In this special edition of the IMRF podcast, we mark International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 by revisiting the #WomenInSAR initiative, six years after its launch. Under this year’s theme, "An Ocean of Opportunities for Women," Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF, is joined by Ericka Rocket-McBean of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard, Maxcine Lee from the Royal Montserrat Police Service, and Herby Meth, Head of the Ascension Island Sea and Land Rescue (AISLR). Together, they discuss the evolving role of women in the search and rescue (SAR) sector, the challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated field, and the critical importance of training opportunities. This includes programmes like the IMRF’s #WomenInSAR leadership training course, and having equipment and facilities designed for women where needed,  and how mentoring schemes can be vital tools in supporting women in the sector.

The conversation also explores how organisations can create more inclusive environments, which can have the broader benefit of creating diverse teams that represent the communities we serve. 

Click here to find out more about the #WomenInSAR initiative.