SAR Policy Flashcards
What are the 4 primary geographic divisions of responsibility for US SAR?
Air Force= US aeronautical SAR in continental USA excluding Alaska
Pacific Command= US aeronautical SAR in Alaska
CG= Atlantic
CG= Pacific
What are the 3 manuals the CG can use for SAR related information?
- International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR)
- United States National Search and Rescue Supplement (NSS)
- USCG SAR addendum
What are the 2 geographic areas of CG responsibility for SAR?
Atlantic area and pacific area
What are the SAR program objectives?
- Minimize loss of life, injury, and property loss and damage in the maritime environment
- Minimize crew risk during SAR missions
- Optimize use of resources in conducting SAR
- Maintain a world leadership position in maritime SAR
2 SAR program goals
- To prevent loss of life in every situation where our actions and performance could possibly be brought to bear
- Prevent loss and damage to property in the maritime environment
Statutory Authority and Responsibility for SAR
Title 14, sections 2, 88, and 141 of the US code states
“The Coast Guard shall develop, establish, maintain, and operate SAR facilities and may render aid to distressed persons and protect and save property on and under the high seas and waters subject to the jurisdiction of the US.”
“Once the Coast Guard undertakes a mission, we must conduct that mission with due diligence, we must not worsen the situation by our actions, and we must meet a reasonable standard of performance.”
When is the coast guard held liable for a worsening SAR situation?
- When the CG acted in a wanton and negligent manner
2. When the CG engaged in negligent conduct that worsened the position of the victim
What are the SAR agreements?
The SAR agreements are a set of official documents that grant authorization to CG assets to enter a coastal state’s territorial sea or another sector in the AOR to rescue persons in distress; such assistance is to be provided without regard to the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which they are found.
What distress beacon does the CG endorse?
406 MHz EPIRBs
When do you issue an UMIB?
UMIBs should be issued whenever the SMC determines that important maritime information needs to reach the widest possible audience. UMIBs shall be used upon the receipt of:
- All uncorrelated MAYDAY channel 16 calls
- Uncorrelated VHF-FM DSC distress calls
- Flare sightings
- Overdue vessel reports
- Other situations as deemed necessary by the SMC
What are the 5 stages of SAR?
- Awareness
- Initial action
- Planning
- Operations
- Conclusion
What are the 3 emergency phases of the Initial Action Stage?
- Uncertainty (knowledge of a situation that may need to be monitored but does not require moving resources)
- Alert (craft/person is experiencing some difficulty and may need assistance, but not in immediate danger, APPREHENSION)
- Distress (grave or imminent danger requiring immediate response)
Response policy for distress beacons?
Treat beacon alerts as a distress; should approximate response to a MAYDAY
COMDTINST M16130.2F
Response policy for flare incidents?
“Reported sightings of red/orange flares must be treated as distress situation unless sufficient other available information indicates no distress exists.”
Response to flare that is not orange or red?
Could still be a potential distress, so consider all elements (poor weather, unresolved MAYDAY, etc) in determining to have response as actual distress
