2.3. Search and Rescue

Question 1

(a) Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of the IAMSAR manual including search patterns and roles of OSC and shore stations

Answer 1

CSP – Commence Search Point
OSC – On Scene Co-ordinator
RCC – Rescue Co-ordination Centre
MPA – Most Probable Area
SMC – Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator

IMO IAMSAR Manual , Search Patterns, OSC and Shore Stations:

Volume I – Organization and Management
Volume II – Mission Co-Ordination
Volume III – Mobile Facilities

IMO International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual Volume 3 (Mobile Facilities) is carried on all vessels to aid with the planning and execution of a search and rescue operation, as well as aspects of search and rescue that pertain to their own emergencies.

Plotting the Search Area:
Prior to commencing the search a datum must be established to determine where the search will be centred on. The position of the datum will depend on various factors, not limited to:
a) Reported position and time of incident.
b) Supplementary information such as DF bearings or sightings.
c) Time interval between Incident and arrival of SAR units.
d) Estimated movement of the craft in the water depends on drift due to wind and current, and the type of survival craft that is being searched for.

Thus the new datum is found by moving from the incident position at the time of the first report, (Datum 1), in the direction of the drift for the amount of time that has passed, (Datum 2).

From this a most probable area can be calculated by drawing a radius of 10 miles with Datum 2 as the centre. This radius is then boxed in by drawing tangents to the radius to form a square.

Finally, the track spacing (S) for your vessel must be decided upon, this can be calculated using the track spacing table in Section 3 of the manual.

An OSC is either appointed by the shore-based MRCC, or if there is a number of vessels that have responded to a Distress Call the vessels will nominate an On-scene Co-ordinator.

Deciding factors in nominating an OSC depends:
on experience of officers on each vessel,
communications equipment available on each vessel and
type and size of vessels.

Role of On-Scene Co-ordinator (OSC):
Co-ordinates operations of all SAR facilities on-scene.
Receive and implement SAR plan from SAR Mission Co-ordinators (SMC), otherwise plan the SAR operation if no plan is available.
Modify the plan as the situation on-scene dictates (i.e. due to onset of restricted viz.), keeping the SMC advised. If practicable consult SMC prior to making any changes.
Co-ordinate on-scene communications.
Monitor performance of other participating vessels.
Ensure overall safety of operation, particularly safe separations between vessels.
Make periodic SITREPs to SMC. (Appendix D of Manual has format.)
Maintain detailed records of entire operation.
Advise SMC to release vessels no longer required.
Report number and names of survivors to SMC, and which vessel they are onboard.
Request additional SMC assistance, such as medivac of seriously injured survivors.
Contact relevant ship reporting authorities (i.e. AMVER).
Inform search units of outcome of operation or conclusion of operation.

Role of Shore Stations:

a) Obtain and evaluate all data on the emergency.
b) Ascertain the type of emergency equipment carried on the missing craft.
c) Monitor prevailing weather conditions.
d) Obtain movements of vessels in SAR area and alert such shipping for rescue, lookout or radio watches.
e) Plot search areas and decide on method and facilities to be used.
f) Develop a search plan for forwarding to the OSC.
g) Co-ordinate the operation with adjacent RCC’s where applicable.
h) Arrange briefing and debriefing of SAR personnel.
i) Evaluate all reports and modify SAR plan as required.
j) Maintain an accurate and chronological record of events.
k) Issue progress reports.
l) Recommend to RCC Chief the abandoning or suspending of the search.
m) Release SAR facilities when no longer required.
n) Notify investigating authorities.
o) Prepare a final report.

Question 2

Explain different Search Patterns:

Answer 2

Expanding Square Search
Most effective when location of search object is known within close limits.
Often used to search for persons in the water or objects with little or no leeway.
Used by single vessel.
Accurate navigation required, first leg usually into the wind to reduce such errors.
Not suitable for fixed wing aircraft if S is less than 2 M.

