UK shipping sector comes together as IMRF celebrates 100 years of search and rescue

The IMRF celebrated another significant milestone as representatives from across the commercial shipping industry and maritime search and rescue (SAR) community gathered in London to mark its 100th anniversary. The event, in the presence of IMRF Patron Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and held at the Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat Company, headquarters, brought together key figures in the industry to honour a century of life-saving efforts and look forward to the future of global SAR. 

Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF, welcomed attendees with a message of gratitude and excitement. "Today is a special day as we come together to celebrate 100 years of the IMRF. It is a moment to reflect, connect, and inspire one another. Whether you have travelled near or far, your presence here means a great deal to us," she said. Caroline also thanked Inmarsat Maritime, the event’s host, for its ongoing support of the IMRF, highlighting their support of more than eight years. 

Jacob Tas, Chairman of the IMRF and CEO of the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), reflected on the organisation's remarkable journey. He noted that the IMRF remains as critical today as it was a century ago. 

"Every two minutes, someone drowns somewhere in the world," Jacob emphasised, highlighting the pressing need for continued innovation and collaboration in maritime rescue operations. He also acknowledged 2024 as a landmark year, with both the KNRM and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) marking their 200th anniversaries, underscoring the long-standing global commitment to saving lives at sea. 

Jacob shared insights into the evolving challenges the maritime SAR community faces, from ageing equipment to the rise of unmanned vessels and the difficulty of recruiting volunteers. He praised the IMRF’s global network of member organisations for overcoming these obstacles. 

"The IMRF is the vehicle that brings together SAR organisations from around the world, allowing them to share knowledge, training, and best practices," he added. 

Founded in London in 1924, the IMRF began with a small group of organisations and has since grown into a global force, now with over 130 member organisations from more than 50 countries. Beyond its support for global SAR operations, the IMRF continues to play a crucial role in shaping international standards for maritime safety, including by holding consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

Ben Palmer, President of Inmarsat Maritime, also spoke about Inmarsat’s longstanding support of the IMRF and their shared commitment to safety at sea. 

"Our work goes beyond technology. We are here to support the brave individuals in humanitarian agencies who work tirelessly on land and sea," he said. Ben also highlighted the IMRF Awards, which honour exceptional contributions to maritime rescue, including a lifetime achievement award sponsored by Inmarsat in memory of their late colleague Vladimir Maksimov. 

A key highlight of the event was a discussion on the future of maritime SAR. Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, reflecting on his own experiences at sea, acknowledged the evolving nature of maritime safety. 

He pointed out that while professional seafarers today are better trained and equipped than ever before and technology has advanced hugely over the last six decades, technology can sometimes go wrong and humans can make mistakes. “We will always need rescue service on water and we at IMRF will do everything we can to improve the service our member organisations provide.”

The IMRF remains at the forefront of addressing these challenges through initiatives such as Mass Rescue Operations project, safety data collection initiative, and its #WomenInSAR campaign, which promotes gender diversity in SAR roles. Jacob emphasised the importance of collaboration across borders, noting that "each SAR organisation needs to look beyond their national borders" to enhance global rescue efforts. 

As the event concluded, attendees were invited to network and engage in discussions about the future of maritime rescue. With a century of experience behind it and a forward-looking approach, the IMRF remains steadfast in its mission to advance SAR operations and ensure the safety of those at sea for generations to come.