Training and shared learning between maritime SAR services are an important part of strengthening global search and rescue (SAR) capability. Bringing international services together to exchange knowledge and operational experience is one of the ways the IMRF supports collaboration across the global maritime SAR community.

Last week, the pilot IMRF Coast Guard Exchange Programme brought together rescue coordination professionals from seven countries to take part in practical training, operational shadowing and knowledge exchange. Hosted by HM Coastguard (UK) and the Irish Coast Guard, the programme provided participants with a unique opportunity to observe and compare how different SAR services coordinate during emergencies.

Organised by the IMRF, the exchange welcomed participants from Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Poland and the UK. Over the course of five days, they were situated in two major rescue coordination centres. One group visited the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Dublin, operated by the Irish Coast Guard, while the second group attended the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Fareham, operated by HM Coastguard.

The programme aims to help professionals broaden their skills and knowledge in SAR operations by engaging with international peers. Throughout the week, participants took part in operational visits and demonstrations, while also presenting their own national approaches to SAR coordination. These sessions enabled the group to share lessons learned, discuss different operational models and identify areas of common challenge across services.

 

Irish Coast Guard visit

The participants began their visit with a tour of the coordination centre and an overview of Ireland’s SAR system, including the roles and responsibilities of the Irish Coast Guard and the availability of SAR units across the country.

They also learned about the training pathways for Watch Officers and Search Mission Coordinators (SMCs), gaining insight into how incidents are assessed, prioritised and managed. Demonstrations of the key coordination systems and communication tools allowed participants to observe how live operations are managed between coordination teams and responders.

The group also visited the Irish Coast Guard helicopter base at Weston, where they saw how aviation assets integrate into maritime SAR operations, gaining insight into the relationship between air crews and coordination centres.

A visit to the Irish Coast Guard’s logistics and equipment stores provided participants with valuable insight into preparedness and response planning, including an overview of pollution‑response assets and other resources that support national readiness. Delegates also met with an Irish Coast Guard Unit team, gaining a deeper understanding of the team’s three key functions (Search, Boat, and Cliff), and the operational challenges encountered when responding to incidents along the coastline.

Denis Rowe, Operations & Training Officer with the Irish Coast Guard, said: “The Irish Coast Guard was delighted to host Coast Guard colleagues at MRCC Dublin for the first IMRF Coast Guard Exchange Programme which provided a valuable opportunity to compare operational challenges, learn from each other’s RCC systems, and share practical insights from real‑world incident coordination.

“The strong professional relationships and connections formed during the week elevated the value of the knowledge shared among delegates and made it a point of real pride to work alongside colleagues so deeply committed to helping those in distress.”

 

HM Coastguard visit

At the JRCC Fareham, the national coordination hub for HM Coastguard, participants received a welcome briefing and tour, followed by an overview of HM Coastguard’s Concept of Operations and the structure of SAR coordination across the national network.

Participants undertook operational shadowing within the Maritime Operations team, observing how incidents are received, assessed and coordinated. The programme also expanded into Aeronautical Operations and National Network Command, offering additional shadowing opportunities. Participants gained insight into how major or complex incidents can be escalated and managed at a national level.

The group also visited HM Coastguard’s Technical Rescue Training Centre (Daedalus Training Centre), where they observed training activities and learned about the development of specialist rescue capabilities. A visit to a nearby SAR helicopter base further illustrated the role of aviation in the UK’s rescue framework and the close relationship between air assets and coordination centres.

The exchange concluded with a visit to Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service, where participants saw how independent rescue services contribute to the wider SAR system and support local maritime safety.

Casey Foot, HM Coastguard Team Leader at the JRCC in Fareham, said: "Being part of the IMRF Coast Guard Exchange was a real privilege. Hosting the programme was a fantastic opportunity for us in HM Coastguard to share experience, learn from our international colleagues, and strengthen the partnerships that support search and rescue across Europe.

"Exchanges like this challenge our thinking, broaden our perspective, and bring home new ideas that ultimately help us improve the service we provide. The chance to showcase how we work operationally also opened up valuable discussions on our differences and similarities, enabling us to explore best practice together."

Maria Heldt, Team Leader at MRCC Bremen noted “I had been waiting for this pilot project ever since I first heard about the crew exchange. I highly appreciate the opportunity to learn about other organizations and how they approach our common goal of searching for and rescuing people. It is fascinating to see how similar, and yet how different, our approaches and daily challenges can be.

“Networking with international colleagues broadens our horizons, inspires new ideas, and gives us the opportunity to learn from one another, develop a better mutual understanding, and move our own organizations forward. I hope the IMRF will continue and expand the program, and that more countries will participate in the future.”

 

Strengthening international coordination

Over the course of the week, the exchange strengthened international SAR coordination by building professional relationships, sharing practical experience and improving mutual understanding between services.

The programme created space for open discussion around operational challenges, technology, training and organisational structures that participants can take back to their home organisations.

The IMRF wishes to thank all staff from the Irish Coast Guard, HM Coastguard and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency who contributed to hosting, teaching and organising the programme.

The IMRF is currently making preliminary plans to organise a similar exchange in 2027. Organisations interested in participating, either by hosting or by sending personnel, are welcome to contact IMRF International Programme Manager Jaakko Heikkilä.

By continuing to share knowledge and strengthen international cooperation, programmes like the IMRF Coast Guard Exchange help ensure that SAR services around the world remain prepared to respond when it matters most.