The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that supports search and rescue (SAR) organisations with the development and improvement of maritime SAR capacity. This is done by providing guidance, facilitating training and enabling SAR providers to share knowledge and expertise between members across the IMRF community. Its work spans some of the most important issues facing maritime SAR and is vital to raising and maintaining standards, as well as improving overall global SAR capability.
The first International Lifeboat Conference was held in London, England, in 1924. The conference, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, was attended by seven of the world's lifeboat organisations. It was unanimously decided by the attendees that an International Lifeboat Federation (ILF) should be established to promote, represent and support sea rescue services around the world. In 1985, the ILF was formally registered as a "non-governmental consultative organisation" by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations specialised agency for international maritime affairs.
Back in 1924, before modern radio communication or rescue helicopters were in common use, coastal maritime rescue was almost always provided by small rescue craft operated by local communities. These rescue craft were traditionally referred to as "lifeboats", before the alternate meaning—the emergency evacuation craft carried on larger ships—became common.
As technology developed, so too did maritime rescue. Most developed countries have centralised Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres, which can instantly receive maritime distress calls and co-ordinate rescue response using a range of modern maritime communication and positioning systems and search planning computers. Modern Rescue Coordination Centres have a broad range of well equipped rescue assets at their disposal, which are crewed by highly competent personnel. Rescue response would include modern surface search and rescue units, rescue helicopters and fixed-wing search aircraft as well as a range of other specialised rescue and casualty treatment teams.
The ILF played an important part in IMO's Global Search and Rescue Plan, following the adoption of the 1979 SAR Convention, and in the evolution of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System. In 1998, the ILF was awarded the International Maritime Prize of the IMO, the first time it had been awarded to an organisation rather than an individual.
In order to reflect this broader scope of modern maritime rescue activity, carried out by its member organisations, and to remove any ambiguity over the alternate meaning of the word "Lifeboat", the International Lifeboat Federation decided to change its name to International Maritime Rescue Federation in 2003, the process being completed in 2007.
On 27 September 2023, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, brother-in-law of King Charles III, was appointed patron of the IMRF.[1]
Today, the IMRF currently has close to 130 members in over 50 countries, creating an engaged and passionate global SAR community. The organisation’s influence is amplified through its consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and its role in key IMO Working Groups such as the IMO/ICAO SAR Joint Working Group.
The IMRF also leads a number of industry-wide programmes to tackle issues facing the international maritime SAR sector, including its
mental health initiative, Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) guidance project and
climate change initiative.
The organisation’s members remain its strongest asset and each year the IMRF welcomes more SAR organisations, technology and equipment suppliers, and governmental organisations, each of which support one another by sharing knowledge, experience, expertise and innovations through its programme of webinars, conferences, events, forums and other activities. By cooperating in this manner, the IMRF members can cost-effectively share the burden of developing rescue capabilities to meet ever-growing challenges by learning from the ideas and experiences of others.
The IMRF continues to be at the forefront of the maritime SAR sector, offering a vital support network to the sector worldwide, regardless of the size and scope of the member. From major international SAR organisations to small volunteer teams.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for agreeing the IMRF’s strategy and has overall control of the charity. The Trustees are elected for four years of office by the member organisations at the Quadrennial General Meeting, which takes place in conjunction with the World Maritime Rescue Congress. The most recent World Maritime Rescue Congress was held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in June 2023.
Caroline Jupe currently serves as Chief Executive.