue Boat Service Implementation Guide is to give organisations the background and knowledge to assist them with developing a Rescue Boat Search and Rescue Service.

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    #SaferSAR Initiative

    The #SaferSAR initiative is designed to improve safety at sea by encouraging SAR professionals to share lessons learned from incidents and accidents.

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  • Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

    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.

  • MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

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    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.

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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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