What's New in IAMSAR Volume 3 Mobile Coordination Center Edition 2025

by Maya Deiss December 22, 2025

Understanding IAMSAR Volume 3: The Three-Volume Framework

The IAMSAR Manual consists of three distinct volumes serving different operational levels:

  • Volume I: Organization and management of national and regional SAR systems (government focus)

  • Volume II: Mission coordination and planning for search and rescue operations (operational planning)

  • Volume III: Mobile facilities guidance for rescue units, aircraft, and vessels (field operations)

IAMSAR Volume 3 specifically addresses personnel and equipment conducting actual rescue operations. This is the operational manual, the one providing procedures for on-scene coordinators, rescue crews, and assisting merchant vessels during maritime emergencies.

Historical Evolution

The lineage reveals maritime's commitment to continuous SAR improvement:

  • 1971: IMO publishes Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR)

  • 1978: IMO publishes Search and Rescue Manual (IMOSAR)

  • 1999: IAMSAR Manual adopted by IMO and ICAO, replacing predecessors

  • 2025: Current edition with latest mobile coordination center updates

Amendments occur every three years through the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on Harmonization of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue.

Why IAMSAR Volume 3 2025 Edition Matters

When maritime emergencies occur, effective coordination between rescue aircraft, vessels, and rescue units determines survival rates. The IAMSAR Volume 3 Mobile Coordination Center edition represents the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) and International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) most current standards for managing rescue operations.

Since the IAMSAR Manual was jointly adopted in 1999 replacing the earlier MERSAR (1971) and IMOSAR (1978) manuals these comprehensive guidelines have evolved to address modern challenges. The 2025 edition introduces significant updates for mobile facilities operations that directly impact how vessels, rescue units, and aircraft coordinate during search and rescue operations.

IAMSAR Volume 3 is the operational manual carried aboard rescue vessels, helicopters, and aircraft to guide real-time decision-making during emergencies. Whether you're a vessel master, rescue unit commander, or on-scene coordinator, understanding these updates ensures your organization operates at current industry standards.

What's New in IAMSAR Volume 3 2025 Edition

Modern rescue operations increasingly involve coordinated action between maritime assets, aviation units, and land-based facilities operating in real-time across oceanic regions.

Key Updates:

  • Clearer procedures for vessels acting as on-scene coordinators when no dedicated rescue unit is present

  • Enhanced guidance for commercial vessels that must assist in maritime rescue operations per maritime law

  • Improved communication protocols between vessel bridge teams and aerial rescue assets

  • Updated procedures for coordinating multiple rescue units in large-scale emergencies

Practical Impact: Vessel masters now have detailed instructions for assuming coordination responsibilities during SAR operations, reducing ambiguity during critical moments.

Modern Navigation Technology Integration

The 2025 edition addresses digital transformation of maritime emergency response:

  • Electronic Navigation Integration: Guidance on using Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) during SAR operations

  • Satellite Positioning: Updated procedures for modern satellite positioning systems

  • Digital Communication: Enhanced procedures for modern maritime communication platforms

  • Data Sharing: Secure information flow across multi-organizational response teams

Updated On-Scene Coordinator Functions

The on-scene coordinator role has expanded as emergencies involve diverse vessel types and international response agencies.

2025 Updates Include:

  • Enhanced decision-making frameworks for multiple concurrent rescue cases

  • Updated procedures for coordinating military and civilian rescue assets simultaneously

  • Improved guidance for handling medical emergencies concurrent with rescue operations

  • Clearer protocols for documenting SAR operations for investigation and learning

Mobile Facilities: The Operational Backbone

IAMSAR Volume 3 defines mobile facilities as rescue units, aircraft, and vessels actively involved in search and rescue operations:

Rescue Units: Specialized vessels and aircraft trained solely for rescue operations, operating under national SAR systems

Rescue Aircraft: Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft conducting aerial search, rescue, and medical evacuation

Merchant Vessels: Commercial shipping vessels called upon to assist in maritime rescue operations, following clearer 2025 procedures

On-Scene Coordinators: Personnel directing rescue operations at the scene; expanded 2025 guidance covers decision-making and multi-asset coordination

On-Scene Coordinator Responsibilities (2025 Edition)

The on-scene coordinator function represents the most critical role in maritime emergency response.

