MARITIME SAR ASSISTANCE POLICY (MSAP) Flashcards
History and Purpose of MSAP?
Enacted by Congress in 1982
to minimize Coast Guard interference with commercial salvage companies
Congress was concerned that Coast Guard resources were being used unnecessarily to provide non emergency assistance to disabled VSL’s when it could have been performed by private enterprise.
Guiding Principles in Non-Distress Cases
When specifically requested assistance, such as a commercial firm, marina, or friend, is not available, a MARB will be broadcasted.
If a commercial provider is available and can be on scene within a reasonable amount of time or an offer to assist is made by a good Samaritan, no further action by the Coast Guard, beyond monitoring the incident, will be taken.
What do you do after you deemed the case NON-DISTRESS?
Advise and Seek Desires
The requester should be advised that:
(1) It appears there is no imminent danger;
(2) It is Coast Guard policy to defer to an alternate responder; and
(3) The Coast Guard will assist in contacting any specifically requested alternate assistance, such as a commercial provider or friend.
When do you offer a MARB?
When alternate assistance is not requested/declined or available
Does the CG need to take further action if a MARB is declined?
No, unless the situation deteriorates
What information is required on a MARB?
Name/Description of VSL
Type of Casualty
Location
Means to reach VSL / comms
Directions to notify CG if responding
“This is Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi relaying a Marine assistance broadcast for the P/C XXX. The P/C XXX is a 25ft center console F/V and is disabled 30 NM S of Port Mansfield in POSN: XXXN XXXW. Any VSL desiring to assist the P/C XXX are invited to proceed to that location and contact them via: CH16 / Cell Phone. If you are offering assistance please contact the Coast Guard and provide an ETA to the Coast Guard.
Minimum required broadcast time for a MARB?
10 minutes, before SMC directs CG to respond
When can the CG assist in a non-distress situation?
When no higher priority missions exist, and no other capable resources are available
What do you do if if Commercial Assistance is declined.
Offer one additional MARB, provide mariner with COMMSAL phone numbers. Advise and Seek Desires.
Define Safe Haven
A Safe Haven is considered a place that can accommodate and accept the safe mooring of the vessel. and has an available means of communication, normally a telephone.
What if a mariner states that a MARB in not required or specifically requests that the Coast Guard launch and help?
Notify the mariner that unless a specific request is made for alternate assistance,
the mariner must accept either the alternative of letting the Coast Guard make a MARB,
or the mariner can arrange for assistance.
