The IMRF ran the first session of its Maritime SAR Academy for 2026 with a global webinar, introducing a new e-learning platform that will provide free, comprehensive SAR training. The session is available to rewatch for those who missed it.

On 26 February the IMRF ran the first live global session to mark the rollout of the Maritime SAR Academy for 2026. The webinar signalled the initial launch of the Maritime SAR Academy e-learning platform, which is under development and will be launched as a portal in the Spring.

Over the next three years, the IMRF is building a comprehensive e-learning platform that will convert all three volumes of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual into an accessible digital format, alongside supplementary modules on topic s such as mass rescue operations and climate change. Two online sessions will be provided each year, with the next one planned for the autumn, along with face-to-face onboarding events to help organisations integrate the platform into their training.

The training materials are designed for crews at search and rescue units, rescue centre personnel and merchant shipping crews. All training materials will be provided free of charge to IMRF members and to participants from low resource countries.

Introduced by Jaakko Heikkilä, the International Programme Manager for the IMRF, the training session focused on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Lucy Hicks, Maritime Technical Trainer at UK HM Coastguard, delivered a comprehensive training session, outlining key systems and explaining its purpose as an international communication framework ensuring safety at sea.

The development of the GMDSS can be traced back to the 1912 Titanic disaster, which exposed critical gaps in maritime safety. This led to the 1914 SOLAS Convention establishing requirements for continuous radio watch, standardised distress signals and sufficient lifesaving equipment required for all persons onboard a vessel.

GMDSS was first incorporated into the 1974 SOLAS regulations, replacing Morse code as the primary communication method. It applies to all SOLAS compliant vessels, excluding fishing vessels, warships, pleasure craft, or wooden vessels.

Lucy outlined the primary objectives of the system, explaining that distress alerts must be received by vessels in the vicinity and shore stations capable of coordinating rescue operations, that vessels in the area of a distress situation must be alerted so they can provide immediate assistance and that effective communication must be maintained between all parties throughout an emergency response.

The training also covered detailed technical aspects of VHF radio telephony on Channel 16, Digital Selective Calling systems, satellite communications through Inmarsat and Iridium, COSPAS-SARSAT beacon systems and NAVTEX maritime safety information broadcasts.

If you would like to watch the session and gain insights and training on GMDSS, it is available for rewatch here.

For more information on the Maritime SAR Academy, click here.