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 and represents 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 in consultative status at the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The IMRF:

• facilitates cooperation and the exchange of information, research and development, advice and consultancy between maritime SAR services around the world
• encourages and supports the formation and development of new maritime SAR services
• provides training in maritime SAR operational skills, including those required for a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO)
• promotes public education and raises awareness of the importance of safety on the water.

The World Maritime Recuse Congress 2023 (WMRC) is designed to enable people from search and rescue (SAR) services all around the world to exchange views and experience related to maritime SAR, in order to learn lessons, improve capability and, ultimately, to save lives.

WMRC 2023 is pleased to announce a Scholarship Programme aimed at participants from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), who otherwise would not be able to attend the 5th World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2023 due to financial constraints.

This programme is generously supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and hosted by The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM).

Please note the number of scholarship places is limited.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend the 5th World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) 2023, taking place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on 18-20 June 2023, to contribute to and benefit from the Congress bringing knowledge back to the SAR activities in their country.