MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Becoming a member of the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue unlocks a wealth of opportunities designed to enrich your career and personal growth.
Here are the key benefits of joining:
- Personal Accreditation: Gain recognition for your qualifications and experience with appropriate post-nominals that set you apart in your field.
- Free Annual CPD Conference: Attend our CPD conference, where you can learn from Search and Rescue leaders and stay ahead in your profession.
- Access to Online Courses: Take advantage of hundreds of free online courses to expand your knowledge and skills at your own pace.
- Internal Accredited Examinations: Participate in our rigorous exams that promote personal development and progression within the Institute.
- Networking Groups: Connect with a range of networking groups to build valuable professional relationships, seek advice and share experiences.
- Discounted Equipment Purchasing: Benefit from exclusive discounts on essential equipment to enhance your operational capabilities.
Joining couldn’t be easier, whether you are a newcomer to the search and rescue sector or an experienced leader in the field, there is an appropriate membership grade for you. The qualifying criteria for each grade is detailed below.
For those joining from the UK, please note that we are included on the HMRC approved list of learned societies and professional organisations, this means that you can recover 100% of your base subscription fee from HMRC.
If you wish to renew an existing membership please click here
STUDENT
The Student grade is aimed at junior members of an accredited rescue organisation or unqualified members
studying for the entry level InSTR examinations.
The annual subscription to the Student grade of membership is £33
ASSOCIATE
The Associate grade is aimed at out of trade rescue professionals or those who share the values and
interests 
of the Institute and wish to be associated.
The annual subscription to the Associate grade of membership is £33
TECHNICIAN
The Technician grade is for those qualified in one or more disciplines of search or technical rescue with evidence
of currency and continued professional development.
The annual subscription fee for the Technician grade of membership is £45 and Technicians are entitled to
use the post-nominal letters TInSTR.
GRADUATE
Entry level for Graduate is reserved for those in supervisory roles such as team leaders, confined space supervisors etc.
Or, Technicians with a minimum of three qualifications in separate disciplines at the Operational (practitioner) level e.g. rope rescue, water rescue and wide area search with evidence of continued professional development.
Graduate level can also be achieved following successful completion of the Institute’s level 4 examinations.
The annual subscription for the Graduate grade of membership is £70. Graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters GInSTR.
MEMBER
There are two routes to obtaining the Member grade of the Institute:
Experiential route. Achieved by demonstrating significant experience in a managerial/leadership role at the Tactical (Silver) level or those qualified as a national Tactical Advisor for search or rescue disciplines. You will need to provide evidence of currency and continued professional development.
Examination route. Achieved following the successful completion of the Institute’s level 7 examinations.
The annual subscription for Members is £95 and Members are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MInSTR.
FELLOW
Fellowship is awarded by the Institute’s Membership Committee and indicates a very high level of achievement
in the fields of search and/or technical rescue and an outstanding contribution to the sector.
Applicants for Fellowship would be expected to have at least one year’s membership at MInSTR level prior to a Fellowship application or nomination, however, in exceptional circumstances the Membership Committee may elect Fellows who have not previously been members.
Fellows are expected to contribute to the activities and advancement of the Institute.
The annual subscription fee for Fellow’s is £132 and holders are entitled to use the post-nominal letters FInSTR.
(Please note, additional scrutiny is required to grant Fellow grade, therefore the approval of applications may be a delayed)
CORPORATE PARTNER
Affiliated Corporations and Organisations that support the aims, objectives and activities of the Institute.
They must also demonstrate a commitment to the continued professional development of their employees or members.
Corporate membership fees:
Sole Trader or Registered Charity – £250 p/a
2 – 20 staff – £600 p/a (+VAT)
21 – 50 staff – £900 p/a (+VAT)
51+ staff – £POA
To request an application form for Corporate Partnership, or to arrange a call to discuss rates and benefits of Corporate Partnership, please contact enquiries@rescue-institute.org