IMRF and IMSO join forces to strengthen maritime safety
The IMRF and the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the organisations and help bridge the gap between distress communications and SAR response. The agreement was approved by the IMSO Assembly on Tuesday 13 October 2026.
While IMSO supports the reliability of satellite communications that are vital to maritime safety, the IMRF brings together SAR organisations working to save lives around the world. By sharing knowledge, working more closely together and engaging on issues of common interest, the two organisations aim to help ensure that people in distress on the world’s waters receive the help they need, supporting the IMRF’s vision of zero lives lost.
During the IMSO Assembly, the IMRF also presented emerging findings from the Global Maritime SAR System Review. The presentation highlighted areas where IMSO’s work intersects with the IMRF, including the need for a better understanding of false distress alerts and calls. Building a clearer picture of these challenges will be an important step towards improving maritime SAR across the world.
Caroline Jupe, IMRF CEO, said: “Strong global cooperation is essential for effective maritime SAR, so we are delighted to collaborate with IMSO. This gives us an opportunity to share perspectives, better understand the challenges facing the global SAR system and identify where we can make a difference together.”
Laurent Parenté, Director General of IMSO, commented: “IMSO is committed to ensuring reliability of satellite communications for maritime distress alerting and safety. We look forward to working closely with the IMRF to advance our shared commitment to maritime safety and the protection of lives at sea.”
The partnership will help advance global maritime SAR efforts by strengthening cooperation between distress communications and response organisations, contributing to the IMRF vision of zero lives lost on the world’s waters.
Source : IMRF
