The third of the four IMRF regional workshops took place this week in Accra, Ghana, as part of the Global Maritime SAR System Review. Nine countries were represented - Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Liberia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa - bringing together a diverse group of 14 maritime SAR stakeholders from across the continent. Participants included representatives from maritime authorities, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs), rescue operators, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and wider maritime safety organisations.

Over the two days, the group identified a range of emerging findings that both aligned with global research findings and highlighted several issues specific to the African SAR context. These included capacity gaps, climate related risks, funding constraints, training needs, and the requirement for stronger regional coordination and cooperation, among others. At the same time, there were encouraging examples of positive progress, such as a growing network among SAR organisations and a clear willingness and ability to adapt to evolving maritime safety needs.

We are extremely grateful to all workshop participants who attended and generously shared their vital knowledge and experience.

The IMRF is also grateful to Lloyd's Register Foundation for funding the review, to SeaFocus for their continued role as research partner, and to IMRF Member, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Ghana, who generously hosted the workshop at their state-of-the-art maritime training centre in Accra.

The final regional workshop will take place on 26–27 July in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, covering the Asia Pacific region.