The IMRF is delighted to welcome its newest members who have joined over the last three months: the National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA), Fire Department Ghent Belgium, Sea-Eye, Orbital EOS, Korea Environment Institute (KEI) and the Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department.

Together, these organisations represent a broad cross-section of the maritime search and rescue community and its partners. Their expertise spans emergency response, humanitarian search and rescue, support for independent lifeboat organisations, satellite-enabled maritime technology, environmental policy research and aviation regulation, strengthening the IMRF's global network through shared knowledge, innovation and collaboration.

 

National Independent Lifeboat Association (NILA)

Representing independent lifeboat organisations from across the United Kingdom, NILA plays an important role in strengthening cooperation and knowledge sharing among volunteer-led rescue services. By supporting collaboration, professional development and the exchange of operational experience, the NILA helps ensure independent lifeboats continue to make a vital contribution to search and rescue around the UK's coastline and inland waterways.

"NILA has joined the IMRF as part of our continued commitment to extending opportunities for our membership through an organisation with an established record in the world of search and rescue. This membership gives us access to some of the world's leading experts in SAR and training opportunities to enhance what we do."

 

Fire Department Ghent Belgium

With a history spanning more than two centuries, Fire Department Ghent Belgium brings extensive operational experience in emergency response and public safety. Serving a large and diverse region, the organisation delivers a wide range of emergency services.

 

Sea-Eye

Sea-Eye conducts humanitarian search and rescue operations in the central Mediterranean, locating and assisting people in distress at sea. Alongside its rescue missions, the organisation trains rescue personnel and works to raise awareness of migration and human rights issues, advocating for the protection of people at risk during dangerous sea crossings.

"We are happy to become a member of the IMRF and to contribute to its international network of maritime search and rescue organizations. We look forward to sharing knowledge and operational experience while working together to strengthen cooperation and improve SAR outcomes."

 

Orbital EOS

Founded by professionals with extensive backgrounds in maritime emergency response, Orbital EOS specialises in using satellite technology to improve situational awareness at sea. By transforming complex data into actionable intelligence, the organisation supports more informed decision-making during maritime incidents and highlights the growing role of space-based technologies in the future of search and rescue.

"After 12 years participating in search and rescue missions at SASEMAR, Orbital's founders have seen first hand how critical timely and accurate information is to saving lives at sea. While we once relied on aircraft, today we harness the power of satellites. Space-based observation has the potential to transform search and rescue operations, yet it remains a largely unknown and underutilised capability. We are here to change that."

 

Korea Environment Institute (KEI)

As a leading environmental policy research organisation in South Korea, the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) supports the development of effective environmental strategies through research, analysis and expert assessment. With experience spanning climate, ecosystems, environmental planning and sustainability, KEI provides valuable insight into the environmental challenges facing communities worldwide and will be presenting at the IMRF Conference on AI.

 

Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department

As the aviation regulator for the Falkland Islands, the Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department plays an important role in supporting safe and effective aviation operations across a remote and geographically challenging region. Its expertise in oversight, regulation and operational safety provides valuable insight into the wider emergency response and search and rescue landscape.

"I am honoured to have joined the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF). Their work in advancing global SAR standards is invaluable and the resources available through the Members Hub are both comprehensive and practical. I look forward to learning from and hopefully contributing to this important mission."

Whether you are looking to share expertise, build new partnerships or connect with organisations across the international search and rescue community, becoming an IMRF member opens the door to a global network dedicated to saving lives on the world's waters.

Become part of our global community today by applying through the Membership Application Form or contact us at [email protected] to find out more.