SAR Flashcards
What are the main IAMSAR search patterns?
Expanding Square – Can be used with a minimum of one vessel. Can be supplemented with aircrafts.
Sector Search – Used when the location of the target is known with reasonable accuracy and the search is over a small area
Parallel Search – This is used when the search area is much larger or where only the approximate location is known. Accuracy and/or coverage area increases with additional units.
Coordinated Creeping Search – the aircraft is the primary search resource, where the vessel follows to ensure the least possible delay when reaching the target
Explain the Expanding Square Search Pattern
Sector Search Pattern
The Sector Search Pattern is used when the position of the target is known to a reasonable accuracy and the search is over a small area.
The vessel will run the first leg over the most probable area of the target, dropping a smoke float of beacon close by for reference. All turns are 120 degrees to starboard creating three search triangles all meeting at the beacon location.
After the first search has been completed, the pattern should be reoriented 30 degrees to the right.
Explain the Sector Search Pattern
Expanding Square Search Pattern
The ship begins in the most probable location of the target and expands outward in concentric squares (1 unit, 90 to stbd, 1 unit, 90 to stbd, 2 units, 90 to stbd, 2 units, 90 to stbd etc.).
The track spacing will vary on the state of visibility and the sea conditions relative to the type of target.
Explain the Parallel Search Pattern
Parallel Search Pattern
This is used when the search area is large or where only the approximate location is known. One or more vessels run parallel tracks up and down the search areas, with spacing dependent on visibility and sea conditions.
Greater accuracy and/or search area coverage is achieved with increased search units.
Explain the Coordinated Creeping Line Search
Coordinated Creeping Line Search
This uses both aircraft and surface vessels. The aircraft will commence the search at the most probable end of the search area and commence parallel lines with the vessel steaming in a straight line directly through the area. Ideally the aircraft and vessels speeds are coordinated so that the aircraft passes overheard of the vessel at the midpoint of each leg.
The aircraft is the primary search resource and the vessel is used to ensure that there is the least possible delay in reaching the target when spotted by the aircraft.
Describe an Anderson Turn and its use.
Anderson Turn
For immediate action.
Quickest of the three turns and most appropriate when the target remains visible. Good for ships with tight turning circles.
Describe a Williamson Turn and its use.
Williamson Turn
For delayed action.
Most appropriate at night or in reduced visibility, or when he target has, or is allowed to go, out of sight, but is still relatively near.
Describe a Scharnow turn and its use.
Scharnow Turn
For missing person situation.
Most appropriate when the point to be reached is significantly further astern than the vessel’s turning radiu
What information would you try to gather from a distressed craft?
- Position;
- Identity: call sign, mmsi number, name;
- Number of persons onboard;
- What type of assistance is required?;
- The nature of the distress of casualty;
- Number of victims, if any;
- Distressed crafts course and speed;
- And, type of craft and cargo, if carried.
What are the duties of the On-Scene Coordinator?
Coordinate operations of all SAR facilities on-scene
• Receive the search action plan from the SMC or plan the SAR operation if no plans are available
• Coordinate on-scene communications
• Monitor the performance of other participating facilities and ensure operations are carried out safely
• Make periodic SITREPS for the SMC
• Maintain a detailed record of the operation
• Advise the SMC to release facilities no longer required
• Report the number and names of survivors, and on which facility, to the SMC
• Request additional SMC assistance, when required.
What is IAMSAR Vol.III?
International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual – Vol. III Mobile Facilities
IAMSAR Vol. III helps vessels work alone and alongside other rescue facilities when conducting SAR operations. It contains information on what is to be expected from a vessel and how the vessels can coordinate efficiently with other vessels, aircraft, and shore-based stations. Along with guidance on the standard expected from SAR vessels, the manual also contains a table for predicting the drift of a liferaft as well as calculation for determining the track spacing and coverage required for the SAR patterns detailed.
