The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual is the definitive international guide for a unified approach to organizing and executing SAR operations, published jointly by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Its core purpose is to standardize procedures, terminology, and communication between aircraft and vessels globally, ensuring a fast, coordinated Manual is structured into three essential volumes, each catering to a distinct user group:
Volume I (Organization and Management): Focuses on establishing and improving national and regional SAR systems and cooperation between States.
Volume II (Mission Co-ordination): Assists personnel who plan and coordinate SAR operations and exercises, primarily for Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) staff.
Volume III (Mobile Facilities): This is the mandatory carriage document for ships under SOLAS Regulation V/21. It provides guidance for personnel aboard rescue units, aircraft, and, crucially, all merchant vessels on how to perform search, rescue, or on-scene coordinator (OSC) functions.
The world's search and rescue landscape is constantly evolving, driven by new technologies, geopolitical cooperation needs, and changes to the maritime operating environment. Effective from 1 January 2026, the IAMSAR Manual will incorporate a critical new set of amendments, issued via IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1686. These changes go far beyond simple editorial cleanup; they mandate an operational shift that every shipowner, operator, and master must integrate into their safety culture.
Under the aforementioned SOLAS V/21, all ships must carry an up-to-date hard copy of IAMSAR Volume III, explicitly for use during real emergencies when digital systems may be unavailable. The upcoming amendments fundamentally impact how ships communicate, coordinate, and execute SAR operations in a world of revised GMDSS regulations, advanced sensors, offshore wind farms, and dense mixed trafficator, and effective response to distress calls.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://maritimecyprus.com/2025/11/25/maritime-compliance-iamsar-manual-2026-amendments/