International Maritime Rescue Federation
2017 Activity Report Preventing loss of life in the world’s waters
Our Chairman Captain Udo Fox, IMRF Trustee & Chairman “It's been an honourable tradition of the sea to help people in distress for as long as anyone can remember, and today it’s formally enshrined in both maritime and international law. “Maritime search and rescue is highly skilled, requiring expert knowledge, as well as courage. Now there are also many new innovations and exciting new technologies that can help search and rescue activities to be more effective. The IMRF's work sharing search and rescue knowledge and expertise between individuals, organisations and countries around the world is a vital part of raising and maintaining standards in a dynamic operational environment. “I urge you to consider supporting the valuable work of the IMRF, either by becoming a member or by contributing as a partner organisation. Together we can improve maritime search and rescue capability around the globe and help to save many more lives at sea”. Udo is a Master Mariner, and a Master of Business Administration. He has been Executive Director of the German Maritime SAR Service (DGzRS) since 2001, and before that Chief of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre at Bremen. He has done much work at, and on behalf of, the IMO and the EU, and is a Visiting Professor at the World Maritime University.
Our CEO Theresa Crossley, IMRF Chief Executive Officer Theresa joined the IMRF as our CEO in October 2017. Theresa has a long association with the maritime sector. She was the Head of Shipping Policy (and Chair of the UK Search and Rescue Strategic Policy Committee) in the UK Department for Transport for six years and was for five years a Deputy Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency based in Lisbon, Portugal.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
Our Organisation The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to develop and improve maritime search and rescue (SAR) capacity around the world, preventing loss of life in the world’s waters. The IMRF brings together the world's maritime SAR organisations and has both voluntary and governmental organisations as members. As well as capacity building, the IMRF also has an advocacy role, providing an international voice for its members. It is the only maritime SAR NGO with consultative status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Our work The IMRF:
• facilitates cooperation and the exchange of • • •
information, research and development, advice and consultancy between maritime search and rescue services around the world encourages and supports the formation and development of new maritime search and rescue services provides training in maritime search and rescue operational skills, including those required for a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) and, promotes public education and raises awareness of the importance of safety on the water.
The World Health Organization (WHO)1 estimates that 372,000 people drown every year. That means that, on average, one person drowns every 85 seconds, or more than 40 people around the world drown every hour – and the WHO figures do not include all of the lives lost in the world’s waters. The WHO also reports that Africa and Asia-Pacific account for almost 90% of drowning deaths, while the IMRF’s own research has found that 93% of ferry accidents and 97% of associated fatalities occur in developing countries. Many of these deaths could be prevented by improved maritime SAR services, which is why the work of the IMRF is so important. 1
372,000 LIVES LOST
in the world’s waters
EVERY YEAR
World Health Organization Global Report on Drowning 2014
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
Our achievements in 2017 We have shared knowledge, skills and resources, all with the aim of preventing loss of life at sea:
• the 6th IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange was rated ‘excellent’ • • •
by the attendees – the exchange has now involved 378 attendees from 18 countries our online open-source MRO resource library continues to grow and is recognised as one of the leading sources of information on this specialist subject. It was visited 30,217 times in 2017 - a 200% increase on 2016 our website continues to be a dynamic source of SAR information we’ve distributed four editions of the LIFE LINE newsletter, highlighting news and expert articles from around the world, in four languages.
We have represented the interests of maritime SAR organisations from around the world at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and at the International Civil Aviation Organization/IMO Joint Working Group on SAR.
