The International Maritime Rescue Federation will develop an interactive, global training platform with funding from the TK Foundation to improve maritime search and rescue capabilities and save more lives at sea.

The TK Foundation has awarded the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) a significant grant of US$450,000 to develop the first free worldwide e-learning platform for the maritime search and rescue (SAR) industry. The project represents a significant turning point in global initiatives to improve the skills of important maritime and SAR personnel and fill in vital training shortages for those who still risk their lives at sea.

SAR organizations and maritime professionals with limited resources will be able to use the platform for free in order to guarantee fair access and long-term sustainability; IMRF members will also have full access.

Every year, some 300,000 people drown in the world's oceans, including sailors, fishermen, migrants, and ferry passengers—many of whom might have been saved with proper training. The IMRF's three-year effort, which is funded by The TK Foundation, will create interactive, scenario-based e-learning modules to offer free, excellent training to SAR personnel and marine workers throughout the world.

The platform, which is based on the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manuals, will translate international SAR guidelines into easily readable, interactive content while tackling new issues like climate change, the need for humanitarian rescue, and the psychological health of SAR personnel.

"This project will help make it possible for everyone to save lives at sea by increasing the capability and confidence of those involved in rescue operations," said Caroline Jupe, CEO of the IMRF. With the help of this financing, we will be able to develop a global learning platform that will improve the expertise and hands-on training of SAR officers and commercial shipping crews throughout the world, equipping them with the abilities and self-assurance they need to react quickly when every second matters.

According to Dennis Treleaven, TK Foundation's marine Program Officer, the IMRF's e-learning project offers a creative and useful solution to one of the most important issues facing marine safety. We are investing in people, the rescuers, crews, and communities that rely on these critical abilities to save lives when we invest in training.

Early in 2026, the first training modules will be made available, and over the following three years, more information will be added.