The IMRF's European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme enables crew members to share ideas and experiences amongst their fellow maritime SAR organisations to improve capabilities and operational best practices in a cohesive and cost-effective manner. Crew members can then bring back their gained professional knowledge and experience to their own SAR organisation. 

The IMRF member-only programme launched in 2012 and takes place every year. More than 519 crew members from the IMRF’s member organisations have taken part since its launch. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the IMRF ran a series of online webinars to ensure the programme remained an important part of the maritime SAR calendar.

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The 2023 IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme will take place on 23-29 September, with Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom all confirmed as hosts.

If you're interested in taking part, click here to find out more. 

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The European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme has remained a key part of the IMRF's annual calendar of events for more than 10 years! Find out more about our past exchange events and learn more from some of our members about what the event meant for them.

Please note that the programme took place online from 2020 to 2022. To view the webinars, please visit the Members Only section of the website.

2019 - Lifeboat Crews Across Europe Swap Places

2018 - The IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme 2018

2017 - Rescuers From Across Europe Take Part In Lifeboat Crew Exchange

2016 - New Skills Learned By 65 Lifeboat Crew Members in Fifth Year of Exchanges

2015 - Lifeboat Crews From 13 Countries Learn From Exchange Experience Established By The IMRF

2014 - European Lifeboat Crews Exchange Experience At Third Programme

2013 - Nine Countries Share Experiences During IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme

2012 - IMRF Project: Crew Exchange