IAMSAR 2026 Amendments: Key Changes Explained

QUICK ANSWER: WHAT'S CHANGING IN IAMSAR 2026? IAMSAR Manual Volume III amendments become mandatory on 1 January 2026 and introduce a set of operational updates reflecting rapid changes in the maritime environment and detection technology. The revisions add dedicated material for offshore renewable energy installations, formalize night search procedures for Electro‑Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) systems and Night Vision Devices (NVDs), align GMDSS procedures with recent SOLAS communication updates, promote flight‑tracking integration for situational awareness, and supply standard templates to ease cross‑border SAR coordination. SOLAS regulation V/21 requires ships to carry the updated hard‑copy manual onboard during emergencies — electronic-only copies are not sufficient.

WHY THIS UPDATE MATTERS

The amendments respond to structural and technological shifts that materially affect SAR operations. Offshore wind farms now present distinct access and hazard profiles; EO/IR detection and NVDs have matured into reliable operational tools; and satellite and ADS‑B flight‑tracking extend situational awareness beyond traditional radar. Taken together, these changes require concrete procedural updates, crew familiarization and coordination agreements to ensure safe, efficient rescue operations in an increasingly complex maritime landscape.

OFFSHORE WIND FARMS: A NEW OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Volume II adds Section 6.15 with practical protocols for wind farm SAR. Towers, foundations and inter‑array cables create collision and diver hazards and can alter local wind and sea conditions. Rescue coordinators must compile installation layouts, cable routes and operational contacts in advance. The manual recommends establishing memoranda of understanding between Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) and wind farm operators, so controllers can rapidly obtain personnel locations, access procedures and on‑site hazard warnings during a response.

NIGHT SEARCH CAPABILITIES: EO/IR & NVD STANDARDS Appendix W standardizes night search operations using EO/IR sensors and Night Vision Devices. The guidance covers sensor limitations, ideal search altitudes and track spacing for thermal detection, and environmental effects such as rain and sea state on thermal signatures. It also prescribes crew procedures for NVD use, dark‑adaptation, and integration of infrared illuminators. Routine training and scenario‑based exercises are emphasised to reduce false positives and optimise detection probability after dark.

GMDSS MODERNIZATION & COMMUNICATIONS IAMSAR Volume III adopts GMDSS updates aligned with 2024 SOLAS revisions, integrating satellite distress systems, digital message formats and procedures for correlating duplicate alerts from multiple sources. The manual clarifies how RCCs should handle simultaneous inputs from INMARSAT, COSPAS‑SARSAT, VHF DSC and digital messaging platforms while ensuring fallback to legacy radio where necessary.

FLIGHT TRACKING FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

The manual now recommends using ADS‑B and satellite flight‑tracking feeds as supplementary tools for monitoring search asset coverage and preventing track overlap. Guidance explains how to interpret track feeds, account for transmission delays, and combine flight data with traditional radio position reports to validate area coverage in real time.

CROSS‑BORDER COORDINATION: TEMPLATES & PROCEDURES Volume I adds Appendices P & Q with sample memoranda and expedited entry procedures to enable rapid cross‑border assistance. These templates address notification, jurisdiction, evidence preservation, customs/immigration fast‑tracking and liability protections, reducing bureaucratic friction during multinational responses.

COMPLIANCE ACTIONS FOR SHIPOWNERS

Immediate steps include ordering updated hard copies, updating ship emergency procedures, and scheduling crew familiarization sessions—especially for vessels likely to respond to offshore installation incidents or conduct night searches. RCCs and national authorities should adopt the new templates and establish pre‑agreed channels with offshore operators and neighbouring states to ensure readiness.

THE BOTTOM LINE

IAMSAR 2026 modernizes SAR doctrine for a changing maritime domain. By codifying wind‑farm procedures, EO/IR and NVD operations, modern GMDSS handling, flight tracking integration and cross‑border templates, the amendments enhance operational clarity and international cooperation. Early procurement, documented procedure updates and targeted crew training will be essential to meet the 1 January 2026 deadline and to realise the safety benefits the revisions intend to deliver.