Funding secured for maritime SAR e-learning platform 

Content will include core SAR principles such as planning, co-ordination and communications, and will address emerging challenges such as climate change, the evolving demands of humanitarian mass rescue operations and the mental health and wellbeing of SAR personnel.

To boost the mental-health services IMRF provides to seafarer and SAR providers, the federation has formed the #SARyouOK? campaign, which seeks to improve the understanding of mental health in SAR and promote better support for the wellbeing of all personnel involved in maritime emergencies.

“Building the capability and confidence of those involved in rescue operations is vital to saving lives at sea,” said IMRF chief executive Caroline Jupe. “TK Foundation funding will enable us to create a global learning platform that strengthens the knowledge and practical experience of SAR personnel and commercial shipping crews worldwide, giving them the skills and confidence they need to respond effectively when every second counts.”

The TK Foundation is a maritime philanthropic organisation supporting programmes that advance maritime education, improve seafarer welfare and strengthen community resilience

“The IMRF’s e-learning initiative is an innovative and practical response to one of the most pressing challenges in maritime safety,” said The TK Foundation maritime programme officer Dennis Treleaven. “By investing in training, we are investing in people, the rescuers, crews and communities who depend on these vital skills to save lives.”

In addition, IMO and the International Civil Aviation Organization’s joint working group on SAR (SAR-JWG) has begun advancing work toward new guidance on the psychology of emergency for possible inclusion in the IAMSAR manual.

Mental health provisions are being developed for potential inclusion in a future edition of the IAMSAR manual, which is expected around 2028, although details are still being finalised.

There are plans to introduce interim guidance to SAR services worldwide, once they are agreed, at an earlier stage.

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