Search And Rescue

Question 1

Describe with the aid of a sketch, the type of search pattern recommended by the lAMSAR manual to be executed by a single vessel when searching for a recently declared man overboard.

Question 2

Outline the reasons why the above search pattern would be the most effective for this.
(Sector search for MOB)

Answer 2

Most effective when the position of the search object is accurately known and the search area is small.

Question 3

What factors must be taken into account when determining the length of each leg within the Sector search?

Answer 3

The target size and definition
The state of visibility on scene
The sea state inside the designated search area
The quality of the radar target likely to be presented
Height of eye of lookouts
Speeds of vessels engaged in the search operation
Number of search units engaged
Time remaining of available daylight
Master’s experience
Recommendations from MRCC
Height above sea level for aircraft

Question 4

List 4 environmental factors that will have to be passed from the OSC to the RCC on arrival in the area of distress

Answer 4

Current speed and direction
Swell height and direction
Wind speed and direction
Visibility and cloud coverage

Question 5

Sketch parallel track search

Question 6

What methods are to be considered to improve the safe navigation within a search pattern?

Answer 6

Post more lookouts
Safe speed
Increase fixing intervals
Hand steering

Question 7

What preparations must a vessel undertake when approaching a search area?

Answer 7

On board preparation
• A vessel en route to assist a distressed craft should prepare for possible
SAR action on scene, including the possible need to recover people from survival craft or from the water.
• Masters of vessels proceeding to assist should assess the risks they may encounter on scene

The following equipment should be ready for use
- LSA
- Signaling equipment
- Medical equipment
- Line throwers
- Search lights

Question 8

What actions are to be taken by the vessel on receipt of a message requesting assistance for a SAR operation?

Answer 8

Acknowledge receipt of message

Gather the following information from the craft in distress if possible:
- position of distressed craft
- distressed craft’s identity
- call sign
- name
- number of persons on board
- nature of the distress or casualty
- type of assistance required
- any other pertinent information that might facilitate the rescue

• maintain a continuous watch on VHF CH 16 & 121.5 MHz AM

• Vessels should maintain communications with the distressed craft while advising an RCC or CRS of the situation.

• The following information should be communicated to the distressed Craft:
-own vessel’s identity
-call sign, and name
-own vessel’s position
-own vessel’s speed and estimated time of arrival (ETA) to distressed craft site
-distressed craft’s true bearing and distance from ship.

• Use all available means to remain aware of the location of distressed craft (such as radar plotting, chart plots, automatic identification system (AIS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)).

• When in close proximity, post extra look-outs to keep distressed craft in sight.

• The ship or a CRS coordinating distress traffic should establish contact with an RCC and pass on all available information, updating as necessary.