The IMRF has launched its first Global SAR Safety Learning Log, a new initiative designed to share safety-related insights and lessons learned from across the global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community.

The aim of the Safety Learning Log is to support safer, more effective SAR operations by encouraging a culture of open learning. Each edition will highlight real-world incidents, identifying key contributing factors, safety issues and takeaways for SAR personnel, managers, and regulators. The emphasis is on learning and improving safety practices, not assigning blame.

In the first edition, the Log features five incident reports covering a range of operational scenarios:

• Lifeboat crew injured during a rescue operation after being thrown by a wave while not wearing harnesses.
• Unexpected injury caused by a damaged paddle blade during the rescue of a kayaker.
• Engine compartment flooding due to a disconnected pipe, avoided thanks to crew vigilance.
• Capsize of a fishing vessel during a tow following renewed flooding and incomplete communication.
• Trainee falling overboard while attempting to secure a mooring buoy without a safety line.

Each incident includes commentary from CHIRP Maritime and outlines contributing factors such as communication failures, lack of situational awareness, design flaws, and training gaps. The Log provides clear, practical takeaways tailored to the roles of rescue unit crews, SAR managers, and regulators, from improving equipment design to reinforcing supervisory protocols and ensuring clearer safety guidance.

An additional section, Investigations in Focus, will appear in future editions and summarise publicly available maritime SAR accident investigation reports from around the world. The aim is to reflect on real incidents to strengthen understanding of risk and improve the safety and effectiveness of SAR operations.

The IMRF is inviting SAR organisations to submit their own anonymised incident reports and safety learnings to help grow this global resource. Reports can be submitted here or by scanning the QR code provided in the publication.

Click here to access the first Safety Learning Log.

Together, by sharing experiences, the global SAR community can continue to raise safety standards and protect those who risk their lives to save others.