The Maritime Search and Rescue Council delivers specialist SAR education and training that strengthens maritime search and rescue capability at every level. Our programmes are developed and delivered by experienced operational practitioners, and they combine internationally recognised guidance with real-world experience. What you learn can be put to use on your next shift.
Courses are available online, in person or through blended learning, and can be tailored to the operational requirements of organisations anywhere in the world.
MSARC members receive discounts on all training.
Our training portfolio
- Foundation and advanced SAR qualifications
- Command and leadership programmes
- Specialist operational courses
- Emergency medical training
- Incident management
- Communications and navigation
- Maritime fire response
- Mass rescue operations
- Internationally recognised IMO and DEFRA-aligned programmes
Our courses
A selection of our specialist maritime SAR courses. Browse the full catalogue for dates, delivery mode and booking.
Approved Training Centres
The Maritime Search and Rescue Council’s Approved Training Centre (ATC) programme recognises organisations that deliver maritime search and rescue training to internationally recognised standards. It is open to training providers, SAR organisations, government agencies and educational institutions, and it gives them a framework for delivering consistent, credible and professionally recognised training.
The Council supports each ATC to deliver approved courses, to maintain high standards of instruction and assessment, and to ensure learners are trained in line with current operational practice and international guidance. Centres receive:
- Approved MSARC training materials
- Instructor support
- Quality assurance
- The right to deliver recognised MSARC programmes under the ATC framework
Approval is a public mark of quality, and it brings your organisation into a growing international network working to advance maritime SAR capability through education. Whether you deliver existing MSARC programmes or develop bespoke courses, Approved Training Centres build competent responders and stronger SAR organisations worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What maritime search and rescue courses does MSARC offer?
MSARC delivers foundation and advanced SAR qualifications, command and leadership programmes, On-Scene Commander training aligned to IMO Model Course 3.15, SAR radar and navigation, maritime SAR law, mass rescue operations, maritime fire response, emergency medical training and incident management. Courses run online, in person or blended.
Do I need a qualification to work in maritime search and rescue?
Requirements vary by country and by role. Beyond national and STCW requirements, specialist SAR competence is not covered by general maritime qualifications, which is why MSARC and The Nautical Institute developed MSARES, the Maritime Search and Rescue Endorsement Scheme.