The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the first non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), marking a significant milestone in the future regulation of autonomous and remotely operated shipping. Read more
The IMRF, alongside the IMO, Morocco’s Secretariat of State in charge of Marine Fisheries and HM Coastguard UK, brought together maritime SAR professionals from multiple countries to share operational experience, strengthen cooperation and enhance Mass Rescue Operations capability. Read more
By joining the Global Alliance for Drowning Prevention, the IMRF will help shape international policy, improve rescue capability and support evidence-based interventions aimed at saving lives. Read more
On the International Day for Women in Maritime, the IMRF recognises the contribution of women across the maritime sector and continues its work to advance inclusion through the #WomenInSAR initiative. This feature spotlights Dr Evette Johnson Smith, President of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean and a leading voice in maritime education and gender inclusion. Read more
Jaakko Heikkilä, IMRF International Programme Manager, discusses the “Improving the effectiveness of safety interventions in maritime SAR” research, showing why maritime SAR solutions, from lifeboat design to crew training, rarely transfer directly from one country to another. Read more
A new study led by Cranfield University in collaboration with the IMRF, shows why safety practices in maritime search and rescue do not always transfer easily between organisations and countries - adapting them to local contexts can improve outcomes worldwide. Read more
How can safety practices developed in one maritime SAR organisation work just as effectively in another? Read more
The IMRF attended the North Atlantic Coast Guard Forum in Iceland, contributing to discussions on SAR, maritime safety and emerging operational challenges. Read more
Maritime SAR professionals from across Europe gathered in Poland for another vital IMRF workshop, contributing regional insights to its Global Maritime SAR System Review Read more
Become a member of the IMRF today and join the wider global SAR community to learn, exchange ideas, and connect. Read more
The IMRF is now capturing how AI is being used across maritime SAR, helping to identify key trends, challenges and opportunities for the sector, with findings set to inform discussions at the IMRF Conference later this year. Read more
This Earth Day, the IMRF outlines how the #FutureSAR climate change initiative is helping the global maritime SAR community adapt to rising environmental risks through stronger training, collaboration and more sustainable operations. Read more
The Multiple Persons in Water Triage Tool offers a practical, evidence-based approach to prioritising rescues during mass rescue operations. Read more
With expertise spanning maritime risk, crisis response and search and rescue, Vanguard Tech brings a data-driven, people-first approach to protecting crews and supporting life-saving operations worldwide. Read more
In the British Virgin Islands, VISAR is using IMRF materials to train crews, empower volunteers and support women in search and rescue. Read more
The RNLI recently brought together crew members who travelled to France, Sweden and the Netherlands as part of the IMRF’s Lifeboat Crew Exchange to share how the programme is shaping leadership, training and cooperation across SAR services. Read more
The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) is making a number of its current rescue boats available for sale as part of its fleet renewal programme. Read more
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The Academy continues to expand access and collaboration across the SAR community, with its first e-learning module, ‘On-Scene Coordinator’, scheduled for release in April. Read more
Kewatec, Caribbean Maritime University, INTERCARGO, Ruth Lee and Vanguard Tech join the IMRF, strengthening collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing in SAR worldwide. Read more
IMRF CEO Caroline Jupe and IMO Representative and SAR Advisor Roly McKie issued a statement this week following the IMO Extraordinary Council Meeting (C/ES.36) focusing on the impact on shipping and seafarers in the Middle East Gulf region. Read more
Be part of shaping the future of maritime search and rescue training. The Maritime SAR Academy is calling for volunteers to test new learning modules and contribute their expertise to this growing global initiative. Read more
Maritime SAR professionals from across the globe gathered to take part in the first IMRF Coast Guard Exchange Programme, spending five days in Ireland and the United Kingdom to observe operations, share expertise and strengthen international coordination. Read more
The IMRF resisted proposals at the IMO to reduce SAR training requirements to Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), securing international support and reinforcing the importance of strengthening maritime SAR competencies. Read more