IAMSAR

Definitions:

SC (SAR Coordinator):

	Country's top SAR manager.
	Develops SAR and SAR training policies.
	Establishes RCCs and Rescue Sub Centers.
	Provides for, arranges and manages SAR facilities of the country.

SMC (SAR Mission Coordinator):

	Appointed for and oversees each SAR each SAR operation under guidance of SC(SAR Coordinator).
	Normally this duty is undertaken by the head of RCC.

Duties of SMC

	Obtain all data on emergency.
	Ascertain type of emergency equipment carried by distress craft.
	Obtain update on weather /sea conditions.
	Locate shipping in search areas.
	Plot search areas and methods.
	Maintain radio listening watch.
	Allocate radio frequencies.
	Designate OSC and CSS.
	Dispatch delivery of survival supplies to survivors.
	Maintain record of events.
	Record results of searched areas.
	Monitor SAR units engaged eg. helicopter flying hours, etc.

OSC (On scene coordinator):

	Person coordinates SAR facilities working at the scene.
	Designated by SMC.
	The person in charge of the first facility to arrive on scene normally assume OSC function unless SMC arranges relief.

Who can be an OSC:

When two or more SAR facilities conduct operations together, the SMC should designate an OSC.

If this is not practicable, facilities involved should designate, by mutual agreement, an OSC.

	This should be done as early as practicable and preferably before arrival within the search area.
	Until an OSC has been designated, the first facility arriving at the scene should assume the duties of an OSC.

When deciding how much responsibility to delegate to the OSC, the SMC normally considers the communications and personnel capabilities of the facilities involved.

Duties of OSC

Co-ordinate operations of all SAR facilities on-scene.

Obtains the search action plan from the SMC.

Plan the search or rescue operation, if no plan is otherwise available.

Modify the search action or rescue action plan as the situation on- scene dictates, keeping the SMC advised.

Co-ordinate on-scene communications.

Monitor the performance of other participating facilities.

Ensure operations are conducted safely, paying particular attention to maintaining safe separations among all facilities, both surface and air.

Make periodic situation reports (SITREPs) to the SMC.

Maintain a detailed record of the operation:

	On-scene arrival and departure times of SAR facilities, other vessels and aircraft engaged in operation
	Areas searched
	Track spacing used
	Sightings and leads reported
	Actions taken
	Result obtained.

Advise the SMC to release facilities no longer required.

Report the number and names of survivors to the SMC.

Provide the SMC with the names and designations of facilities with survivors aboard.

Report which survivors are each facility.

Request additional SMC assistance when necessary (for example, medical evacuation of seriously injured survivors).

SITREP (SAR Situation report)

The standard SITREP format may be found in IAMSAR Vol-3, appendix D.

SITREP should include but not be limited to:

	Weather and sea conditions
	The results of search to date
	Any actions taken
	Any future plans or recommendations.