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. The 2025 edition includes amendments, adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and approved by the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at its 109th session in December 2024 by means of MSC.1/Circ.1686, which become applicable on 1st January 2026.
Abbreviations and acronyms
Foreword
Glossary
Chapter 1: General system concept
Chapter 2: System components
Chapter 3: Training, qualification, certification and exercises
Chapter 4: Communications
Chapter 5: System management
Chapter 6: Improving services
Appendices
Appendix A: Sample legislation establishing a SAR organization
Appendix B: Supply pictograms
Appendix C: Sources for SAR assistance
Appendix D: Information sources
Appendix E: False alerts
Appendix F: Alerting and locating capability preferences for new mobile satellite systems used for distress alerting
Appendix G: Mobile communication services
Appendix H: National self-assessment on search and rescue system
Appendix I: SAR agreements
Appendix J: Sample national SAR committee interagency agreement
Appendix K: Model agreement for the division of responsibility between the SAR Authority and the Air Traffic Services provider in providing emergency response services for aircraft
Appendix L: Applying risk management principles to assess SAR response and SAR system performance
Appendix M: National responsibilities of Contracting States under international conventions
Appendix N: Sample contract between the rescue coordination centre and the telemedical assistance service for the provision of medical advice and assistance to masters of ships at sea
Appendix O: Sample template for a joint search and rescue exercise
Appendix P: Sample memorandum of understanding between the SAR service and the accident investigation authority
Appendix Q: Sample process for expeditious approval to allow SAR units from an assisting State to enter into the territory of the State of the RCC
