The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in partnership with the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, has initiated the first comprehensive global review of maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) systems. This strategic assessment aims to evaluate the effectiveness of SAR capabilities across local, national, and international levels, identifying critical gaps and emerging risks. The review will also deliver long-term, evidence-based recommendations to enhance the resilience and reach of SAR operations worldwide.
The review will examine various challenges, including the impacts of climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic pressures, which could influence maritime SAR operations over the next 10 to 20 years. It will also focus on understanding regional disparities in SAR capacity and promoting international collaboration. Stakeholders involved in the assessment include SAR organizations, governments, commercial shipping operators, artisanal fishing communities, academics, and technology developers.
Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF, emphasized the importance of timely and effective SAR responses for those in distress at sea. She stated that this comprehensive global review would help identify persistent gaps in capabilities and lay the groundwork for a safer maritime future. Jan Przydatek, Director of Technologies at the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, highlighted that robust and effective SAR systems are critical to global maritime safety, and this project empowers SAR communities to act collaboratively to keep more people safe at sea.
This initiative builds upon previous collaborations between the IMRF and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, including the #FutureSAR program, which addresses SAR operations under climate stress, and the #SaferSAR feasibility study, focused on improving data sharing and best practices across the SAR community.
The launch of this global review comes at a time when maritime SAR capabilities are under increased scrutiny, following recent incidents that have revealed vulnerabilities in emergency response systems. The findings and recommendations from this review are expected to inform future strategies and policies aimed at strengthening maritime SAR operations worldwide.