Overview of all our free resources and manuals

Resources and Manuals

The IMRF is committed to supporting the global search and rescue community by providing high-quality resources and guidance. You can order hardcopies and access free digital IMRF publications, offering essential knowledge on maritime SAR best practices, training, and operational procedures.

Download Digital Copies for Free

Access our full collection of IMRF publications in digital format at no cost. These resources are designed to enhance SAR capabilities worldwide and support SAR professionals and volunteers.

Order Hardcopies

For those who prefer printed materials, hardcopies of IMRF publications are available for purchase. Explore our catalogue below and place an order at Lulu.com service by clicking the link.

Latest

IMRF MEMBER BRIEFING: IMO Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) Meeting

Working Group 3 (WG3), focused on search and rescue matters, met from 22 to 25 June 2026 to progress several core elements of the IMO’s search and rescue (SAR) work programme.
The IMRF Quadrennial General Meeting 2027

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Quadrennial General Meeting (QGM) 2027 will take place on the morning of 2 June 2027 at Swedish Sea Rescue Society, Gothenburg, Sweden.
World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2027

The global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community will come together in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 31 May and 1 June 2027 for the next World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC), the sector's flagship international event, held every four years. It is hosted by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) in partnership with the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF).
Why does the use of rescue boat helmets spread from one organisation to another?

In this blog, Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, explores why some safety ideas spread easily in maritime SAR while others struggle, and what the adoption of helmets can tell us about how good practice travels.

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.
IMO Documents Relevant to Search and Rescue

Welcome to the IMRF's IMO Documents section, containing IMO guidance which is relevant to search and rescue (SAR).
#SARyouOK? Guidance

The IMRF compiled its official #SARyouOK? Guidance document in February 2024, structured around the 'Prepare, Normalise, Support' approach to help manage stress and trauma among SAR personnel.
#FutureSAR Report

IMRF #FutureSAR report is the final report of the first phase of #FutureSAR initiative and can be downloaded below.
Search and Rescue Surface Craft Operator Training Guidance

This guidance on delivering Rescue Boat Operator training complements our Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual.
The #WomenInSAR Report & Guidance

Four years after the launch of the initial survey, the IMRF has returned to evaluate the progress the industry has made in gender balance and equality by conducting another industry-wide survey.
Migration and SAR

The maritime ‘mixed migrant’ situation – the movement of asylum-seekers and economic migrants across large areas of sea, usually in wholly inadequate craft with consequent loss of life – sadly continues in several parts of the world.
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.
ChemSAR Manual

The ChemSAR project started when the Finnish Border Guard realised there was an information gap in this area. Enormous volumes of different chemicals are transported by sea every day and as a result there’s always a risk of a major incident.
Pandemic Response Guidance for Maritime Search and Rescue Organisations

The IMRF has now developed a guidance manual that could be used as the basis for planning and delivering maritime SAR services in pandemics.

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.
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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 ...

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)

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