The IMRF has taken another step forward with its Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) System Review as it held its second regional workshop, this time in Poland, after the huge success of the first workshop in Miami, Florida.

As part of the 20-month initiative, the IMRF’s Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) System Review, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to build the first clear, evidence-based picture of how maritime SAR systems operate worldwide. It examines the challenges services face today and those likely to emerge in the years ahead, as well as gaps in capability, opportunities for innovation, and areas where closer collaboration could strengthen resilience.

Dedicated regional workshops sit at the heart of this work, helping to test findings, reflect on operational realities, and ensure the final recommendations are grounded in practice. Crucially, by hosting workshops in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific throughout 2026, the IMRF is ensuring it captures a diverse range of perspectives and understands the specific challenges facing certain regions to offer solutions on how to tackle them.

The IMRF’s most recent European workshop, which was held on 21-22 April, brought together SAR professionals from across the region, with representatives from more than 10 regional SAR organisations taking part, including Estonia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The event was kindly supported by the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service in Gdynia.

A broad range of discussions across the two days highlighted the importance of continuous cross-border cooperation and shared learning within the SAR community, particularly as many services face similar pressures when it comes to training, human resources and funding and external factors such as geopolitics, AI and climate adaptation. Meanwhile, expert contributions from the Arctic Council and the Nautical Institute added further depth to the conversations, drawing on their unique experience operating within the Arctic region and from the seafarers they represent.

Opening the discussion, IMRF Project Lead Steve Wills highlighted how far the Global Maritime Search and Rescue System Review has come since its inception, explaining how data from around the world is being gathered and analysed to provide a clearer picture of where systems are strong, where they are under strain, and what may be required in future. Hollie Black, at SeaFocus, also discussed the data collection process in more detail and shared some of the early themes that had emerged specifically in Europe.

Participants then worked in smaller groups to explore the main internal and external challenges facing SAR organisations across Europe. These sessions identified a number of shared issues, alongside practical ideas for strengthening capability. As discussions progressed, there was a clear shift from the global picture to the day-to-day realities at national and operational levels, with a strong focus on practical, solution-led approaches.

The programme also included an operational visit in Gdynia, where participants were given the opportunity to see one of Poland’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres as well as one of their largest SAR vessels. For participants, this offered a unique opportunity to learn how Poland manages and responds to maritime incidents and helped bring the earlier discussions into a practical context.

“This is the second of four regional workshops as part of our Global Maritime SAR System Review and, just like the Americas workshop in Miami, it was an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from the SAR community about the unique challenges and opportunities different regions face. From global challenges to regional perspectives, our European-focused workshop was the latest step in ensuring the IMRF is doing its part to strengthen maritime SAR systems for the future,” said Steve.

“We’ve come out of this event with some incredible momentum. Attention now turns to Africa as the IMRF continues to build a truly global picture of maritime SAR challenges, opportunities and future requirements,” he added.

The IMRF would like to extend its thanks to the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service for supporting the latest workshop throughout the week.

If you would like to find out more about the IMRF’s Global Maritime SAR System Review, click here.

Be sure to also stay tuned to the IMRF’s channels as we get ready to deliver our upcoming workshops in Africa and Asia Pacific later this year.