SAR coordination The
SAR system has three general levels of coordination:
On-scene coordinator-
When two or more SAR facilities are working together on the same mission, one person on the scene may be needed to coordinate the activities of all participating facilities.
the SMC designates an OSC, who may be the person in charge of a:
search and rescue unit (SRU), ship, or aircraft participating in a search, or
a nearby facility in a position to handle OSC duties
the person in charge of the first facility to arrive at the scene will normally assume the OSC function until the SMC arranges for that person to be relieved.
SAR mission coordinator
Each SAR operation is carried out under the guidance of an SMC. This function exists only for the duration of a specific SAR incident and is normally performed by the RCC chief or a designee. The SMC may have assisting staff.
The SMC guides a SAR operation until a rescue has been effected or it becomes apparent that further efforts would be of no avail.
The SMC should be well trained in all SAR processes, be thoroughly familiar with the applicable SAR plans, and:
gather information about distress situations
develop accurate and workable SAR action plans
dispatch and coordinate the resources to carry out SAR missions.
SMC duties include:
obtain and evaluate all data on the emergency
ascertain the type of emergency equipment carried by the missing or distressed craft
remain informed of prevailing environmental conditions
if necessary, ascertain movements and locations of vessels and alert shipping in likely search areas for rescue, lookout, and/or radio watch
plot the areas to search and decide on methods and facilities to be used
develop the search action plan and rescue action plan as appropriate
coordinate the operation with adjacent RCCs when appropriate
arrange briefing and debriefing of SAR personnel
evaluate all reports and modify action plans as necessary
arrange for refueling of aircraft and, for prolonged search, make arrangements for the accommodation of SAR personnel
arrange for delivery of supplies to sustain survivors
maintain in chronological order an accurate and up-to-date record
issue progress reports
determine when to suspend or terminate the search
release SAR facilities when assistance is no longer required
notify accident investigation authorities
if applicable, notify the State of registry of the aircraft
prepare a final report.
SAR coordinator-
SCs are the top-level SAR managers; each State normally will have one or more persons or agencies for whom this designation may be appropriate.
SCs have the overall responsibility for:
establishing, staffing, equipping, and managing the SAR system
establishing RCCs and rescue sub-centers (RSCs)
providing or arranging for SAR facilities
coordinating SAR training
developing SAR policies.