Voting Opens for the IMRF People’s Choice Award 2025

The IMRF is pleased to announce that voting is now open for the IMRF People’s Choice Award 2025.

This special category offers the global maritime search and rescue (SAR) community, and the wider public, the chance to recognise the individual or team they believe has made the most significant contribution to maritime SAR over the past year.

All ten winners and runners-up from the IMRF Awards 2025 are finalists in this online-only vote.

Voting closes on 4 November 2025, so don’t miss your opportunity to have your say and celebrate the remarkable courage, innovation and dedication of those working tirelessly to save lives at sea.

Meet the 2025 Finalists

Ambrey, United Kingdom, and the crew of the Al Bahia, Djibouti
Ambrey and the crew of the Al Bahia are recognised for their extraordinary courage and professionalism during the rescue of the Eternity C crew, following an attack by drones and armed boats. The Ambrey Global Operations Centre in Southampton, working in close coordination with the Al Bahia crew, searched 96 square miles over 48 hours, successfully recovering ten mariners and ensuring their safe repatriation through complex diplomatic negotiations.

Auckland Coastguard, New Zealand
Auckland Coastguard has implemented Sea-Flux, a purpose-built, cloud-based vessel and crew management system tailored for volunteer search and rescue (SAR) operations. This technology modernises the way operations are logged, maintained, and monitored, replacing manual paper systems with an integrated, real-time platform. This enables Auckland Coastguard crews to log drills, faults, and operational activity directly from the vessel, syncing data instantly to shore teams. This ensures visibility of compliance, readiness, and safety status at all times. The Sea-Flux implementation demonstrates what’s possible when frontline volunteers, operational leaders, and external partners collaborate toward smarter, safer SAR operations.

Caron Parfitt, Marine Rescue New South Wales, Australia
Caron Parfitt is recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing the role of women in maritime SAR. As Regional Director on the Board of Marine Rescue NSW, Caron played a pivotal role in international collaboration and professional development across the IMRF network. Her leadership of the IMRF #WomenInSAR Training Course in Finland and the planning of the 2025 Sydney event demonstrated her dedication to creating opportunities for women in operational SAR roles.

Global SAR Hub, France
Global SAR Hub is recognised for developing SARCHAT, a pioneering secure and multilingual communication platform designed to improve coordination in SAR operations at every level – local, regional, national and international. Created by two former MRCC operators, SARCHAT addresses long-standing operational challenges and enables real-time collaboration across language barriers through AI translation, topic-based chat rooms and secure data storage. The platform represents a major step forward in global maritime emergency coordination.

Heidi Ho Yuen-tung, Hong Kong Government Flying Service, Hong Kong SAR, China
Heidi Ho Yuen-tung received the award for her extraordinary courage and professionalism during a risky night search and rescue operation near Severe Typhoon Yinxing. Despite the life-threatening conditions of darkness, violent seas, and dangerous obstacles, she descended onto a drifting barge to rescue seven trapped seamen. Following their recovery, she provided vital medical care and reassurance until their safe return to base. Her courage, determination, and selfless commitment to saving lives embody the highest ideals of maritime SAR.

Lance Miller, Marine Rescue New South Wales, Australia
Lance Miller is recognised for an extraordinary fifty years of continuous frontline volunteer service. From joining the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol in 1973 with no maritime experience to becoming a highly qualified Marine Rescue Master and respected trainer, Lance’s lifetime of service exemplifies dedication, humility and excellence. His leadership and mentorship have strengthened Marine Rescue NSW’s operational capability and inspired generations of rescuers.

Peter Dawes, RNLI, United Kingdom
Peter Dawes is recognised for his lifelong contribution to improving water safety and SAR both professionally and as a volunteer. With more than two decades of service to the RNLI and earlier work in Australia, Peter has been instrumental in developing national and international standards for safety management and lifesaving. His expertise and commitment have had a profound impact on the safety and wellbeing of communities worldwide.

QF7 Redland Bay Coast Guard, AVCGA, Australia
The Redland Bay QF7 team is recognised for their exceptional dedication and resilience during Cyclone Alfred in March 2025. Over 17 demanding days, 30 volunteers undertook 52 emergency activations, from marine rescues and medical evacuations to vital logistical support, often in hazardous conditions. Their teamwork and professionalism exemplify the highest standards of volunteer service.

Samuel Wangila Wanyonyi, Kenya Red Cross Society, Kenya
Samuel Wangila Wanyonyi is recognised for his exceptional leadership in developing Aqua Rescue operations across Kenya. His tireless efforts in training response teams and communities have greatly enhanced national disaster preparedness. During the March–May 2024 Baringo County floods, Samuel led a high-risk night mission that evacuated more than 1,000 people, demonstrating remarkable courage and humanitarian commitment.

Sarah Psaila, Auckland Coastguard, New Zealand
Sarah Psaila is recognised for her inspirational leadership and commitment to promoting gender equity in SAR. Through her co-leadership of New Zealand’s first national #WomenInSAR event and the creation of an ongoing mentoring programme, she has strengthened capability and inclusion across the sector, leaving a lasting legacy for women in maritime rescue.

Voting for the IMRF People’s Choice Award 2025 is open until 4 November 2025.

The winners of both the Patron’s Award and the People’s Choice Award will be announced on 13 November 2025 during the IMRF Annual Meeting, with results also published online.

Vote now and join us in celebrating those who go above and beyond to save lives at sea. Cast your vote here.

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