Call to Action: The IMRF Invites Maritime SAR Organisations to Contribute to Global Maritime SAR System Review

The IMRF is inviting maritime SAR organisations to submit operational data and annual reports in support of the Global Maritime SAR System Review. As the first comprehensive analysis of the global SAR sector, the review depends on strong participation to build an accurate and meaningful understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our community.

Together with our research partner, SeaFocus International, we are seeking incident‑related information from search and rescue organisations worldwide. Data of particular interest includes annual rescue volume, types of incidents responded to, seasonality of rescues, lives saved, and any preventative activities (such as educational visits or boat‑safety checks).

This information will help us develop a clearer picture of the global response delivered by dedicated SAR assets. We are also incorporating data from MRCCs, merchant shipping, fisheries, and satellite sources to strengthen the overall analysis.

Currently, there is no internationally recognised dataset for maritime‑related incidents, nor is there agreed terminology for key categories such as what constitutes a “rescue” or a “life saved”. Your contribution will help us identify gaps and may inform future recommendations to improve global SAR capability and coordination.

All data will be treated confidentially and in accordance with GDPR requirements. Please do not share any personal data - only topline operational information. No national‑level data will be published in the final report; all findings will be presented at regional and global levels only.

Organisations can click here to complete the survey. and you can view the questions before completing the online form on the PDF here. Upon completing the survey, organisations will be provided with a certificate to acknowledge their contribution.

For further information, contact Steve Wills, Project Manager, at [email protected].

Thank you in advance for any support or data you are able to provide.

Visit the IMRF website for more information on the Global Maritime SAR System Review.

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