The IMRF is set to develop and launch its own leading international e-learning platform that will support and complement the current suite of international search and rescue (SAR) training offered by the IMRF and its international partners.

The platform will enable users to undertake SAR training at their own pace and provide individuals with additional opportunities to enhance their self-learning.

The system will allow SAR training to be more accessible and delivered to a wider audience at a low cost.

“This new e-learning platform will provide additional learning opportunities for SAR organisations and showcase best practice,” said Theresa Crossley, IMRF’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The system will be intuitive and engaging for all users. It will make maritime SAR training more accessible and improve SAR capabilities in order to save more lives at sea,” she added.

The platform will be based on the e-learning platforms developed by IMRF members DGzRS and NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute in South Africa).

The first modules will be in line with the IMRF’s Basic Rescue Operator Manual, which was launched in 2019 and complements IAMSAR Vol III that is used by governmental and non-governmental SAR organisations around the world.

As part of its development, IMRF’s e-learning platform will be launched in three phases.

The first phase will see the development of the platform’s core modules that will then undergo a trial phase in order to gain end-user feedback.

The second phase will use this feedback to adapt the platform before officially launching the system. The final phase will then look to develop the platform further, including the adaptation of IAMSAR Vols I & II.

The first two phases are anticipated to be complete within 11 months.   

The platform’s announcement follows on from the success of IMRF delivering its first two SAR courses in Africa as part of its Global SAR Development Project.

The courses, which were undertaken online by maritime services in Ghana, were designed to showcase the feasibility of delivering effective SAR training in countries that would traditionally have difficulties doing so. 

Both courses were designed to increase competency and confidence when establishing or developing SAR systems, improve governance and management processes at all levels of the maritime emergency response system, ensure compliance with the provisions of the relevant IMO conventions and increase management awareness of best practices and good governance.

Further information on the launch of the course will be shared as soon as possible.