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    • IMRF MRO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT COURSE 2024
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  • About the IMRF
  1. About Us
  2. About the IMRF

About the IMRF

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is the international non‑governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to strengthening and improving maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability across the globe. Founded in 1924, the IMRF brings together more than 160 member organisations from over 50 countries, uniting SAR providers, government agencies, industry partners, and frontline responders under one shared vision: zero lives lost on the world’s waters.

Our mission is to unite, empower and strengthen the global maritime SAR community to save lives and create lasting impact. With consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and representation on key working groups such as the IMO/ICAO SAR Joint Working Group, the IMRF plays a central role in shaping international standards, policies, and cooperation to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime SAR operations worldwide.

Our membership is constantly growing so if your organisation would like to join us or you are interested in joining or partnering with the IMRF, please complete our membership application form here, or contact us at [email protected]. 

Contact the IMRF

Contact the IMRF

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Published: 30th April, 2026

Updated: 12th May, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Our Work

Our Work

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Published: 27th January, 2026

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The History of the IMRF

The History of the IMRF

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Published: 25th January, 2026

Updated: 27th January, 2026

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Join Our Mailing List

Join Our Mailing List

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Published: 7th October, 2025

Updated: 27th January, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • IMRF Maritime SAR Academy launches first modules

    IMRF Maritime SAR Academy launches first modules

    The IMRF Maritime SAR Academy is launching its first e-learning modules, marking a major milestone in the development of a new global learning platform for maritime search and rescue (SAR) personnel.

  • IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

    IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

    Alongside the University of Queensland, the IMRF led a day of discussions that explored the risks and responses to the growing issue of battery fires on board car carriers, ferries, fishing vessels, tugs and leisure craft and small work boats.

  • The Maritime SAR Academy: A Global e-Learning Platform

    The Maritime SAR Academy: A Global e-Learning Platform

    Thanks to a major three-year grant from The TK Foundation, the IMRF has launched the Maritime SAR Academy for maritime SAR personnel and commercial seafarers. It is a modern, accessible e-learning programme designed to strengthen lifesaving capability worldwide.

  • Our Members

    Our Members

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  • Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

    Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

    Commercial MASS and remotely operated vessels could play a significant part in future maritime SAR operations to help improve capabilities and operations.

  • Join the IMRF

    Join the IMRF

    IMRF Members around the world support each other and share knowledge, experience, expertise and innovations.

  • Our Members

    Our Members

  • Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

    Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

    This manual, together with the accompanying Rescue Boat Operator Search Cards, provides recommended best practice for any organisation looking at introducing basic training in Rescue Boat SAR operations.

  • SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

    SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

    People known to be in distress need to be rescued, of course – and the SAR community knows that this concept must also be extended to those believed to be in distress, and to those who, while not yet in distress, will become so if help is not provided to them in the meantime.

  • MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment.

  • Our Work

    Our Work

  • Join Our Mailing List

    Join Our Mailing List

  • Contact Us

    Contact Us

  • Staff

    Staff

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