By Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the milestones that have shaped this year for the IMRF. It has been a year defined by progress and partnership, underscored by a renewed commitment to collaboration and the sharing of knowledge across our global search and rescue (SAR) community.

Our Annual Meeting in Poole in November was a powerful reminder of the strength and diversity within this community. Gathering with colleagues - both familiar faces and new connections - highlighted how far we have come together, and how much more we can achieve when we unite with purpose.

Our Safety in SAR Seminar set the perfect foundation for the discussions that followed. We explored how culture, training and collaboration strengthen both preparedness and coordination across our sector. These themes ran through the entire year and reflected our continued belief in working in partnership, better together. No single organisation can make the world’s waters safer in isolation. Real impact comes when maritime services, governments, partners and local communities share knowledge and support one another.

We continued to build international connections throughout 2025. Our regional meeting in Australia was an important moment, bringing together SAR leaders and practitioners from across the region. The energy and insight shared during those discussions showed how regional cooperation can drive meaningful improvements in capability and readiness.

While in Australia, we also delivered our third #WomenInSAR leadership training, which was another highlight of the year. It was inspiring to meet so many talented women who are shaping the future of maritime SAR. Supporting diversity and inclusion remains essential. We held our second EDI workshop at the 10th annual SAR Workshop in Miami, for participants across the Caribbean and UK Overseas Territories building on the progress made across the community.

The IMRF also took part in high level meetings led by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Bangkok to support global drowning prevention efforts. This included contributing to a new policy package, presenting at a bi-regional workshop. Through this work, the IMRF ensured maritime SAR was represented in discussions and reinforced its commitment to supporting WHO and Member States, particularly in lower resource settings.

In November the IMRF supported the 10th Pacific Regional SAR Workshop in Fiji organised by the PACSAR Committee, here we connected with colleagues across the South Pacific Region to understand better how we can support SAR in this region.

Earlier this month we contributed to a two day flood disaster workshop hosted by the International Lifesaving Federation in Sharm El Sheikh, bringing together 40 international experts to share knowledge and strengthen cooperation. In the IMRF is now developing new flood rescue guidance for maritime SAR organisations, due for publication in 2026.

Alongside these events, many of our long-term projects have taken important steps forward. We secured funding to significantly broaden our training we can offer in the shape of the development of the IMRF Maritime SAR Training Academy. This will open the door to high quality training for the global SAR community and seafarers wherever they are based. It is a major milestone in our commitment to building global capability, even in areas where resources may be limited.

We also secured funding from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation to undertake a comprehensive review of Global Maritime Search and Rescue System. The review is progressing well, with the final report and recommendations scheduled for launch in January 2027.

This initiative is designed to provide a clearer understanding of how SAR capability is evolving worldwide. By identifying strengths, highlighting gaps, and examining the factors that influence our collective ability to deliver SAR effectively and safely, the review will ensure that maritime SAR is better prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades.

The IMRF also contributed to research, and published guidance and best practises on a range of topics from safety to Mass Rescue Operations to lithium-ion battery fires at sea, as we continue to reinforce best practises and a safety culture in global SAR. None of this work would be possible without our international partners. We have continued to collaborate closely with the ICRC, IMO, ICAO, WHO and UNHCR, as we play a key role in driving the global SAR agenda with international bodies.

We have also worked with many of you throughout the maritime and humanitarian sectors. These relationships ensure that SAR remains central to global conversations. Thank you.

I remain deeply grateful for the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by everyone who shares our mission. Every volunteer, crew member, trainer, partner organisation, and supporter contributes to this. It is your commitment that brings our shared purpose to life.

As we look ahead to 2026, I want to extend my thanks to each of you. The conversations we have shared this year - whether in person, over email, or across countless virtual meetings - have reminded me that our greatest strength lies in our ability to learn from one another. I am excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead.

We have many important initiatives continuing into 2026, including the Global Maritime SAR System Review, the SAR Training Academy, and dedicated events for members and the global maritime community to exchange experiences and insights. Alongside these, we will continue to play a vital role in shaping and sharing SAR policy and practice within global institutions such as the IMO and ICAO. Together, we are advancing a stronger, more connected SAR community - one that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We are looking to sharing our plans for 2026 with you at our Forward Look webinar on 21 January.

Thank you for everything you have contributed in 2025. I am excited to see what we will achieve together in 2026.