August 2025: The IMRF's #WomenInSAR Training goes Down Under

The WomenInSAR leadership training held in Sydney, Australia in August 2025 marked the third course of its kind - and the first ever delivered outside Finland. Organised by the IMRF and hosted in collaboration with Marine Rescue New South Wales, the course brought together 15 participants from seven countries (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Estonia).

The training took place at the Australian Institute of Police Management, an ideal setting for focused learning and networking. Practical exercises were conducted in partnership with four Marine Rescue NSW vessels, offering realistic and engaging scenarios on Sydney Harbour.

Building on the successful format developed in Finland, the Sydney course introduced regional adaptations while maintaining its core focus on leadership, confidence-building, and peer support. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and several organisations have since expressed interest in hosting future courses or running local versions.

The Sydney WomenInSAR course was another important step toward strengthening diversity and leadership in maritime SAR, creating a growing international community of skilled and empowered women in rescue. Read more about the event.