Improving Maritime SAR Capability Worldwide

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) brings the world's maritime SAR organisations together.

IMRF Centenary Slide Carousel

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) celebrates its 100th anniversary since its founding in July 1924.

Published:

Author: Jaakko Heikkila

#SaferSAR - SAR Unit Safety Reporting

The IMRF #SaferSAR initiative consists of a 12-month feasibility study for a globally accessible platform that SAR personnel and organisations can use to share lessons and best practices identified in SAR response, incidents, accidents, and exercises.

Published:

Author: Jaakko Heikkila

#FutureSAR

The #FutureSAR initiative identifies key challenges the global maritime SAR industry will face as a result of climate change and proposes guidance and best practices to aid future rescue operations.

Published:

Author: Tom Scott

Our Impact

130

IMRF Members The IMRF has more than 130 Member organisations from 53 countries 

554

Crew Members Over 554 Crew Members have participated and trained in the European Lifeboat Crew Exchange since 2012

500

x personnel from 137 SAR organisations attended World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) in 2023

Upcoming events

  • Lifeboat Crew Exchange 2024

    After the success of nine previous years, the IMRF's Lifeboat Crew Exchange will return in 2024. Be sure to keep an eye out for more information about our next programme. Read more

  • Maritime SAR Aviation Panel

    The IMRF has launched a specialist panel that will focus on the maritime aviation search and rescue (SAR) sector as the organisation looks to expand its involvement in new and developing areas of the SAR industry. Read more

  • #SaferSAR Webinar: The Importance of Global SAR Unit Safety Reporting

    Join the global maritime SAR community as the IMRF hosts this crucial webinar on the importance of global SAR unit safety reporting in order to advance the knowledge, experience and capabilities of maritime SAR personnel worldwide. Read more

  • Maritime SAR Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Seminar 2024

    The IMRF is delighted to announce the inaugural maritime search and rescue (SAR) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Seminar, scheduled for 26 November 2024 in Thessaloniki, Greece. The seminar will be followed by the IMRF’s Annual Meeting on 27 November at the same venue. This event is open to both members and non-members, with a registration fee applicable for attendance. Read more

  • Annual meeting 2024 - 100 years of excellence in SAR!

    We are thrilled to announce the theme for the 2024 Annual Meeting is: "Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Everywhere and at All Times." This special event, marking 100 years of IMRF Excellence, will be hosted by the Hellenic Rescue Team (HRT) in the beautiful city of Thessaloniki, Greece. Attendance is complimentary for all IMRF members. Read more

Latest news

IMRF Blog

#SARyouOK?

SAR Matters

#FutureSAR