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    • IMRF MRO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT COURSE 2024
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  • Climate and SAR: #FutureSAR

    Climate and SAR: #FutureSAR

    The #FutureSAR initiative identifies key challenges the global maritime SAR industry will face as a result of climate change and proposes guidance and best practices to aid future rescue operations. Read more

  • Mental Health and SAR: #SARyouOK?

    Mental Health and SAR: #SARyouOK?

    Following extensive collaborative research between members of the SAR community, including those who are members of the IMRF and those who are not, the IMRF compiled its official #SARyouOK? Guidance document. Read more

  • The IMRF #WomenInSAR Initiative

    The IMRF #WomenInSAR Initiative

    The #WomenInSAR initiative aims to increase the representation of women in the maritime sector generally and to provide support for, and raise the profile of, women in the maritime SAR sector specifically. Read more

  • Climate and SAR: #FutureSAR
  • Mental Health and SAR: #SARyouOK?
  • The IMRF #WomenInSAR Initiative
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  1. Training, Resources and Initiatives
  2. Initiatives

Initiatives

AI in SAR 

As AI technologies continue to evolve, adoption across the global SAR community remains uneven, and many organisations continue to face operational, technical and regulatory challenges in implementing AI effectively. We aim to tackle this, through a survey and collaboration with the IMO.

Global SAR Development in Action 

Since 2012, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the IMRF has run Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) Workshops across Asia and in South America. In Europe, we run our annual Lifeboat Crew Exchange. 

Safety in SAR and #SaferSAR

The #SaferSAR initiative aims to make the sea a safer place by encouraging search and rescue (SAR) professionals to share what they have learned from incidents and accidents. The findings are shared through the Global Safety Learning Logs, which are published three times a year and circulated through IMRF channels.

Climate Change and #FutureSAR

The #FutureSAR initiative examines how search and rescue (SAR) services will need to adapt to climate change. Phase 1 of the initiative produced the report Tides of Change: Adaptive Strategies for Maritime SAR in a Changing Climate, was published in March 2024, Phase 2, Harnessing Tides of Change, funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, has just been published. 

Mental Health and #SARYouOK?

The #SARYouOK? initiative was created to put mental health and wellbeing at the centre of maritime search and rescue (SAR) organisational culture. In February 2024, IMRF published comprehensive Guidance and Best Practices on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Maritime SAR Services.

#WomenInSAR

The #WomenInSAR initiative promotes better representation, inclusion and progression of women in maritime search and rescue. Since its launch in 2019, it has expanded steadily and now plays a key role in improving gender balance across the sector.

AI in SAR

AI in SAR

As AI technologies continue to evolve, they are increasingly influencing SAR operations through applications such as search planning, situational awareness, communications, decision support and detection systems. Read more

Published: 19th May, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Global SAR Development in Action

Global SAR Development in Action

Since 2012, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the IMRF has been running Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) Workshops across Asia and in South America. In Europe, we run our annual Lifeboat Crew Exchange. Read more

Published: 5th February, 2026

Updated: 19th May, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Safety in SAR - The#SaferSAR Initiative

Safety in SAR - The#SaferSAR Initiative

The #SaferSAR initiative is designed to improve safety at sea by encouraging SAR professionals to share lessons learned from incidents and accidents. Read more

Published: 29th January, 2026

Updated: 14th May, 2026

Author: Julia Swales

Climate and SAR: #FutureSAR

Climate and SAR: #FutureSAR

The #FutureSAR initiative identifies key challenges the global maritime SAR industry will face as a result of climate change and proposes guidance and best practices to aid future rescue operations. Read more

Published: 26th April, 2023

Updated: 3rd February, 2026

Author: Tom Scott

Mental Health and SAR: #SARyouOK?

Mental Health and SAR: #SARyouOK?

Following extensive collaborative research between members of the SAR community, including those who are members of the IMRF and those who are not, the IMRF compiled its official #SARyouOK? Guidance document. Read more

Published: 17th January, 2023

Updated: 26th March, 2026

Author: Tom Scott

The IMRF #WomenInSAR Initiative

The IMRF #WomenInSAR Initiative

The #WomenInSAR initiative aims to increase the representation of women in the maritime sector generally and to provide support for, and raise the profile of, women in the maritime SAR sector specifically. Read more

Published: 3rd March, 2022

Updated: 2nd March, 2026

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • IMRF Maritime SAR Academy launches first modules

    IMRF Maritime SAR Academy launches first modules

    From the launch of e-learning modules on Motivation, Mentoring, Culture and On-Scene Coordination, the IMRF Maritime SAR Academy continues to build momentum as a global platform for maritime SAR learning and professional development.

  • IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

    IMRF leads industry-wide forum on tackling battery fires in search and rescue

    Alongside the University of Queensland, the IMRF led a day of discussions that explored the risks and responses to the growing issue of battery fires on board car carriers, ferries, fishing vessels, tugs and leisure craft and small work boats.

  • The Maritime SAR Academy: A Global e-Learning Platform

    The Maritime SAR Academy: A Global e-Learning Platform

    Thanks to a major three-year grant from The TK Foundation, the IMRF has launched the Maritime SAR Academy for maritime SAR personnel and commercial seafarers. It is a modern, accessible e-learning programme designed to strengthen lifesaving capability worldwide.

  • Our Members

    Our Members

Most read

  • Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

    Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and SAR

    Commercial MASS and remotely operated vessels could play a significant part in future maritime SAR operations to help improve capabilities and operations.

  • Join the IMRF

    Join the IMRF

    IMRF Members around the world support each other and share knowledge, experience, expertise and innovations.

  • Our Members

    Our Members

  • Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

    Basic Rescue Boat Operator Manual & Search Cards

    This manual, together with the accompanying Rescue Boat Operator Search Cards, provides recommended best practice for any organisation looking at introducing basic training in Rescue Boat SAR operations.

  • SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

    SAR Matters: Defining Distress Continued ...

    People known to be in distress need to be rescued, of course – and the SAR community knows that this concept must also be extended to those believed to be in distress, and to those who, while not yet in distress, will become so if help is not provided to them in the meantime.

  • MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    MRO (Mass Rescue Operations Guidance)

    The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment.

  • Our Work

    Our Work

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    Contact Us

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