The IMRF Forward Look Webinar offered a preview of the organisation’s plans and programmes for 2025, bringing together members, non-members, and industry leaders to explore the year ahead in global search and rescue (SAR). Focused on enhancing safety, collaboration, and innovation, the webinar emphasised the IMRF’s aim to address emerging challenges and foster a culture of learning and inclusivity in the SAR sector.

Opening the session, CEO Caroline Jupe reflected on the IMRF’s global impact, highlighting its network of over 140 member organisations and its consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“In 2024, we made significant strides, from delivering face-to-face training to over 300 participants from 29 countries to launching the #WomenInSAR mentoring scheme, connecting 14 pairs from 10 countries,” she shared. Caroline also touched on the IMRF’s advocacy for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), which will remain a priority as the MASS draft code progresses through the IMO. “Our work ensures that SAR capability keeps pace with the rapid evolution of technology,” she emphasised.

The webinar’s safety-focused agenda set the tone for the discussions. Jaakko Heikkilä, the IMRF’s International Programme Manager, addressed the recurring patterns in recent SAR accidents, including issues with navigation practices, route planning, and communication protocols.

“Sharing safety-related information, whether it’s near misses or successes, is vital to making SAR safer for everyone,” he noted. Highlighting the need for a global system to exchange best practices, Jaakko discussed the confidential #SaferSAR incident reporting system, designed to encourage openness and foster learning across the SAR community.

Adam Parnell from CHIRP (Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme) expanded on the reporting system and the importance of human factors in SAR operations, noting that safety is often compromised by factors such as inadequate crew composition, external pressures, and shortcuts driven by low morale or insufficient resources.

“A safety management system on paper isn’t enough; it must be backed by assurance and a culture of trust,” Adam explained. He highlighted that the #SaferSAR reporting system aims to create a more open, blame-free environment where SAR practitioners can report safety concerns, near misses, and incidents without fear of judgement or reprisal. “For the system to succeed, it must protect anonymity, ensure follow-up, and deliver tangible improvements,” Adam said. He also described how the reporting system would help SAR organisations identify trends and share lessons learned across the community, ensuring that experiences, whether good or bad, can contribute to preventing future accidents. “Wherever you are on the ladder of safety improvement, we can help you climb it,” he reassured participants.

The role of psychological safety was further explored by Fredrik Forsman of Chalmers University of Technology, who stressed its critical importance in building effective SAR teams.

“Psychological safety is the absence of fear. It allows teams to communicate openly, adapt to challenges, and learn from mistakes,” Fredrik said. He outlined four key elements to foster this culture: inclusion, the freedom to learn without blame, trust to contribute, and permission to challenge norms. “Fear stifles curiosity and innovation, but mistakes provide the information needed to move forward,” he remarked, likening SAR operations to navigating uncertainty through trial and error.

Matthew Fader of Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS) provided insights into the upcoming G6 Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) Conference, set for June 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden. He described individual SAR cases being like different kinds of snowflakes, and MROs as being like a “blizzard,” with overlapping challenges such as weather, media pressure, and resource coordination.

“There’s no single expert in MROs; the expertise comes from all of us,” he emphasised. The conference will focus on topics such as planning, human factors, and industry roles, with a live exercise kicking off the event to ground discussions in practical scenarios.

Looking ahead, the IMRF shared an ambitious lineup of initiatives for 2025. In March, the next round of the #WomenInSAR mentoring scheme will launch, accompanied by a new report based on survey findings. April will see the release of the first global SAR safety bulletin and the Rescue Craft Operator Course, while June will feature the G6 MRO Conference and updated MRO guidance. Other highlights include regional seminars, leadership training, and piloting a Coast Guard Exchange alongside the Lifeboat Crew Exchange.

“This year, we’re focusing on collaboration and creating opportunities for everyone in the SAR community to share, learn, and grow,” Caroline said. With its dedication to advancing safety, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity, the IMRF is set to make 2025 a transformative year for the SAR sector.

If you missed it, you can rewatch the webinar here, and you can find the presentation slides in the Members Area.

For more information on the IMRF events planned for 2025, please visit https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/Pages/Events/Category/whats-on