CLIMATE & HUMANITARIAN IMPACT

• How is climate change affecting maritime search and rescue operations?
  Climate change is creating new search and rescue (SAR) challenges. More frequent and severe storms, floods and sea-level rise mean coastal communities and ships may face increased risk. For example, higher storm surges and hurricanes may lead to more emergency calls from vessels and flooded areas. Melting polar ice, and improved maritime technologies have opened new shipping routes through ice borne areas (like the Arctic) which lack SAR infrastructure, requiring new coverage and innovative ways of responding. The IMRF’s #FutureSAR initiative highlights how SAR must adapt to these changes: it examines “new rescue scenarios such as storm surges” and the need to protect lifeboat facilities and use alternative technologies[20]. In practice, SAR agencies must prepare for more complex rescues (e.g. mass evacuations due to sea-level events) and invest in resilient equipment and training to deal with extreme weather and changing coastlines[21][20].
• What is the IMRF doing to support search and rescue in developing countries?
  Through its Global SAR Development programme, IMRF helps build capacity in lower-income regions. It organises training and knowledge-sharing initiatives worldwide. For instance, IMRF has run Mass Rescue Operation workshops across Asia and South America, and – in partnership with IMO – provided specialist search and rescue (SAR) training in Africa[4]. It also arranges international networking (e.g. lifeboat crew exchanges), advises maritime administrations on SAR planning, and helps equip SAR centres. Hundreds of SAR personnel across Africa have been trained through these efforts[4]. In short, IMRF works with local governments and NGOs to assess needs and deliver hands-on SAR training, with the goal of improving life-saving capacity in developing nations.
• How does search and rescue respond to mass migration or refugee crises at sea?
  Mass migration by sea is treated as a humanitarian search and rescue (SAR) crisis. All maritime authorities and rescue organisations adhere to the core duty of saving lives regardless of nationality and status. International law (including IMO conventions) requires that anyone in distress must be rescued and delivered to a place of safety, without returning them to danger (the non-refoulement principle)[22]. In practice, this means coastguards, navies and NGO rescue ships patrol migration routes, and respond to calls or reportsof persons in danger. . Survivors are brought on board and provided medical care and shelter. The IMRF strongly advocates that governments implement prompt SAR response in their zones and respect the obligation to use “any available vessels” for rescue[23]. The IMO has also issued guidance (e.g. MSC Circulars) on rescuing migrants, emphasising quick disembarkation and specialised care. Overall, SAR operations for migrants follow the same search procedures but often involve additional coordination with humanitarian and government agencies and clear protocols for safely transferring rescued people to shore[23].