IMRF and Lloyd’s Register Foundation Launch Global Strategic Review of Maritime Search and Rescue Systems
On June 16, the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, announced the launch of the first-ever strategic assessment of global maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) systems. This comprehensive initiative aims to evaluate current capabilities and identify critical gaps in SAR systems at local, national, and international levels.
The review will address emerging challenges such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and economic pressures that could significantly impact maritime rescue operations over the next two decades.
Key stakeholders involved in the review include local and national SAR organizations, government agencies, commercial shipping operators, and artisanal fishing communities.
“Those in distress at sea depend on timely and effective responses from all parts of the global SAR network,” said Caroline Jupe, CEO of IMRF. “This comprehensive global review will help pinpoint existing capability gaps, foster cross-border collaboration, and lay the groundwork for a safer maritime future.”
The initiative builds on ongoing collaborative efforts, including the FutureSAR project, which focuses on addressing climate-related challenges, and the SaferSAR initiative, which aims to improve data sharing among the maritime SAR community.
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of maritime rescue capabilities following recent incidents. In May, an investigation into the Fremantle Highway fire by the Dutch Safety Board revealed significant vulnerabilities in emergency response systems in the North Sea, including coordination issues among multiple agencies and weaknesses in emergency protocols.
