The 12-week online and self-paced course on 'Introduction to Search and Rescue' was made available from 07 July to 30 September 2025. Organized by the Government of Australia, this accessible virtual training initiative aimed to build foundational knowledge across a wide audience within IORA Member States.

The comprehensive course curriculum covered essential SAR principles across all domains: aviation, land, and marine. Key modules included an overview of international search and rescue agreements and conventions, an understanding of the global SAR system architecture, and a clear delineation of the roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations involved in SAR operations.

As a flexible, self-paced program, its primary outcome was the widespread dissemination of standardized SAR knowledge to a large number of participants without geographical or logistical constraints. This capacity-building effort strengthened the regional baseline of understanding, ensuring that more professionals across different agencies possess the core competencies needed to contribute effectively to coordinated lifesaving efforts, thereby enhancing the overall SAR preparedness of the Indian Ocean region.