This month, the IMRF participated in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Technical Cooperation Committee, submitting three papers for consideration on the Global Maritime SAR System Review, Women in SAR, and the new IMRF SAR Academy.

All three papers received clear endorsement and positive feedback from Member States.

Caroline Jupe, the IMRF's CEO, did a short introduction of the role of the IMRF.  

The Global Maritime SAR System Review received particularly strong support, with 11 Member States speaking in favour and no objections raised. In summing up, the Chair noted that the Committee supports the IMRF review as a means of providing an evidence-based approach to addressing identified gaps in SAR capability. Member States were encouraged to engage with the IMRF, and the Secretariat was invited to liaise with the IMRF on matters relating to global SAR capabilities and to explore opportunities for supporting the Review’s outputs under the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme.

Steve Wills, the IMRF's Project Manager, did a presentation on the Global Maritime SAR System Review.

The Women in SAR initiative was also welcomed, with one Member State describing the programme as an important step in encouraging more women to enter the SAR sector and opening new pathways for women seafarers.

The IMRF SAR Academy was similarly well received, with Member States expressing broad support, with one member state offering assistance within their capabilities.

Caroline Jupe and Steve Wills addressed the main chamber, speaking directly to Member States as well as IGOs and NGOs about these three priority areas and reinforcing the importance of strengthening global SAR capability.

As an NGO with consultative status at the IMO, the IMRF remains committed to advocating on behalf of the global SAR community, raising concerns, sharing developments and ensuring that maritime safety remains central to international discussions.

Find out more about the IMRF’s global advocacy.