The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) and charity working to develop and improve maritime search and rescue (SAR) capacity around the world, to reduce loss of life in the world’s waters.
Founded by the RNLI and the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution in 1924—when both those institutions were celebrating their own centenaries—the IMRF brings together the world’s maritime SAR organisations and has both voluntary and governmental organisations as members. Both founding organisations are still actively involved in the IMRF today, although the organisation has grown, with over 115 members in over 50 countries. The IMRF facilitates SAR training, provides SAR resources and connects SAR practitioners around the world to learn lessons, disseminate best practice and share information. The IMRF also has an advocacy role, providing an international voice for its members. It is the only maritime SAR NGO in consultative status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Trinity House has supported a number of IMRF projects, including the Mass Rescue Operations project and most recently the #WomenInSAR initiative.
For more information, please visit www.international-maritime-rescue.org or email Caroline Jupe at c.jupe@imrf.org.uk