01
Starting out
Student
For those studying or beginning training in search and rescue.
£33 per year
UK tax relief eligible
The Professional Body for Search and Rescue Practitioners
Join the global community dedicated to developing people, raising standards and promoting excellence.
Members in 20 countries worldwide
Professional recognition
Qualifications & CPD
SAR research
Global SAR network
Why join InSTR?
Recognition of your experience. Momentum for your career.
Membership connects professional standing with the knowledge, development and relationships that strengthen real-world SAR practice.
Membership pathway
See where you fit and where membership can take you.
A clear progression route recognises every stage of your professional journey, from first study to sustained leadership, for members in 20 countries.
02AInSTR
Sector association
Associate
For non-practitioners associated with the search and rescue sector.
£33 per year
UK tax relief eligible03TInSTR
Technical capability
Technician
For practitioners who have demonstrated competence in at least one core search or technical rescue skill.
£45 per year
UK tax relief eligible04GInSTR
Advancing knowledge
Graduate
For team leaders and those who have qualified in at least three separate search or technical rescue skills.
£70 per year
UK tax relief eligible05MInSTR
Professional standing
Member
For experienced senior team and organisational leaders and those who have passed the Institute’s Member examination.
£95 per year
UK tax relief eligible06FInSTR
Granted by the Institute
Fellow
Granted by the Institute for outstanding contribution to the search and rescue sector, or for outstanding service to the Institute. Not open to direct application.
£132 per year
UK tax relief eligible
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Organisational membership
Corporate Partner
For organisations associated with the search and technical rescue sector whose values align with those of the Institute.
- Sole trader or registered charity: £250 p/a
- 2–20 staff: £600 p/a (+VAT)
- 21–50 staff: £900 p/a (+VAT)
- 51+ staff: price on application
HMRC approved learned society · Tax relief on subscriptions
The Institute of Search and Technical Rescue is on the HMRC list of approved professional bodies and learned societies. UK taxpayers can claim tax relief on their annual subscription fee, reducing the net cost of membership by 20% to 40% depending on their tax rate.
Claim through your personal tax account online, form P87, or your Self Assessment return, naming the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue.
Special interest groups
One institute across every rescue environment.
From academic research to confined space, rope rescue and vehicle extrication, the Institute's special interest groups span the full breadth of search and technical rescue practice.
BY PRACTITIONERS — FOR PRACTITIONERS
Who should join?
One professional home for every SAR discipline.
Whether you lead teams, deliver technical rescue, advise search operations or develop the evidence behind them, InSTR gives your work a shared professional framework.
International SAR practitioners
Technical rescue specialists
Police search advisers
Medical Hazardous Area Response Teams
SAR team leaders
SAR support staff
Commercial equipment and training providers
Military personnel engaged in SAR and HADR operations
Qualifications & CPD
Turn operational experience into recognised professional development.
InSTR provides a structured professional development pathway, connecting your operational field experience with continuous professional development, progressive membership accreditation, and direct routes to formal academic qualifications.
Your development pathway
From Student grade to Master's graduate
Select a stage to find out more
Knowledge in practice
Stay current. Keep connected.
Events and resources give practitioners a reason to return, exchange ideas and keep their professional knowledge moving forward.
Free practitioner resource
Principles of Modern Search Management
Register your interest in the forthcoming guide and receive Institute research, webinar and membership updates.
Your profession. Your Institute.
Ready to join the professional body for search and rescue?
Take your place in a community committed to developing people, raising standards and promoting excellence.
Become a member
