International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)

What International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) does

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is a UK-registered non-profit charity (Charity Registration Number 1100883) headquartered in Poole with a working office in London. Founded in 1924, IMRF is the only maritime search and rescue (SAR) non-governmental organization with consultative status at the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO), a position it has maintained for over 40 years. The organization coordinates a global network of 160+ member organizations spanning 50+ countries and representing more than 1,000,000 individuals involved in SAR, including coast guards, lifeboat services, rescue coordination centres, humanitarian rescue NGOs, academic institutions, and maritime technology providers.

IMRF's product portfolio is programmatic rather than commercial. Core offerings include the Maritime SAR Academy, a global e-learning platform hosted at sartraining.org and funded by a three-year TK Foundation grant, which delivers modules on the On-Scene Coordinator role, team motivation, mentoring, and cross-cultural collaboration. The #SaferSAR initiative, powered by CHIRP and backed by Lloyd's Register Foundation and Trinity House, collects anonymized incident data from SAR operations and publishes triannual Global SAR Safety Learning Logs. The Global Maritime SAR System Review (June 2025 to January 2027), conducted with Lloyd's Register Foundation and SeaFocus, runs regional workshops across Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. Additional programs include the #WomenInSAR initiative (mentoring, training, summits, workshops), the Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme, the Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme, the Global Maritime SAR Forum, MRO guidance, and an annual conference and awards programme supported by named corporate sponsors including Zhejiang Four Brothers Rope, HamiltonJet, Inmarsat Maritime, and Kpler.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of annual membership subscriptions from 160+ member organizations, grants from foundations (Lloyd's Register Foundation, TK Foundation, Trinity House Department for Transport Fund), corporate sponsorship of awards and events, donations and fundraising, paid seminars, and merchandise and publications. With a staff of approximately 13, IMRF runs a lean operation that leverages its 50+ country footprint to deliver knowledge exchange, training, advocacy at international bodies (IMO, ICAO, WHO, ICRC), and standards contribution including input to the IAMSAR Manual.

Name

International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)

Legal name

International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)

Website

https://international-maritime-rescue.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is a UK-registered non-profit charity and the only maritime SAR NGO with consultative status at the UN's International Maritime Organization, serving a global network of 160+ member organizations across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Search and Rescue Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Navigational Services to Shipping (488330)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Emergency Response & Search-and-Rescue (SAR) (BPAGAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disaster Response & Search and Rescue (SAR) (BPADADAA), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF), Maritime Incident Investigation & Forensics (Accidents, Near-Misses, Security Events) (TLAHANAK), Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD)

Keywords

• Maritime search rescue
• SAR coordination services
• Maritime e-learning
• SAR safety training
• Maritime non-governmental organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Poole

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Subscriptions: IMRF operates as a membership organization with 160+ member organizations. Members gain access to the Members' Knowledge Hub, training resources, the Maritime SAR Academy, networking, and participation in events and exchanges.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The organization accepts donations and fundraising contributions from supporters, trusts, and foundations to fund initiatives including the Global SAR System Review, Maritime SAR Academy, and #SaferSAR.
3. Grants and Foundation Funding: IMRF receives grants from foundations including Lloyd's Register Foundation (funding Global SAR System Review and #SaferSAR), TK Foundation (funding Maritime SAR Academy), and Trinity House Department for Transport Fund.
4. Merchandise and Publications: Sale of IMRF merchandise and publications including manuals, reports, and guidance documents, with hardcopies available for order alongside free digital resources.
5. Conference and Event Participation: Conference participation is free for IMRF members; non-members can attend by becoming members. Additional paid seminars such as Mental Health and Wellbeing Seminar are offered separately (£200 for members, £275 for non-members).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is a UK-registered charity and international NGO that improves maritime search and rescue (SAR) capability worldwide. It operates as a membership federation offering a portfolio of programmes including the Maritime SAR Academy e-learning platform, the #SaferSAR safety reporting system, the Global Maritime SAR Forum, the Global Maritime SAR System Review, the #WomenInSAR programme, crew exchange programmes, conferences, awards, and a free library of manuals and guidance for maritime SAR organisations.

