Lifeboat Crew Exchange 2026

The first IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange took place in 2012 with eight countries participating. The event was on halt for three years 2020-2022 because of the Covid pandemic, but was successfully relaunched in 2023. 

Now we are happy to announce the 12th IMRF Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme will take place on 19-26 September 2026.

The experience proves invaluable for participants across various countries and SAR organisations to broaden their skills and knowledge in SAR operations by engaging with international peers. They can enhance their abilities, acquire new techniques, understand different operational structures, and bring back valuable insights to improve their local stations. The programme strongly emphasises collaboration and provides participants the opportunity to build networks, forge friendships and share experiences with like-minded professionals.

And if your organisation would like to participate in the exchange, don't hesitate to get in contact and we will tell you all about it! We also have a few places reserved for organisations from Europe and elsewhere, who cannot host exchange crews, but would be nonetheless interested in sending a few crew members. Planning for the exchange starts in January 2026. If you are interested in participating, please send an email to [email protected]

The programme is open to IMRF member organisations. If your organisation is not a member yet, you can join the IMRF here.

You can read more about the Crew Exchange here. 

Check out the video of the 2024 Lifeboat Crew Exchange and find out more about why you should not miss out on this incredible experience.