The IMRF has launched an AI survey to better understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations and support functions.

As technology evolves, AI is playing an increasingly important role in SAR, from improving search planning and situational awareness to enabling faster, more informed decisions. However, adoption remains uneven, and many organisations still face challenges in putting it into practice.

To help address this, the IMRF is running a short, sector-wide survey to capture how AI is currently being used, along with the main benefits and barriers being experienced across the global SAR community.

The findings will form the basis of a new report, providing what will be the first global benchmark of AI in maritime SAR. This will help identify key trends, highlight practical use cases, and point to where further support may be needed. In order to build this picture of the sector, we kindly ask for your assistance.

The survey runs until Wednesday, 27 May and it only takes about 15 minutes to complete. All responses will be treated confidentially.

The findings will also feed directly into the IMRF Conference organised in France this November, where a dedicated session will explore the report findings. The session will also feature discussions from SAR practitioners who are integrating AI into their SAR operations. The conference is free-of-charge for IMRF members, while non-members can join the IMRF to participate in the conference.

By contributing to the survey, SAR organisations can help build a clearer picture of how AI is being used in practice and play a role in shaping future IMRF initiatives to support the sector’s needs.

Please click here to take part in the survey.