Sector Search
Most effective when position of search object is known and search area is small.
Used to search a circular area centred on a datum point.
Used by single vessel.
Each successive turn is 120 degrees to starboard, once three legs have been completed the subsequent first leg of the second group of legs is started 30 degrees to starboard of the first leg of the first group.

Track Line Search
Normally used when a vessel has disappeared without a trace along a set route.
Often used as initial search effort.
Consists of rapid and reasonably thorough search along intended route of distressed craft.
Search may be to one side of track line and return in opposite direction on opposite side.
Aircraft often used due to their high speed.

Parallel Sweep Search
In direction of drift, track spacing calculated using table in Section 3 of the manual.
Two vessels, vessel track on either side of datum.
Three vessels, datum through centre of one vessel’s track.
Four vessels, vessel track on either side of datum.
Five or more vessels, datum through centre of one vessel’s track.

Creeping Line Search
Used by one vessel in conjunction with one aircraft. Vessel steams on steady course while aircraft performs a series of rums perpendicular to vessel track.

Question 3

(b) Describe the methods for preparing boats, rafts and other equipment for the recovering of survivors

Answer 3

 Muster Rescue Boat crew and prepare boat for launching.
 Have a separate launching crew prepare lifeboats if carried.
 If own vessel is close to survivors launch a life raft.
 Prepare hospital and galley for receiving survivors.
 Rig scramble nets and a guest warp along ships side.
 Rig Pilot, Embarkation and Accommodation ladders.
 Prepare crane with a platform or basket to retrieve survivors from the water.
 Prepare line throwing apparatus and lifebuoys.

Question 4

(c) Describe methods of rescuing survivors of casualties, manoeuvring of vessels close to casualty, launching a recovery of boats in a seaway and treatment of survivors

Answer 4

Recovering of Survivors:
	Rescue Boat.
	Life Boat.
	Scramble nets or guest warp
	Basket rigged to the crane.

Manoeuvring of Vessel:

a) Always stay on the lee side of a casualty so as to prevent running over them.
b) Keep the stern area clear of the survivors.
c) In inclement weather use line throwing apparatus to pass a line to the casualty, or if you are able to manoeuvre close enough, a lifebuoy. Pull the survivor towards the vessel being sure to keep them clear of the stern.

Launching and Recovery of Boats:
Launching:
b) The boat should be prepared and swung out to the embarkation deck, with boat crew ready to launch, communications tested and the bridge informed.
c) Once the bridge gives permission, crew to brace themselves and davit operator should start lowering the boat.
d) Ideally the vessel should have some headway to ensure that the boat will be drawn alongside as it comes into contact with the water.
e) The engine should be started about a half a metre above the water and engaged as the boat touches the water to enable immediate manoeuvring. One man to standby forward to let go the painter line.
f) Boat should inform the bridge once they are clear of vessel and underway.

Recovery:

(i) When the boat is ready to come alongside the bridge should be informed, in order for the vessel to be manoeuvred to give a suitable lee and the recovery team to prepare.
(ii) The davit operator should only commence heaving once the rescue boat gives the all clear.
(iii) The engine should only be shut off once the boat has started to come clear of the water in case of failure of the lifting arrangement.
(iv) If possible any survivors should be taken off the boat prior to recovery to reduce the weight that the davit has to lift.

Treatment of Survivors:
The medical officer onboard the vessel should prepare the medical locker to treat the following injuries: 
(i)	Hypothermia.
(ii)	Frostbite.
(iii)	Immersion Foot.
(iv)	Shock.
(v)	Burns  - Heat or Chemical.
(vi)	Dehydration and Malnutrition.
(vii)	Broken Bones.

