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25 July 2025
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Global SAR experts gather in Gothenburg for landmark G6 Mass Rescue Conference
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in collaboration with the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS), successfully hosted the G6 Mass Rescue Conference and Subject-Matter Expert Course in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 15 to 20 June 2025. The three-day G6 conference, hosted by SSRS, welcomed over 140 participants from more than 20 countries and brought together maritime SAR professionals from around the world to explore evolving challenges and solutions in mass rescue operations (MROs). This year’s theme, “Dynamic Solutions in a Changing Environment”, reflected the growing complexity of global SAR, from climate change to technological transformation. The subsequent MRO Subject-Matter Expert Course took place at Chalmers University of Technology, offering a focused environment for in-depth learning and discussion.
The conference opened with a live MRO exercise in Gothenburg’s archipelago, involving an electrically powered ferry evacuation and lifeboat transfers coordinated by SSRS. While conducted in good weather and controlled conditions, the exercise offered delegates valuable first-hand insight into the practical realities of mass evacuations at sea. The day concluded with a networking reception at historic Älvsborg Fortress.
Day two of the conference featured a deeply moving keynote from MS Estonia survivor Sara Hedrenius, who recounted her experience of the 1994 disaster and her long path to recovery. She was joined by Torbjörn Olsen, the rescue diver who saved her life that brought a deeply moving human perspective to the technical discussions that followed. Sessions later in the day explored operational lessons from remote MROs, the role of merchant shipping and the oil and gas industry in SAR, the global development of SAR systems, and advanced in retrieval of people from water. Clay Evans, IMRF MRO Project Lead, also presented the updated IMRF Mass Rescue Operations Guidance.
Another highlight of the day was a session delivered by Abby Zeith from the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC), who spoke about the evolution of international humanitarian law at sea. Her presentation also examined how the humanitarian status of SAR craft in conflict situations can vary depending on whether they are civilian, auxiliary or government operated, with implications for their protection under the Geneva Conventions.
The final day of the conference looked to the future, focusing on emerging trends and technologies that are reshaping mass rescue. Presentations explored the implications of climate change, autonomous shipping, and the increasing complexity of SAR operations. Psychological safety, mental health, and decision-making under pressure were also key themes, reflecting a growing recognition of the human factors involved in successful rescue. The day concluded with global case studies, digital SAR tools such as MarTRX, and expert insight on building scalable, adaptable MRO plans.
Throughout the event, delegates benefited from dedicated networking opportunities, including a conference dinner and informal breaks, helping to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange across the SAR community.
Following the main conference, a three-day MRO Subject-Matter Expert Course brought together 14 participants and 4 facilitators from 11 countries for in-depth training and discussion. Participants included individuals with direct experience in major SAR incidents, bringing real-world insight into the course content. The level of expertise and knowledge-sharing in the room was remarkable, with rich conversations on the challenges, innovations, and lessons learned from past MROs. Many attendees reported that the course significantly improved their confidence and capability to lead or contribute to mass rescue planning and response in their home countries.
The IMRF would like to thank its partners, presenters, and sponsors for making this event a resounding success. As a result of the conference and course, several concepts are now under consideration for future IMRF projects and outputs, aimed at strengthening global preparedness on the world’s waters.
All G6 presentations will be added to the Members Area of the IMRF website in the coming week, allowing members who could not attend the conference to access the resources as well.
Source: International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)
The conference opened with a live MRO exercise in Gothenburg’s archipelago, involving an electrically powered ferry evacuation and lifeboat transfers coordinated by SSRS. While conducted in good weather and controlled conditions, the exercise offered delegates valuable first-hand insight into the practical realities of mass evacuations at sea. The day concluded with a networking reception at historic Älvsborg Fortress.
Day two of the conference featured a deeply moving keynote from MS Estonia survivor Sara Hedrenius, who recounted her experience of the 1994 disaster and her long path to recovery. She was joined by Torbjörn Olsen, the rescue diver who saved her life that brought a deeply moving human perspective to the technical discussions that followed. Sessions later in the day explored operational lessons from remote MROs, the role of merchant shipping and the oil and gas industry in SAR, the global development of SAR systems, and advanced in retrieval of people from water. Clay Evans, IMRF MRO Project Lead, also presented the updated IMRF Mass Rescue Operations Guidance.
Another highlight of the day was a session delivered by Abby Zeith from the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC), who spoke about the evolution of international humanitarian law at sea. Her presentation also examined how the humanitarian status of SAR craft in conflict situations can vary depending on whether they are civilian, auxiliary or government operated, with implications for their protection under the Geneva Conventions.
The final day of the conference looked to the future, focusing on emerging trends and technologies that are reshaping mass rescue. Presentations explored the implications of climate change, autonomous shipping, and the increasing complexity of SAR operations. Psychological safety, mental health, and decision-making under pressure were also key themes, reflecting a growing recognition of the human factors involved in successful rescue. The day concluded with global case studies, digital SAR tools such as MarTRX, and expert insight on building scalable, adaptable MRO plans.
Throughout the event, delegates benefited from dedicated networking opportunities, including a conference dinner and informal breaks, helping to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange across the SAR community.
Following the main conference, a three-day MRO Subject-Matter Expert Course brought together 14 participants and 4 facilitators from 11 countries for in-depth training and discussion. Participants included individuals with direct experience in major SAR incidents, bringing real-world insight into the course content. The level of expertise and knowledge-sharing in the room was remarkable, with rich conversations on the challenges, innovations, and lessons learned from past MROs. Many attendees reported that the course significantly improved their confidence and capability to lead or contribute to mass rescue planning and response in their home countries.
The IMRF would like to thank its partners, presenters, and sponsors for making this event a resounding success. As a result of the conference and course, several concepts are now under consideration for future IMRF projects and outputs, aimed at strengthening global preparedness on the world’s waters.
All G6 presentations will be added to the Members Area of the IMRF website in the coming week, allowing members who could not attend the conference to access the resources as well.
Source: International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF)