IMRF’s #FutureSAR initiative’s second phase, “Harnessing the Tides of Change,” is evaluating the effects of climate change on maritime SAR operations

Survey

Our #FutureSAR initiative continues to gather information on the impacts of climate change and adaptation efforts worldwide. As part of this effort, the IMRF has created a survey for the second phase of the #FutureSAR project, titled “Harnessing the Tides of Change”, aiming to ensure SAR operations remain effective and safe in extreme weather conditions. 

The survey will provide critical insights into how SAR organisations worldwide – both climate-ready and less prepared – are adapting to rising sea levels, extreme storms, unpredictable currents, and new operational risks. 

Your participation is invaluable; please provide your feedback by completing the survey by 15 April: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/futuresar-survey 

Survey results will inform the development of a climate adaptation framework for SAR and an Impact Response Card (IRC) template, helping SAR teams assess and enhance their climate readiness. 

 

Report 

The “Tides of Change” report, part of the first phase of the initiative and published by the IMRF, is a comprehensive analysis of the anticipated impacts of climate change on global maritime SAR operations. The report is a foundational document for the IMRF's #FutureSAR initiative, aiming to equip SAR organisations with adaptive strategies to navigate emerging challenges. 

Key Highlights: 

  • The report outlines 85 specific ways climate change may impact SAR services globally, addressing areas such as administration, vessel design, equipment, personnel training, operations, and infrastructure. 
  • Each identified impact is broken down into detailed mechanisms, offering a clear understanding of how climate change can affect various aspects of SAR operations.  
  • Accompanying these impacts are 303 checklist items designed to help SAR organisations assess and improve their climate resilience. These checklists are practical tools for organisations to evaluate their preparedness and implement necessary adaptations. 
  • While the primary focus is on adaptation, the report also explores mitigation measures that SAR services can adopt to lessen the effects of climate change. 
  • The report is organised into sectors – administration, vessel design and construction, equipment, operational personnel and training, operations, stations, and units – to help readers concentrate on the most relevant impacts to their specific areas. 

The “Tides of Change” report is an essential resource for maritime SAR organisations seeking to understand and prepare for the multifaceted challenges posed by a changing climate. By proactively addressing these impacts, SAR services can continue to perform their critical life-saving missions effectively and safely in the face of environmental uncertainties. 

The report can be downloaded here: https://www.international-maritime-rescue.org/futuresar  

 

Webinar 

To support global engagement, IMRF is planning to host a webinar in May 2025 to present preliminary survey findings, a draft climate resilience framework and a draft IRC template. SAR professionals will be able to provide feedback and shape the outputs produced in the project.

Webinar Date: 21 May 2025 

Registration details for the webinar will be provided closer to the date, please keep an eye on our social media posts or website.  

Topics Covered: 

  • Survey Findings – Key insights from global SAR professionals 
  • Draft Climate Resilience Framework – Strategies to enhance SAR readiness 
  • Draft IRC – A tool for self-assessing SAR climate preparedness 
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