International Scholarship Programme
International Scholarship Programme
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.
Deadline for submission of applications
The application and supporting documents must be received by 30 March 2023. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Please note: Application form must be completed in English.
Applications are now closed.
Recipients of the Scholarship, as well as unsuccessful applicants, will be notified after 14 April 2023.
Applicants must:
- Hold a relevant professional or voluntary position related to maritime search and rescue field in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) or Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
- Be able to communicate in English
The Scholarship will only cover:
- Return economy air travel from the applicant’s country to Amsterdam, The Netherlands (travel to be arranged by the WMRC 2023 Secretariat)
- Visa cost (if applicable). Successful scholars will be responsible for the visa application in their home country.
WMRC 2023 only covers the cost of the visa. We do not cover any other costs you might incur in obtaining the visa such as transport costs. - 3-night (18-20 June 2023) hotel stay at the SS Rotterdam (Congress venue)
- Registration fee for the WMRC 2023
- Food and beverages for the Congress days (18-20 June 2023)
Please note the scholarship will not cover any other charges, such as airport transfers, meals outside the Congress dates, public transport tickets, etc.
Applications will only be considered if the application form is completed in full and the following supporting documentation is provided:
- Evidence of organisational lack of funds (for example your organisation’s financial annual report, accountant report, or similar)
The selection of scholars will take place after this date. Recipients of the Scholarship, as well as unsuccessful applicants, will be notified after 14 April 2023. Applicants with protected characteristics are particularly invited to apply.
If you have any questions related to the application process, please contact wmrc2023@icsevents.com