• We have contributed to the revision of •
guidance on SAR cooperation planning between SAR services and passenger ships We are working to amend the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual to better reflect the changing requirements of SAR professionals today.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
The IMRF is leading and supporting SAR development around the world, facilitating workshops, holding training courses and organising regional development meetings across Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
• We ran 12 training courses for SAR personnel from different African countries • We organised regional SAR development meetings in different parts of the world • We held the 4th MRO Conference, with a unique • • •
MRO live exercise element and our first Subject-Matter Expert Course We delivered Coastguard training in the AsiaPacific Region We gave presentations on maritime SAR at top industry events We held a Fundraising Skills Share event and two Future Technology Panels.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
Our work in more detail The IMRF supports and facilitates global SAR development. The IMRF in collaboration with the IMO is working to develop maritime SAR resources and capability across Africa. With this objective in mind, the IMRF has:
• delivered 12 regional SAR training courses across Africa, with 123 participants taking part from 25 countries • facilitated three regional SAR meetings in Africa which have shared •
expert knowledge and best practice strategies, leading to the enhanced development of Government-led regional maritime SAR plans ensured that maritime SAR capabilities in Africa continue to strengthen and remain a priority.
The IMRF Asia-Pacific Regional Centre (APRC), based in Shanghai, China, has:
• delivered the keynote speech at the 6th International Search and Rescue Conference, in Chennai, India • presented at the 7th Pacific Regional Search and Rescue (PACSAR) Workshop, in Auckland, New Zealand • co-hosted the Shanghai Cruiser Safety and Emergency •
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Response Workshop, in partnership with Donghai Rescue Bureau contributed to the SAR component of the Maritime SAR, Maritime Disaster Prevention and Marine Environment Protection for Coast Guard Officials training course attended by Coastguards from across the AsiaPacific Region translated the IMO Guidelines for MRO and MRO Case Studies and promoted them to maritime SAR professionals across the AsiaPacific Region.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
The IMRF European Lifeboat Crew Exchange In 2017, 68 people from 13 countries, hosted by 11 different organisations, took part in the IMRF’s popular, highly-valued European Lifeboat Crew Exchange programme. Six of these successful Crew Exchange programmes have now taken place:
• 378 participants have taken part • 18 countries have been involved • the programme is rated ‘excellent’ by the •
majority of participants and fulfilled the expectations of all those involved 92% of participants learned something new, and all participants of the 2017 exchange would recommend it to their organisations and crews.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
The IMRF provides advocacy and advice As the international voice of maritime SAR, the IMRF plays a significant role in the development of international maritime SAR regulation and policy. Over the last year we have:
• contributed to the work of the IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of • • • •
Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, particularly the SAR Working Group attended and contributed to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/IMO Joint Working Group on SAR, undertaking extensive work on amendments to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual addressed members of the European Parliament regarding the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean provided SAR recommendations on work undertaken by the International Committee of the Red Cross on the Second Geneva Convention, supporting the work of the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group spoken in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the loss of the passenger ferry Herald of Free Enterprise in Zeebrugge.
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“The IMRF has been a strong supporter and participant in the global work undertaken by the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on Harmonisation of SAR for many years.
Their active involvement in the development of specific guidance material for the international aviation and maritime SAR community has been invaluable, especially in the area of Mass Rescue Operations, where they are deemed to be world leaders in this field.
I have no hesitation in commending the SAR project work undertaken by the IMRF and their selfless devotion to improvements in international SAR responsiveness for the benefit of the world’s aviators and mariners”.
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Mike Barton, Aeronautical SAR expert, Airspace Management and Optimization Section, Air Navigation Bureau, International Civil Aviation Organization
The IMRF is a source of expertise in Maritime Mass Rescue Operations A mass rescue operation (MRO) is defined by the IMO as “characterised by the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress such that the capabilities normally available to the SAR authorities are inadequate.” MROs are major life-threatening events beyond normal SAR service capability, and can have widespread negative effects, not just on those who are victims of the incident, but also on the responders facing a highly traumatic situation. Planning and training for such extraordinary events is essential.
In 2017, the IMRF:
• ran the fourth MRO conference, hosted by IMRF members, the Swedish Sea Rescue Society in Gothenburg, Sweden • the sold-out conference included a unique live exercise, in which • • •
delegates played leading response roles, with 140 people attending from around the world held the first MRO Subject-Matter Experts’ training course, (also sold out). Forty senior personnel with emergency planning responsibilities attended, from 18 countries updated the open source MRO on-line resource library (www.imrfmro.org). It was visited 30,217 times in 2017 - a 200% increase on 2016 updated the IAMSAR Manual’s MRO guidance, at the request of the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on SAR. Our amendments will be published in the next edition of the Manual in 2019.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
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“This has been the best brain-drain session on SAR that I have attended in my 18-year career. It was beneficial in every aspect of mass rescue operations and maritime SAR, with so much experience and knowledge shared passionately among colleagues from all corners.
