The International Maritime Rescue Federation has launched its #FutureSAR initiative that will look to identify the key challenges the global maritime search and rescue  industry will face as a result of climate change and propose guidance and best practices that will aid rescue operations in the future.

The initiative, which is being funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation, is the world’s first SAR industry-wide response to the effects of climate change on the maritime SAR sector as coastal communities, maritime activity and the infrastructure that they depend on become exposed to increasing risks.

#FutureSAR will look at how SAR services may be able to deal with climate change-related challenges, such as new rescue scenarios like storm surges, implementing new technologies such as alternative fuels, and protecting infrastructure such as lifeboat facilities.

“Climate change and the climate transition will have a major impact on maritime industries and communities. The #FutureSAR project will evaluate how SAR services will need to adapt to these profound challenges and provide a blueprint for future research and resources to help the SAR sector continue to serve the maritime community effectively,” said Caroline Jupe, Chief Executive Officer of the IMRF.

“SAR services operate in a changing risk landscape and must continually evolve to keep pace with the risks facing the communities they serve and their own operations, staff and volunteers. We are pleased to partner with the IMRF on the #FutureSAR initiative, which contributes to our mission of securing appropriate technical, operational and performance responses to climate change to enhance safety of life and property at sea,” said Jan Pryzdatek, Director of Technologies at Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

The IMRF will launch a working group, consisting of SAR organisations, technical institutes and engineering specialists, that will produce a report on the Climate Transition for Maritime SAR Services in 2024 that will be freely available to SAR organisations around the world to implement best practices for climate change-related challenges.

The #FutureSAR initiative will also look at ways the global maritime SAR community can contribute to the wider shipping industry’s drive to decarbonise and achieve net zero