Chapter 8. Search and Rescue Fundementals (SAR)

JOINT ADVANCED MULTI-ENGINE T-44A

CHAPTER 8. SEARCH AND RESCUE FUNDAMENTALS (SAR)

Ref:

(a) National Search and Rescue Manual, Volume 1 & II (U.S. Coast Guard, COMDTINST M16120.5

(series))

(b) Coast Guard Addendum to the National Search and Rescue Manual, COMDTINST M16130.2 (series)

(d) OPNAV General Flight and Operating Instruction, OPNAV 3710.7 (series)

800.

Introduction. Search and Rescue (SAR) is the deployment of available personnel and resources in

rendering aid to persons and property in distress or potential distress. The primary purpose of SAR

syllabus flight is to give Coast Guard Student Aviators a brief introduction into the National Search and

Rescue System, search planning, execution of Search Action Plan (SAP), and Coast Guard Search and

Rescue Operations. This SAR flight should only be viewed as an introduction into SAR fundamentals.

Coast Guard Aviators receive extensive SAR training at their respective units. References (a) through (c)

were used to develop this syllabus. Coast Guard Student Aviators may find the required excerpts from

these references in the SAR briefing guides located in the student ready room.

801.

SAR Organization.

(1)

SAR Coordinator (SC). The SC for shore SAR operations is the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

The Commandant is responsible for the overall coordination of federal, state, and local resources for the

conduct of SAR operations.

(2)

SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC). Designated by SC to manage SAR missions within a

predetermined region. District or Groups commanders are usually assigned as SMC.

(3)

Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). RCC are manned 24 hrs a day with a qualified RCC (SAR)

Controller who is the direct representative of the SMC. All search planning and tasking (via Search Action

Plan (SAP)) for SAR units are generated by the RCC. The RCC controller reports to the District

Operations Officer who reports to the SMC.

(4)

On Scene Commander (OSC). Manages SAR mission on scene as per the Search Action Plan.

(5)

SAR Units (SRU). Individual SAR vessels and aircraft.

802.

OSC Responsibilities. An OSC has operational authority of the SMC, and operational control of all SRUs

on scene. The OSC prosecutes the SAR mission using resources made available by the SMC, and should

carry out the SAP. SRU parent command retains operational control of SRUs en route to and from scene.

An OSC is not required for all missions, although one is usually assigned if two or more SRUs are on

scene. Large Fixed Wing aircraft (HC-130H or P-3) make excellent OSC platforms because of their

extensive communications capabilities, relatively long on scene endurance, and adequate space for

planning, plotting, and coordination duties. The OCS responsibilities maybe found in reference (a), page 1-

10 (Volume I). See student SAR briefing guide.

(1)

Establish and maintain communications with the SMC, assume operational control and coordination

of all SRUs assigned, execute the SAP; and modify the SAP to cope with on scene conditions.

(2)

Establish and maintain communications with all SRUs using assigned on scene frequency, requiring

all aircraft to make "operations normal" reports to the OCS every 15 minutes for helicopters and every 30

minutes for multi-engine fixed wing aircraft.

(3)

Establish a common altimeter setting for all on scene aircraft.

(4)

Obtain necessary information from arriving SRUs, provide initial briefing and search instructions,

and provide advisory air traffic service to aide SRUs in maintaining separations.

(5)

Receive and evaluate sighting reports from all SRUs, and divert SRUs to investigate sights. Obtain

search results from departing SRUs.

SEARCH AND RESCUE FUNDAMENTALS

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