Assessment and Planning:

  • Evaluate emergency situations and determine resource requirements

  • Develop rescue strategy based on available assets and conditions

  • Assess environmental factors (weather, sea state, visibility)

  • Determine priorities for multiple concurrent rescue cases

Coordination and Command:

  • Direct rescue units toward victims

  • Manage communications between responding assets

  • Maintain operational awareness of all assets

  • Make real-time adjustments based on developing situations

Documentation:

  • Maintain detailed operational logs

  • Coordinate information flow to shore-based SAR centers

  • Preserve evidence for investigations

  • Record all major decisions and rationale

Practical Application: Container Ship Distress

Scenario: Container vessel reports imminent capsizing. Nearest rescue vessel: 8 hours away. Rescue helicopter: 4 hours away. Merchant ship: 2 hours away.

IAMSAR Volume 3 Response (2025 Procedures):

  1. Immediate (First 30 Minutes): Shore-based SAR coordinator activates operations. Merchant vessel diverts and becomes interim on-scene coordinator. Helicopter dispatches. The Coast Guard mobilizes.

  2. Transition (30 Minutes - 2 Hours): Merchant vessel master assumes initial on-scene coordinator responsibilities, follows IAMSAR Volume 3 guidance for rescue preparation, establishes helicopter communication, coordinates life raft deployment.

  3. Integrated Operation (2-8 Hours): Helicopter arrives for medical assessment. Dedicated rescue vessel assumes full on-scene coordinator role. All three entities coordinate using the same procedures from IAMSAR Volume 3, dramatically improving rescue effectiveness.

Communication Standards in IAMSAR Volume 3 2025

Effective communication forms search and rescue operations foundation. IAMSAR Volume 3 establishes standardized protocols:

  • Standard phraseology: Specific formats for position reporting, status updates, resource requests

  • Medical information: Standardized vital signs and injury reporting

  • Command authority: Clear procedures establishing chain of command

  • Multilingual operations: Standard English phrases for international operations

Ensure Current IAMSAR Guidance Aboard

IAMSAR Volume 3 represents maritime's current best practices for search and rescue operations. Whether you're a vessel master, rescue unit commander, or on-scene coordinator, these procedures directly impact operational effectiveness and survival rates.

Maritime emergencies don't tolerate confusion. When coordination breaks down, operations fail. IAMSAR Volume 3 prevents that through standardized, proven procedures.

Understanding what's new in the 2025 edition enhanced mobile coordination center procedures, modern technology integration, expanded decision-making frameworks ensures your organization operates at current industry standards.

American Nautical Services provides the complete IAMSAR collection , ensuring your organization maintains the current IAMSAR Manual Volume 3 2025 Edition aboard rescue units, aircraft, and vessels.

Current publications ensure your team operates with the latest search and rescue guidelines, meeting international standards and legal obligations.

Request your IAMSAR Manual collection today to ensure comprehensive maritime rescue operation preparedness.

FAQs

Q1: Do all vessels need IAMSAR Volume 3?

A: While IAMSAR Volume 3 guides vessels actively conducting rescue operations, SOLAS requires all commercial vessels to assist in search and rescue operations when possible. The manual provides procedures for doing so effectively. Maintain current IAMSAR Manual Volume 3 aboard vessels.

Q2: How often does IAMSAR get updated?

A: Amendments occur every three years through the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group. The 2025 edition incorporates latest updates reflecting new technology integration, lessons learned from actual operations, and international coordination improvements.

Q3: What's the difference between IAMSAR Volumes?

A: Volume I addresses government SAR system administration. Volume II guides SAR mission coordination. IAMSAR Volume 3 provides operational procedures for rescue personnel and vessels. Comprehensive SAR system understanding requires all three .

Q4: Are IAMSAR procedures mandatory?

A: IAMSAR Volume 3 provides guidelines rather than direct legal requirements. However, maritime law (SOLAS) mandates assisting vessels in distress. The manual represents international standard procedures for fulfilling that obligation. Deviation could have legal consequences if operations fail.

Q5: How should crews train for IAMSAR procedures?

A: Training should include theoretical knowledge, practical exercises simulating rescue operations, scenario-based training with realistic situations, and communication drills using standardized phraseology. Regular refresher training maintains competency.

Q6: How does technology enhance IAMSAR procedures?

A: The 2025 edition significantly incorporates modern maritime technology ECDIS systems for SAR operations, satellite positioning accuracy improvements, real-time data sharing between rescue assets, and integration with shore-based SAR databases. Understanding how to leverage modern tools while maintaining core principles distinguishes 2025 IAMSAR Volume 3 from previous editions.

Bibliography:

  • International Maritime Organization. (2025). IAMSAR Manual, Volume III: Mobile Facilities. IMO/ICAO Joint Publication.

  • International Maritime Organization. (2024). SOLAS Consolidated Edition. Chapter V: Safety of Navigation.

  • International Civil Aviation Organization. (2023). ICAO Search and Rescue Manual. ICAO Doc 9731-AN/954.

Back to The Mariner's Blog
GO TO FULL SITE