Product overview

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is a humanitarian NGO improving maritime SAR capability worldwide. Rather than a single commercial product, IMRF offers a portfolio of programmes, platforms, and resources for the global maritime search and rescue community. The core offerings include the Maritime SAR Academy (a global e-learning platform with modules like On-Scene Coordinator Volume 3, Motivating Your Team, Mentoring, and Working Across Cultures), the #SaferSAR initiative (a safety reporting platform powered by CHIRP that produces Global SAR Safety Learning Logs), the Global Maritime SAR Forum (online events and knowledge exchange), and the Global Maritime SAR System Review (research initiative with regional workshops). Additional initiatives include the #WomenInSAR Programme (mentoring, training, and awards), Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme, Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme, MRO Guidance, IMRF Awards, and an annual Conference. IMRF also provides membership onboarding, the Members' Knowledge Hub, manuals, reports, and guidance resources. The organisation operates free learning content for members and participants from 44 low resource countries, with content delivered through a dedicated Learning Management System at sartraining.org.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Maritime SAR Academy A global e-learning platform for maritime SAR personnel and commercial seafarers, providing structured modules on On-Scene Coordinator responsibilities, team motivation, mentoring, and cross-cultural working. Funded by a three-year grant from The TK Foundation and provided free to IMRF members and participants from 44 low-resource countries.
• #SaferSAR Initiative A global confidential safety reporting platform powered by CHIRP that allows SAR personnel and organizations to share lessons and best practices from real-life SAR operations, incidents, accidents, and exercises. All data is anonymized before being shared with IMRF for analysis and disseminated through Global Safety Learning Logs published three times a year.
• Global Maritime SAR Forum (GMSF) The world's leading platform bringing the global SAR community together to exchange ideas, explore innovation, and learn from real-world experience, all with the shared goal of improving maritime search and rescue. Features online events including sessions on topics such as survival in warm and cold water.
• Global Maritime SAR System Review A comprehensive review of the global maritime SAR system, conducted in partnership with Lloyd's Register Foundation and SeaFocus, running from June 2025 to January 2027. Includes regional workshops in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific and aims to provide an evidence-based approach to addressing gaps in SAR capability.
• #WomenInSAR Programme IMRF initiative supporting women in maritime search and rescue through mentoring schemes, international training courses, workshops, summits, and a dedicated award category. Includes the #WomenInSAR Mentoring Scheme matching women mentors and mentees from the maritime SAR sector.
• Lifeboat Crew Exchange Programme International exchange programme enabling crew members from various countries and SAR organisations to broaden their skills and knowledge in SAR operations by engaging with international peers. The 12th exchange is scheduled for 19-26 September 2026.
• IMRF Awards Annual awards programme celebrating courage, teamwork, innovation, leadership, and lifetime achievement across the maritime SAR community, with categories including Outstanding Individual Contribution, Outstanding Team Contribution, Innovation and Technology, #WomenInSAR Award, Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement, People's Choice Award, and Patron's Award.
• IMRF Conference Annual international conference bringing together the global maritime SAR community for collaboration, learning, and exchange. The 2026 conference takes place on 25-26 November in St. Malo, France, hosted by SNSM, with the theme 'Navigating complexity - building safer seas through collaboration, prevention, and innovation'. Free for IMRF members.
• Rescue Coordination Centre Exchange Programme Programme fostering international collaboration and skills development among Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) professionals. Participants have opportunities to broaden expertise in SAR operations, learn new techniques, explore diverse operational structures, and bring valuable insights back to enhance their home organisations.
• Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) Guidance and Subject Matter Expert Course The most comprehensive guidance available for planning and preparing for Mass Rescue Operations (MROs) in the maritime environment, including the MRO Subject Matter Expert Course. Designed for SAR professionals responsible for coordinating large-scale maritime emergencies.
• IMRF Membership and Members' Knowledge Hub Membership onboarding for organisations involved in maritime SAR, including emergency response services, humanitarian rescue organisations, satellite technology providers, academic institutions, and aviation regulators. Members gain access to the Members' Knowledge Hub, Maritime SAR Academy, training opportunities, conferences, and the Global Maritime SAR network.

