The session brought together SAR professionals from around the world and featured expert insights from Climate Adaptation Works. Speakers included Lisa Granquist and Karl Schultz, who are supporting the IMRF in developing practical tools to help SAR organisations adapt to increasingly complex operational environments. The webinar was chaired by Jaakko Heikkilä, International Programme Manager at the IMRF. 

Lisa presented early findings from the global #FutureSAR survey, which asked SAR professionals about their experiences and perceptions of climate-related change. Respondents reported a variety of operational impacts, including more frequent extreme weather events, increasing unpredictability, and the need to respond to new types of incidents. The survey highlighted the importance of institutional flexibility, local knowledge, and the ability to learn from recent experiences. Many organisations also expressed a desire for more structured approaches to adaptation, including tools to support reflection, learning, and planning. 

The webinar then introduced two draft tools that are currently being developed by the IMRF and Climate Adaptation Works: 

• User Guidance - a step-by-step framework to help SAR services identify climate risks and adapt their operations accordingly. 

• Impact Response Card Template - a simple and repeatable tool for documenting how real-world incidents affect operations, designed to support reflection and long-term learning. 

These tools are being designed with flexibility in mind and can be used by SAR organisations of all sizes. Participants were encouraged to test them and share feedback to support their continued development. 

As part of the #FutureSAR initiative, the IMRF plans to build a central repository of anonymised case studies using completed Impact Response Cards. This knowledge-sharing platform will enable SAR organisations to learn from one another and better prepare for future incidents. 

The session also emphasised the importance of making climate adaptation a regular part of operational planning and review processes. 

The webinar forms part of the IMRF’s ongoing work to strengthen future preparedness across the global maritime SAR community. The IMRF and Climate Adaptation Works will continue to refine the tools based on sector feedback, with further engagement opportunities planned for later this year. 

For more information about the #FutureSAR project click here. 

You can watch the full webinar below: