ICAO Advocacy

The IMRF is also engaged in advocating for maritime SAR at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) SAR working groups and task forces. IMRF attends the ICAO Europe and North Atlantic (EURNAT) Region SAR taskforce to ensure that maritime SAR is considered and, where required, discussed. IMRF brings Maritime SAR technical expertise to the ICAO task force and offers a dispassionate view of SAR needs and expectations.

ICAO EURNAT Meeting

Sixty representatives from ICAO Member States across the Europe and North Atlantic region gathered at ICAO Europe’s offices in Paris from 19 to 21 November 2025 to discuss aviation search and rescue issues, share operational experience, and review recent exercises and training activities. The IMRF attended and presented to strengthen cooperation between the maritime and aviation SAR communities and to contribute to discussions on future developments.

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) provided an update on its global audit programme, noting that while European states perform above the international average, further progress is needed, particularly around SAR training. Delegates also heard about ongoing work on a new SAR Inspectors Handbook, aimed at improving oversight where specialist knowledge is limited.

A major focus of the meeting was the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS). ICAO and Cospas-Sarsat provided updates on the system and databases used to alert, track and locate aircraft in distress, including the ICAO Location of Aircraft in Distress Repository (LADR). As these capabilities mature, aeronautical and maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) will increasingly rely on them to receive accurate, timely information during aircraft incidents.

Delegates also explored how emerging technologies, including Advanced Air Mobility aircraft, mobile-phone detection systems, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using AI, and next-generation distress beacons, are beginning to shape the future of SAR. There was also broad agreement on the need for more realistic exercises, including aircraft scenarios at sea, to reflect these developments.

The IMRF presented on the work of its SAR Aviation Panel, including proposals to develop Training Guidance for Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centres (ARCC), with a particular focus on maritime SAR considerations. The IMRF also highlighted progress on its Global Maritime SAR System Review and encouraged members involved in aviation operations, ARCC duties or UAV activities to contribute their experience and insight.

Roly McKie, the IMRF’s IMO Representative and SAR Advisor, said: “Aviation and maritime SAR increasingly overlap, and it’s essential that we continue to strengthen those connections. As technology and procedures move on, cooperation across sectors becomes even more important. Meetings like this help ensure responders have what they need to work safely and effectively.”

The full IMRF report from this meeting will be available to members in early December, please go to the IMRF Members Area.