The 10th Annual Search and Rescue (SAR) Workshop for the UK Overseas Territories was held from February 4 to February 7 in Miami, Florida. The event brought together over 70 delegates from the region. Organised by HM Coastguard and funded by the UK government through the Overseas Territories SAR (OTSAR) Capability Project, the workshop provided an essential platform for SAR specialists, airport and aviation authorities, and disaster managers. Participants were able to share their experiences, identify common challenges, and enhance collaboration within the field.

Attendees included representatives from Anguilla, Ascension Island, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Montserrat, St Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Additional participation came from the Dutch Caribbean, the French Coast Guard, and Caribbean neighbouring states such as Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as some regional organisations reinforcing regional response mechanisms.

The IMRF played a key role in the workshop, delivering a presentation on its contributions to the global maritime SAR community. The IMRF highlighted its programmes, work streams, and membership benefits while leading discussions on its #FutureSAR initiative. The first phase of the initiative included a “Tides of Change” report, which was published in March 2024.

The initiative's second phase, “Harnessing the Tides of Change”, includes a global survey to assess the impact of climate change on SAR operations and identify ways to strengthen climate resilience. Phase two, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, will run until November 2025, ensuring SAR operations remain effective and safe in extreme weather conditions. Delegates at the meeting provided feedback for the upcoming #FutureSAR survey, set to launch in March.

A significant focus of the workshop was on mass rescue operations (MROs), with participants engaging in a tabletop exercise simulating a cruise ship incident. The IMRF supported this segment by showcasing its freely available MRO tools and resources, including a model MRO plan, summary MRO guidance, and an extensive MRO library. These resources are designed to assist SAR organisations worldwide in planning and executing mass rescue operations effectively.

The International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Regional Office also provided updates on SAR matters, further enriching the discussions.

Since its inception in 2016, the OTSAR Capability Project has significantly enhanced SAR operations across UK Overseas Territories. The project began with a thorough review of SAR capabilities and has since facilitated the provision of essential equipment and training for operators and frontline responders. The progress achieved over the past nine years has been remarkable.

The workshop proved invaluable for delegates to learn, share insights, and build stronger networks, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in SAR operations. Reflecting on the event, IMRF representatives expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate and deepen their understanding of SAR efforts in the region.

The SAR community continues to evolve, working with local partners and with ongoing projects like OTSAR and initiatives such as #FutureSAR, the future of SAR operations across the UK Overseas Territories and the wider Caribbean region looks increasingly robust and resilient.