Roly McKie, the IMRF’s IMO Representative and SAR Advisor, recently attended the 31st meeting of the ICAO-IMO Joint Working Group (JWG) on Search and Rescue (SAR), held in Dublin, Ireland, in early November.

Hosted by the Irish Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard, this key event brought together SAR experts from both aviation and maritime sectors to discuss the latest developments in global SAR operations.

The meeting highlighted a number of crucial issues, including advancements in aircraft tracking technology and distress signaling systems, as well as emerging challenges in uncrewed craft operations. One of the key topics was the introduction of Automatically Deployable Flight Data Recorders (ADFRs), which eject during an emergency to transmit critical flight data and positioning information to assist SAR teams. While this technology promises to enhance SAR efficiency, it was noted that the ADFR’s 121.5 MHz distress signal could overlap with signals from other devices, potentially causing confusion during search efforts. The IMRF is committed to exploring ways to better distinguish ADFR signals from other distress beacons in future operations.

Another highlight was the discussion on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), with the IMO reminding member states that, as of January 2024, they must be capable of sending distress and urgency alerts via Enhanced Group Calling (EGC) through all Recognised Mobile Satellite Services (RMSS), such as Inmarsat and Iridium. This new requirement aims to improve the speed and reliability of distress signal transmission and coordination, especially in remote regions.

The meeting also addressed ongoing updates to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual, with a focus on revising sweep width tables used in SAR operations for merchant vessels. These tables, which assist SAR teams in determining the correct search area, are based on outdated data and will be updated to reflect modern navigation technologies and vessel designs.

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving SAR standards, the IMRF presented several papers at the meeting, including proposals for new guidance on rescue craft operator training and the development of the #SaferSAR initiative, a project aimed at anonymously collecting and analysing SAR incident data to identify human factors that may impact safety. The IMRF also shared progress on its Rescue Craft Operator Training Guidance (RCOTG), which aims to establish a global training standard for rescue craft operators based on the latest SAR best practices.

One of the key discussions involved the growing role of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in SAR operations. As these uncrewed vessels and aircraft become more prevalent, the IMRF and other stakeholders emphasised the need for clear procedures and distress signaling requirements, regardless of whether the craft are crewed or uncrewed. The IMRF has been actively involved in shaping the MASS Code to ensure that uncrewed vessels are equipped with the necessary distress signaling equipment to enable effective SAR responses.

In addition to these technical updates, the meeting addressed the psychological challenges faced by SAR responders and survivors, with Chile proposing the inclusion of mental health and wellbeing guidance in the next edition of the IAMSAR Manual. The proposal received broad support, and further discussions will take place at the next SAR JWG meeting in 2025.

The IMRF’s role in the SAR JWG continues to be a vital one, bridging the gap between maritime and aviation SAR operations and ensuring that the latest technologies, procedures, and training standards are implemented globally. The organisation remains committed to advocating for better SAR coordination, more effective training, and the integration of new technologies that will save lives.

"The discussions at these meetings are vital for advancing global SAR operations," said Roly. "As the boundaries between maritime and aviation SAR continue to converge, it’s increasingly important for us to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and embrace new technologies that strengthen our collective capacity to respond to emergencies."

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration, with participants agreeing to submit feedback and proposals for the next round of updates to the IAMSAR Manual in 2025.

IMRF members can access the full report on the members only area, which you can access here IMRF attends ICAO-IMO Joint Working Group on Search and Rescue in Dublin