Quantifiable outcome

• 134 participants from 35 organisations across 20 countries at previous conference
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Maritime Organization (IMO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMRF is the only maritime SAR NGO with consultative status at the UN's International Maritime Organization. The organization actively advocates for the global SAR community at IMO meetings, contributes to policy development, and has influence over international SAR standards and guidance including the IAMSAR Manual.
• World Health Organization (WHO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMRF plays an important role in global drowning-prevention efforts through collaboration with the World Health Organization.
• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMRF is committed to exploring the legal and operational challenges of maritime SAR in the context of armed conflict at sea in collaboration with the ICRC.
• ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMRF participates in the Joint ICAO/IMO Working Group on Search and Rescue (SAR JWG), contributing to international SAR guidance and procedures.
• University of QueenslandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading the 'Batteries at Sea and the Global SAR Community' research project with IMRF and international partners, exploring challenges of lithium-ion battery fires on ships and SAR response.
• Cranfield UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration funded by Lloyd's Register Foundation investigating how safety practices are adopted across maritime SAR settings, examining factors influencing success or failure.
• CHIRPcoreTechnology or IntegrationTrusted platform powering the #SaferSAR safety reporting system. All data is anonymized before being shared with IMRF for analysis.
• SeaFocuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for the Global Maritime SAR System Review, collaborating on comprehensive review of the global maritime SAR system running June 2025 to January 2027.
• SNSM (French National Sea Rescue Society)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of IMRF Conference 2026 in St. Malo, France. Organised by IMRF and hosted by SNSM, bringing together the global maritime SAR community.
• Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, GhanaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted the regional workshop of the Global Maritime SAR System Review at their state-of-the-art maritime training centre in Accra, Ghana.
• Trinity HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in #SaferSAR initiative funded by Trinity House Department for Transport Fund. Venue for battery fires workshop alongside University of Queensland.
• KNRM (Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosting the fourth international #WomenInSAR training in the Netherlands, 27-30 August 2026.
• Swedish Sea Rescue SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of World Maritime Rescue Congress 2027 and Quadrennial General Meeting 2027 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): Global humanitarian NGO that coordinates a worldwide network of national societies for disaster response and emergency aid. This is the closest functional analogue to IMRF, which coordinates a global network of maritime SAR organisations via membership, training, and IMO advocacy.

Regional players

• Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM): French national maritime SAR charity and IMRF member hosting IMRF Conference 2026 in St. Malo. Comparability is on volunteer maritime SAR delivery, training, and direct participation in IMRF events and conferences.
• KNRM (Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij): Dutch maritime SAR charity running rescue stations along the North Sea coast, hosting the 2026 #WomenInSAR training and serving on the IMRF network. Comparability stems from volunteer maritime SAR operations, training delivery, and participation in IMRF-hosted programmes.
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI): UK-based charity operating the world's largest volunteer lifeboat fleet and a major IMRF member. Comparability to IMRF lies in maritime SAR mission, free public resources, training programmes, and Awards recognition; IMRF member status makes RNLI more of a constituent than a competitor.
• Sea-Eye: German humanitarian maritime rescue NGO operating in the Mediterranean and recent IMRF member. Comparability stems from volunteer humanitarian SAR delivery, IMRF membership, and cross-border SAR coordination.

Broad incumbents

• International Maritime Organization (IMO): United Nations specialised agency that regulates international shipping and with which IMRF holds consultative status. Comparability sits in shaping global maritime SAR standards (IAMSAR Manual), but IMO is a regulator and IMRF is an NGO advisor, not a competitor.
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): UN agency that jointly owns SAR standards with IMO via the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on SAR. Comparability is in international SAR policy frameworks, though ICAO focuses on aviation SAR and is more a partner than peer.
• European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA): EU agency providing maritime safety, security and response capability support including pollution response coordination. Comparability comes from regional maritime safety coordination and training services that overlap with IMRF's regional workshop and academy offerings.

Others

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Neutral humanitarian organisation working with IMRF on the legal and operational challenges of maritime SAR in armed conflict at sea. Comparability is in international humanitarian SAR missions and IGO/NGO policy collaboration rather than direct service competition.
• World Health Organization (WHO): UN agency partnering with IMRF on global drowning-prevention efforts. Comparability is in cross-IGO drowning prevention advocacy, not direct maritime SAR service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/IMRF_
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-maritime-rescue-federation-imrf-

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)