Upcoming Amendments to IAMSAR Manual Require Ship Operator Action by January 2026

11/17/2025

Enhancing Global Search and Rescue Capabilities

In a significant update to international maritime safety protocols, amendments to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual will come into effect on 1 January 2026. These comprehensive revisions, detailed in IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1686, introduce critical enhancements to search and rescue (SAR) operations, particularly addressing emerging technologies and new offshore infrastructure developments.

The IAMSAR Manual, jointly published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), provides standardized global guidelines for coordinating and conducting search and rescue operations across aviation and maritime domains . For the maritime industry, Volume III of the manual—commonly carried aboard rescue units, aircraft, and vessels—provides essential guidance for performing search and rescue coordinator functions and managing emergencies .

Under SOLAS regulation V/21, all ships must carry an up-to-date copy of the IAMSAR Manual Volume III available in hard copy format at all times, as it is required for use during emergencies. The upcoming amendments represent the most significant updates to these protocols in recent years, reflecting evolving technologies and operational challenges in maritime rescue operations.

Key Amendments at a Glance

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Detailed Breakdown of Key Amendments

1. Modernized Distress and Safety Communication Protocols

The amendments incorporate critical updates to Volume III aligned with the 2024 revisions to SOLAS Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) regulations. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of maritime communication technologies, ensuring that distress signaling, response coordination, and information sharing capabilities leverage current technological standards while maintaining backward compatibility with existing systems.

2. Enhanced Night Search Capabilities

A significant advancement in the amendments is the introduction of comprehensive guidance for night search operations. The new Appendix W in Volume II provides detailed protocols for Rescue Coordination Center staff on employing Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) systems and Night Vision Devices (NVDs). These technologies dramatically improve detection capabilities during darkness or reduced visibility conditions, potentially increasing success rates for nighttime SAR missions where visual identification has traditionally been challenging.

3. Addressing Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure

With the rapid global expansion of offshore wind farms, the IAMSAR Manual now includes a dedicated Section 6.15 in Volume II covering SAR considerations for offshore renewable energy installations. This section addresses unique challenges such as navigation hazards, modified communication protocols, and coordination procedures between SAR teams and installation operators. The guidance helps SAR planners account for these structures when planning operations and establishes clear protocols for emergencies occurring in or near these facilities.

4. Integration of Modern Flight Tracking Systems

The amendments expand guidance on accessing and utilizing flight tracking systems and applications to support situational awareness and search planning. This reflects the increasing capability of modern tracking technologies such as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) and satellite-based systems that provide global, real-time aircraft monitoring . These systems offer enhanced precision and broader coverage compared to traditional radar, particularly in remote regions or oceanic areas where ground-based infrastructure is limited .

5. Streamlined International SAR Cooperation

New appendices include templates for cross-border coordination, addressing legal and procedural frameworks for international SAR response. Appendix P provides a sample memorandum of understanding between SAR services and accident investigation authorities, while Appendix Q offers a sample process for expeditious approval to allow SAR units from an assisting State to enter the territory of the State coordinating the rescue effort.

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Compliance Timeline and Action Required

January 1, 2026: Mandatory Implementation Date

The amendments to the IAMSAR Manual will come into effect globally on 1 January 2026, making compliance mandatory for all affected vessels from this date. This implementation timeline follows the pattern of previous IAMSAR updates, such as the 2019 amendments which became applicable on 1 July 2019 .

Immediate Actions for Shipowners and Operators

• Procure updated manuals: Obtain the revised IAMSAR Manual Volume III, which was published at the end of October 2025 .

• Ensure hard copy availability: Place the updated manual onboard all applicable vessels in hard copy format as required by MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2, since electronic versions alone do not comply with regulations.

• Update vessel documentation: Review and revise vessel-specific emergency procedures and checklists to align with the new requirements.

• Schedule training: Plan training sessions for ship masters and key crew members on the amended procedures, particularly regarding the new night search and offshore wind farm guidance.

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Industry Implications and Safety Enhancements

These amendments represent a significant step forward in maritime safety, incorporating lessons learned from past incidents and leveraging technological advancements to improve rescue outcomes. The explicit recognition of offshore renewable energy installations acknowledges the changing seascape and ensures SAR planning remains relevant amid evolving maritime infrastructure.

The enhanced guidance on night operations addresses a historically challenging aspect of search and rescue, where limited visibility has hampered effectiveness. By standardizing procedures for using EO/IR and NVD technologies, the amendments promise to reduce response times and improve detection capabilities during critical nighttime hours.

The integration of modern flight tracking systems acknowledges the importance of real-time situational awareness in coordinating complex multi-asset rescue operations. As noted in search results, technologies like ADS-B and satellite tracking provide comprehensive coverage even in remote regions where traditional radar systems have limitations .

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Conclusion: Preparing for the 2026 Implementation

The upcoming amendments to the IAMSAR Manual represent a comprehensive update to international search and rescue protocols, reflecting technological advancements and addressing emerging maritime industries. For shipowners, operators, and masters, timely compliance is not merely a regulatory obligation but an investment in enhanced safety capabilities that could prove critical during emergency situations.

The January 1, 2026 implementation date provides sufficient lead time for the industry to procure updated manuals, train personnel, and integrate the new procedures into existing safety management systems. As with previous amendment cycles , this update ensures that the IAMSAR Manual remains a living document that evolves to meet contemporary SAR challenges while maintaining its foundational goal of preserving life at sea.

*Disclaimer: This article provides a general overview of the upcoming IAMSAR Manual amendments. For specific implementation guidance, please refer to the complete IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1686 and the official IAMSAR Manual Volume III published by the International Maritime Organization.*