I am sincerely grateful to the IMRF for opening this avenue for the Maldives and its SAR community, where this experience will be utilised in the best way possible."
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Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed, Commanding Officer of Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Ship Ghazee, talking about the MRO Subject-Matter Expert Course.
IMRF H.E.R.O. Awards The second annual IMRF H.E.R.O. Awards 2017 celebrated exceptional individuals and organisations, raising the profile and awareness of the outstanding work done by people across the maritime SAR sector. The Awards attracted more than 40 high quality nominations from around the world representing a wide range of different SAR activity.
The IMRF H.E.R.O. Award 2017 winners were: Outstanding Individual Contribution to a Maritime SAR Operation Anton Tasanen, the first mate of a dry bulk carrier, for jumping into rough seas to rescue an unconscious crewmate using the vessel’s mooring winch.
Outstanding Team Contribution to a Maritime SAR Operation The crew of MOAS (the Migrant Offshore Aid Station) vessel, The Phoenix who prevented the mass drownings of more than 1,800 people in the Mediterranean over just one weekend.
Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue The RNLI's Future Leaders Project Team 2016, for their international programme working with new and developing SAR organisations.
The Vladimir Maksimov Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Maritime SAR Sector The Association of Maritime and River Rescue in Uruguay (ADES), with special recognition for two volunteers Captain Ramón Sagüés and Engineer Otto Vicente Muzzio who established and built the organisation into the esteemed institution it is today.
The People’s Choice Award (shortlisted nomination voted for by the public) The Association of Maritime and River Rescue in Uruguay (ADES).
The Local H.E.R.O. Award (nominated by the host of the IMRF Awards) The RNLI recognised the outstanding contribution of three long service lifeboat volunteers; Richard Tollett, Rye Harbour RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager and Rod and Carole Brown from Poole Lifeboat Station. We are grateful to our H.E.R.O. Awards 2017 sponsors: Orolia/McMurdo (lead sponsor), Inmarsat, 8 West Consulting (the company that developed SafeTrx), Pole Star and Navigate PR. The H.E.R.O. Awards 2017 presentation dinner was hosted by IMRF member, RNLI. TradeWinds the global shipping news source was the media partner for the Awards.
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“There is no competition in maritime rescue, except with the elements. Cooperation is the key, locally, nationally and internationally”
Rolf Westerström, Former IMRF Chairman and Trustee
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www.international-maritime-rescue.org
Looking ahead... in 2018 The IMRF will continue to lead and support SAR development around the world.
• In 2018 the IMRF has a full and varied programme of events and • • • • • • • •
activities planned, with ten SAR training courses scheduled to take place in Africa and Regional Meetings to be held in Europe and Asia Pacific the Future Technology Panel will meet twice during 2018, to discuss the latest developments in technology our MRO Project has two scheduled workshops in Asia (Malaysia and Bangladesh) with another planned in Uruguay we will continue to develop and grow the online MRO resource library we are planning to hold a second Subject-Matter Expert Course in Sweden, in September the IMRF will continue to act as advocate for maritime SAR organisations internationally and regionally, seeking to maintain and, where necessary, improve provision all around the world we will continue to act as respected contributor, representing the maritime SAR community at the IMO and in the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on SAR through our forums and meetings, website, newsletter and the European Lifeboat Crew Exchange we will work to ensure that knowledge, skills and resources continue to be developed and shared, to help prevent loss of life in the world’s waters we will continue to raise awareness of the excellent work done by the maritime SAR community, highlighting new and innovative SAR products and technologies through the IMRF Awards 2018
SAVE THE DATE: The IMRF's World Maritime Congress (WMRC) will be held in June 2019, in Vancouver, Canada.
