COXSWAIN BASICS & POLICY Flashcards
BASIC SAR POLICY (130 cards)
What does MSAP stand for?
Maritime SAR Assistance Policy
Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F
What is the MSAP?
The MSAP is the result of an effort enacted by Congress in 1982. It directed the Commandant
to “review Coast Guard policies and procedures for towing and salvage of disabled vessels in
order to further minimize the possibility of Coast Guard competition or interference
with…commercial enterprise.”
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Why was MSAP developed?
The review was directed because of congressional concern that Coast Guard resources were being used unnecessarily to provide non-emergency assistance to
disabled vessels that could be adequately performed by the private sector.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are your THREE Emergency Phases?
Uncertainty, Alert, Distress
Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F
Define UNCERTAINITY Phase (emergency phases)
phase exists when there is knowledge of a situation that may need to be monitored, or to have more information gathered, but that does not require moving resources.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Define ALERT Phase (emergency phases)
phase exists when a craft or person is experiencing some difficulty and may need assistance, but is not in immediate danger or in need of immediate response.
Apprehension is usually associated with the ALERT phase.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Define DISTRESS Phase (emergency phases)
phase exists when grave or imminent danger requiring immediate response to the distress scene threatens a craft or person.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is a Safe Haven?
Safe Haven is considered a place that:
1) can accommodate
2) will accept the safe mooring of the vessel and;
3) provide a reliable means of communication.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is the Coast Guard’s Primary Mission
“DEMO”
The Coast Guard promotes safety on, over, and under the high seas and navigable waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The Coast Guard is
authorized by law to develop, establish, maintain, and operate search and rescue facilities.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is the Coast Guard’s Primary Concern with SAR?
The Coast Guard’s primary concern in a search and rescue situation is to PROVIDE TIMELY AND EFFECT ASSISTANCE
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the Guiding Principles for a Non-Distress Case?
If a commercial provider is available and can be on scene within a REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME (usually one hour or less, or amount of time it takes for situation to deteriorate) or an offer to assist is made by a responder listed in the previous paragraph, no further action by the Coast Guard, beyond monitoring the incident, will be taken. Otherwise, a Coast Guard Auxiliary facility, if available, or a Coast Guard resource
may be used.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the 3 Principles that Guide Assistance to Vessels NOT IN DISTRESS?
(a) The first responder on scene with the vessel requesting assistance normally will provide
assistance
(b) If a Coast Guard resource or Auxiliary facility takes a disabled vessel in tow, the tow will
normally terminate at the nearest safe haven
(c) Once undertaken, there is no requirement to break the tow except as described below in “Relief of Tow”.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Coast Guard’s Role in NON-DISTRESS
Coast Guard resources normally do not provide
immediate assistance in non-distress cases if alternative assistance is available. A Coast
Guard resource may assist in a non-distress situation when no higher priority missions exist
and no other capable resource is reasonably available.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is the TEN FACTOR?
TEN FACTOR is a tool/model used to determine if an ALERT phase is considered a DISTRESS phase. Only one factor needs to articulated and/or met.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the 10 parts of the “TEN FACTOR” for deciding the if a vessel is in a DISTRESS PHASE.
(1) Nature of the situation;
(2) Position or lack of known location;
(3) Type, size, reported condition of vessel, food, water, emergency signaling devices, and
survival/life saving equipment onboard;
(4) Visibility, including daylight or darkness conditions;
(5) Tide and current conditions, and the ability of the vessel to anchor;
(6) Present and forecasted weather including wind and sea conditions, air and sea temperature;
(7) Special considerations such as number of personnel onboard, age, health, and special medical problems;
(8) Ability of the vessel to maintain reliable communications with a source of assistance.
(9) Degree of concern of the mariner for the safety of the occupants of the vessel
(10) The potential for the situation to deteriorate after evaluating the relevant factors.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Can Coast Guard Intervene, if required?
Yes. If a Coast Guard resource finds another responder on scene whose assistance is not adequate, the Coast Guard resource should immediately attempt to
stabilize the emergency. Once the situation is stabilized, the Coast Guard resource may be
withdrawn if the first responder appears capable.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What broadcast can be offered for a vessel not in distress?
MARB, Marine Assistance Radio Broadcast
Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F
What happens if Commercial Assistance is Declined by the Vessel Operator, what should you do?
Coast Guard Auxiliary or Coast Guard units should not assist in these cases so long as the situation
remains classified below the DISTRESS phase. Nevertheless, the mariner may be assisted
in finding alternatives. i.e. MARB or Good Sam
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What are the 3 factors that make up the CG “Relief of Tow Policy”
(a) coxswain of the assisting vessel determine that a hand-off can be carried out safely; and either
(b) Alternative assistance is desired and arranged by the operator of the vessel being assisted;
(c) The operational commander has a higher need for the Coast Guard resource
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Can Coast Guard forcibly evacuate personnel from a vessel?
Yes, iaw with MLEM/COMDTINST. Although the Coast Guard does have the authority to compel a mariner to abandon their vessel in a life threatening situation, it is always preferable that a mariner voluntarily evacuate when necessary.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
What is CG “General Salvage Policy” (other than tow)
When commercial salvors are on scene performing salvage, Coast Guard units may assist them
within the unit’s capabilities, if the salvor requests. When no commercial salvage facilities are
on scene, Coast Guard units should only engage in salvage other than towing when limited
salvage operations (e.g., ungrounding, pumping, damage control measures, etc.) can prevent a
worsening situation or complete loss of the vessel.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
Who’s permission is needed prior to engaging in Salvage Operations?
Any salvage operations shall be
performed at the discretion of the unit CO/OINC.
Who can Modify the General Salvage Policy to allow refloating a grounded vessel?
District Commander
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F) Section 4.3.2.1
What are your 4 Prudent Actions to assisting a non-distress vessel?
(a) Allowing the next tide to refloat the vessel,
(b) Helping the mariner set anchors,
(c) Evacuating the passengers,
(d) Helping the mariner determine the vessel’s seaworthiness.
(Chapter 4, COMDTINST M16130.2F)
