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Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop

Registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop from 21-23 October 2026, hosted by the British Virgin Islands.
Search begins for the global maritime SAR community's outstanding contributors as IMRF Awards 2026 open for nominations

Every rescue tells a story of courage, teamwork and dedication. The IMRF Awards 2026 celebrate the people and organisations whose achievements continue to strengthen maritime search and rescue around the world.
How can the IMRF help good ideas spread in search and rescue?

Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, explores why good practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations, and how effective “translation” can help ideas take hold across different contexts.
Global SAR Safety Learning Logs

Search begins for the global maritime SAR community's outstanding contributors as IMRF Awards 2026 open for nominations

Every rescue tells a story of courage, teamwork and dedication. The IMRF Awards 2026 celebrate the people and organisations whose achievements continue to strengthen maritime search and rescue around the world.
How is the IMRF perceived? Tell us what you think

We are inviting everyone connected with the IMRF to share their views in a short, anonymous survey. Your feedback will help shape how we communicate, strengthen our brand, and better support the global maritime search and rescue community.
Caribbean launches first regional women in Search and Rescue workshop to strengthen capability and build cross‑island networks

Following the success of the inaugural Caribbean Women in SAR Summit, registration is now open for the first Caribbean Women in Search and Rescue Workshop taking place in October in the British Virgin Islands.
IMRF SaferSAR Webinar highlights the power of learning from experience

The latest IMRF webinar explored how reporting systems, shared situational awareness and human factors can help SAR organisations reduce risk and strengthen safety culture.
IMRF deepens engagement at the IMO to champion global maritime SAR

From maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability and training to autonomous vessels and international guidance, the IMRF continues to represent the interests of maritime SAR organisations at the International Maritime Organization.
IMRF highlights key outcomes from IMO Search and Rescue Working Group

From updates to the IAMSAR Manual and advances in distress alert technology to improvements in global SAR coordination, IMO NCSR 13 progressed several initiatives that will influence SAR procedures, training for SAR personnel and seafarers and international cooperation. The IMRF contributed to several discussions and is now inviting members to share their operational experience as work continues.
IMRF grows global community and welcomes new members

The IMRF is pleased to welcome six new members to its global community. From emergency response services, humanitarian rescue organisations and an association representing independent lifeboat organisations to satellite technology, environmental policy research and aviation regulation, these new members bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to our international maritime search and rescue network.
IMO Member States back IMRF initiatives at Technical Cooperation Committee

The IMRF received strong support from Member States at the IMO Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) for three key initiatives: the Global Maritime SAR System Review, Women in SAR and the IMRF SAR Academy. The positive response reinforces the IMRF’s role in advancing global search and rescue capability, promoting diversity within the sector and strengthening access to SAR training worldwide.
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

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.

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