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
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“The IMRF has been the single biggest influencer in the development and advancement of our organization over the last 15 years. Our involvement with the IMRF has provided us with a significant amount of knowledge in regards to operations, training, and leadership which has allowed us to develop at an unprecedented rate.
“The connections we have developed through our membership with the IMRF has provided direct and clearly identifiable improvements in our organization. “Our training regime and standards were developed with significant influence and assistance from our friendships developed as part of IMRF membership. Vessel standards, policies and procedures, fundraising, governance, recruiting, and rescue training have all rapidly evolved into best practice largely due to our ability to access ideas and knowledge through our connections with the IMRF."
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Randy Strandt, Past President, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
Membership The IMRF welcomed seven new members in 2017, bringing our membership to 112 member organisations in 50 countries. IMRF membership provides a unique opportunity for SAR organisations to share knowledge, experience and expertise, through the IMRF’s programme of conferences, meetings, forums and activities. Suppliers into the sector can also attend, participate, and engage in discussions and are encouraged to share any innovations that might benefit wider SAR activities. IMRF member organisations may be large or small, newly-formed or longestablished, charities, private or public agencies, or supporting organisations and industries.
Join us…. we offer three categories of membership: Full Membership – for Rescue Coordination Centres, Lifeboat operators and any organisations involved in operational Maritime SAR who have been authorised by the appropriate authority. Affiliate Membership – for organisations intending to establish an operational maritime search and/or rescue service in the future, or those whose prime purpose is the promotion of Water Safety. Subsidiaries of full member organisations can also join as Affiliate Members. Associate Membership – for companies, service providers and manufacturers with an interest in the provision of maritime SAR, or the promotion of water safety (e.g. commercial maritime SAR equipment providers and educational establishments). The full eligibility criteria are available on line at: www.international-maritime-rescue.org
If you would like to join the IMRF, please contact Rebecca Jeffries on r.jeffries@imrf.org.uk or +44 (0)1569 767405
Europe
Middle East/Asia-Pacific
Belgium (1) Croatia (1) Cyprus (1) Denmark (4) Estonia (4) Bulgaria (1) Finland (4) France (2) Germany (5) Greece (2) Iceland (1) Ireland (3) Italy (3) Latvia (1) Malta (4) Norway (3) Poland (1) Portugal (1) Russia (2) Spain (2) Sweden (5) Switzerland (1) The Netherlands (2) Turkey (1) United Kingdom (7)
Australia (3) Bangladesh (1) China (8) India (1) Malaysia (2) New Zealand (3) Philippines (2) Sri Lanka (1) United Arab Emirates (2)
Americas Antigua (1) Brazil (3) British Virgin Islands (1) Canada (4) Chile (1) Curaçao (Caribbean) (1) Sint Maarten (Caribbean) (1) United States (4) Uruguay (1) Venezuela (1)
Africa Cape Verde (1) Kenya (2) Morocco (1) South Africa (2) Tanzania (1) Uganda (2)
Benefits of IMRF Membership
• participate in expert panels, groups and • • • • • • • •
‘skill-shares’ eg. the IMRF Future Technology Panel - to share ideas and knowledge attend the IMRF Annual Meeting in your region access the IMRF website for free advice and expertise take part in the annual European Lifeboat Crew Exchange share best practice and advice between fellow members and expert personnel contribute towards the IMRF’s work at the IMO and with other regulatory bodies, representing industry expertise and concerns receive LIFE LINE, the quarterly newsletter packed with maritime SAR news enjoy discounts on selected IMRF Events and Conferences enjoy a 20% discount in the IMRF Bookshop, on IMO and other publications
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
Support us The IMRF’s life-saving work depends entirely on the generous support of its members, partners and benefactors, please help us to prevent loss of life in the world’s waters.
If you would like to discuss IMRF sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact Caroline Jupe on c.jupe@imrf.org.uk or +44 (0)1569 767405
International Maritime Rescue Federation, 50 Allardice Street, Stonehaven AB39 2RA, UK. The International Maritime Rescue Federation is a registered company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom and registered as a charity in England and Wales. Charity Registration Number: 1100883 Company Registration Number: 4852596.