Lloyd’s Register (LR) has advised about upcoming amendments to the IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue) Manual, which operators must have onboard their vessels in hard copy by 1 January 2026 to comply with SOLAS regulations.
According to LR, under SOLAS regulation V/21, all ships are required to carry an up-to-date copy of the IAMSAR Manual Volume III. As stated in MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2, the IAMSAR Manual Volume III must always be available in hard copy, as it is required for use during emergencies.
Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual will come into effect on 1 January 2026. The amendments are detailed in IMO circular MSC.1/Circ.1686. Key amendments include, but are not limited to, the following:
– Updates to Volume III related to the 2024 updates to SOLAS Global M aritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) regulations.
New Appendices Introduced:
– Appendix P (Volume I): Sample memorandum of understanding between the SAR service and the accident investigation authority
– Appendix Q (Volume I): Sample process for expeditious approval to allow SAR units from an assisting State to enter into the territory of the State of the RCC (Rescue Coordination Centre)
– Appendix W (Volume II): Night search by Aircraft using Electro-Optic/Infrared (EO/IR) equipment and/or Night Vision Devices (NVDs)
– Enhanced Guidance on Night Search Operations: Introduction of operational guidance for the use of EO/IR systems and NVDs, including a new Appendix W providing detailed guidance for RCC staff.
– New Section on Offshore Wind Farms: Addition of Section 6.15 (Volume II), covering SAR considerations for offshore wind and renewable energy installations, including coordination procedures, hazards, and communication protocols.
– Expanded guidance on access to and use of flight tracking systems and applications to support situational awareness and search planning.
These amendments have been included in IAMSAR Manual Volume III, published at the end of October 2025.