The IMRF has developed the most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment. Read more
Welcome to the IMRF's IMO Documents section, containing IMO guidance which is relevant to search and rescue (SAR). Read more
The IMRF Members Knowledge Hub provides exclusive access to Members Briefings, IMO Reports, recordings of the Global Maritime SAR Forum, SAR Aviation Panel, and the slide-decks from our in-person events. Read more
Thanks to a major three-year grant from The TK Foundation, the IMRF is developing the Maritime SAR Academy - a modern, accessible e-learning programme designed to strengthen lifesaving capability worldwide. Read more
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Our high-quality resources and guidance are designed to enhance SAR capabilities worldwide and support SAR professionals and volunteers. They can be adapted to your local organisational context. Read more
As AI technologies continue to evolve, they are increasingly influencing SAR operations through applications such as search planning, situational awareness, communications, decision support and detection systems. Read more
IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Paper 111-21-2 Considerations on the need for performance standard(s) for AI systems embedded in marine equipment Read more
The IMO MSC paper calls for robust, formal standards for AI in marine equipment to ensure safety, reliability, and human control—issues directly impacting the operation of SAR vessels and aircraft. Read more
The IMRF AI Survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and all responses will be treated confidentially. Findings from the survey will form the basis of a new IMRF report, the first global benchmark study on AI in maritime SAR, which will be presented at the IMRF Conference in November 2026. Read more
This briefing paper, prepared for IMRF members, summarises IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Paper 111-21-2, which advocates for the development of formal performance standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems embedded in marine equipment. Read more
The Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme aims to foster international collaboration and skills development among RCC professionals. Read more
SAR Membership is for national SAR coordination centres, lifeboat operators, coastguards, navies, lifeguard services and any relevant organisations involved in operational maritime SAR. We include both voluntary and NGO organisations involved in SAR. Read more
Corporate Membership is for commercial companies, training centres, service providers and manufacturers which operate within maritime, naval and other relevant sectors. It is also for commercial companies with SAR capabilities, for example oil and gas and offshore wind. Read more
Affiliate Membership is for subsidiaries of full member organisations, whose prime purpose is the promotion of water safety through education and public awareness. It is also for NGOs that are not involved in operational maritime SAR and organisations that are planning to provide a maritime SAR service or function in the future. Read more
Maritime search and rescue (SAR) is the coordinated effort to locate and assist people in distress on the water. Read more