Jointly published by IMO and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the three-volume IAMSAR Manual provides guidelines for a common aviation and maritime approach to organizing and providing search and rescue (SAR) services.
Explore the world of Search and Rescue with the IAMSAR collection, featuring essential manuals for maritime and aviation operations. Stay up-to-date with the latest editions, ensuring compliance with international guidelines and improving response efficiency.
The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual is a manual for organization and operation of maritime and aviation search and rescue.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has advised about upcoming amendments to the IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue) Manual, which operators must have onboard their vessels in hard copy by 1 January 2026 to comply with SOLAS regulations.
Each IAMSAR Manual volume is written with specific SAR system duties in mind, and can be used as a stand-alone document or, in conjunction with the other two volumes, as a means to attain a full view of the SAR system.
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.
Short Overview The Organization and Management volume discusses the global search and rescue (SAR) system concept, establishment and improvement of national and regional SAR systems, and cooperation with neighbouring States to provide effective and economical SAR services. A new edition of the IAMSAR Manual is published every three years.