Question 5

(d) Explain working with helicopters and fixed wing aircraft

Answer 5

ICS Guide to Helicopter/ Ship Operations refers:

Helicopters:
a) Indicate position using orange smoke float.
b) In the event of communications failure, use Aldis Lamp
- White steady light: the vessel is READY for rescue.
- Series of short flashes: reception of helicopter delayed by 15 minutes.
- Prolonged series of Morse ‘N’ (long short): reception delayed for more than 15 minutes.
- A flashing red light in the operating area will indicate to the helicopter pilot that
operations are to stop immediately.
a) Depending on the type of operation that is to be undertaken, the helicopter pilot will instruct the Master as to the best course and speed to follow. For winching the vessel will generally run with the weather to reduce the relative wind speed, while for landing the pilot may request a heading off the bow to reduce funnel gasses passing over the landing area.
b) Deck area should be clearly marked with a white ‘H’, or if time allows ‘Winching Area’.
c) The hook handler should wear a protective helmet and strong rubber gloves to minimise injury or shock from static electricity build-up.
d) Never secure the winch wire to any part of the vessel, or allow it to become fouled.
e) Indicate wind direction using a signal flag if possible. (Answering pennant similar to wind sock).

Aircraft:
 While they are unable to land, aircraft can stay in an area for longer and cover a longer range than a helicopter, allowing them to relay messages to SMC’s or OSC’s.
 Aircraft can drop off equipment near to vessels or survival craft.
 The aircraft will acknowledge that it has spotted you by rocking its wings from side to side.

Question 6

What is the role of the On Scene Co-ordinator (OSC)

Answer 6

1. To coordinate the SAR scene
2. Receive and implement SAR Plan from SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC)
3. If no guidance implement own SAR Plan as per IAMSAR III
4. Send streps to SMC as found in Annex D
5. Monitor other vessels / Report to VTS / AMVER
6. Record all details, times, vessels, names of survivors
7. Request for Medivac if necessary

Question 7

What are the factors in calculating the most probable aria (MPA)

Answer 7

1. Reported Position
2. Time of incident (If known)
3. Any further sightings
4. Lapsed time interval
5. Drift due to currents / wind
6. Type of target (Person/ Liferaft)

Question 8

What should you do when receiving a distress message?

Answer 8

1. Determine Distance, ETA and Probability to be able to assist
2. If unable to assist due to own restraints (Fuel, food, weather) relay message to MRCC and make entry into the narrative section of the official logbook.
3. May still be requested to assist by MRCC if no other options exist
4. Proceed at full speed to persons in distress.
5. Inform MRCC of status and progress

Question 9

When can a Master refuse to assist vsl in Distress?

Answer 9

1. When placing own ship / crew in danger (TRS, Fuel, Water, food, dangerous to navigation)
2. Unreasonable / Unnecessary - Ship close to shore for assistance
3. Released by RCC, or released by other ship.
4. Released by vessel in distress - canceled
   Make entry into official logbook

Question 10

What is SASAR

Answer 10

1. South African Search and Rescue Organisation
2. COVER 10ºW to 75ºE to S-Pole
3. Limited resources rely heavily on vessels at sea
4. 24/7 monitoring of Cospass Sarsat through Cape Town Radio / MRCC
5. SASAR has the authority under SOLAS and IMO to instruct vessels to assist

Question 11

What are the 9 functional requirements of GMDSS

Answer 11

1. Ship to Shore (Communications)
2. Shore to ship (Distress Alerts)
3. Ship to Shore (Distress Alerts)
4. SAR Communications
5. On scene communications
6. Locating signals ( 406 Epirb)
7. Marine safety Information
8. Shore to Ship (Communications)
9. Ship to Ship (Communications)

Question 12

What are the GMDSS Sea arias and what does it include

Answer 12

A1 - VHF (DSC) & EPIRB - Coastal Within VHF (Ch.70 Coverage
A2 - VHF (DSC), EPIRB, MF - Within MF 2187.5kHz coverage
A3 -VHF (DSC), EPIRB, MF/HF or INMARSAT - Within Geostationary satellite coverage
A4 - VHF (DSC), EPIRB, MF/HF - Polar regions