Becoming a member of the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue couldn’t be easier, but it is important to identify the appropriate grade of entry.
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.
Progression through the Institute grades can be achieved through vocational experience or our examination route.
All membership grades receive personal accreditation, a certificate and pin badge, access to online learning courses, free entry to the annual conference and discounted equipment purchasing.
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 £27.50 p/a (+VAT)
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 £27.50 p/a (+VAT)
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 £37 p/a (+VAT) and Technicians are entitled to
use the post-nominal letters TInSTR.
Entry level for Graduate status requires 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 £58 p/a (+VAT). Graduates are entitled to use the post-nominal letters GInSTR.
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 £79 p/a (+VAT) and Members are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MInSTR.
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 £110 p/a (+VAT) 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)