Duties of SAR mission co-ordinator: IAMSAR

 

Duties of SAR mission co-ordinator:

SAR Mission Co-ordinator (SMC):- Each SAR operation is carried out under the guidance of an SMC. This function exists only for the duration of a specific SAR incident and is normally performed by the RCC chief or a designee. The SMC may have assisting staff.

        The SMC guides a SAR operation until a rescue has been effected or it becomes apparent that further efforts would be of no avail.

        The SMC should be well trained in all SAR processes, be thoroughly families with the applicable SAR plans, and:

• Gather information about distress situations.
• Develop accurate and workable SAR action plans.
• Dispatch and co-ordinate the resources to carry out SAR missions.

SMC Duties Include:-

• Obtaining and evaluating all data on the emergency.
• Ascertaining the type and quantity of emergency equipment carried by the distressed or missing craft.
• Ascertaining prevailing and forecast environmental conditions.
• If necessary, ascertaining movements and locations of vessels and alerting shipping in likely search areas for rescue, lookout and/or radio watch.
• Plotting the areas to search and deciding on methods and facilities to be used.
• Developing the search action plan and rescue action plan as appropriate.
• Co-ordinating the operation with adjacent RCCs when appropriate.
• Arranging briefing and debriefing of SAR personnel.
• Evaluating all reports and modify search action plan as necessary.
• Arranging for refueling of aircraft and, for prolonged search, making arrangements for the accommodation of SAR personnel.
• Arranging for delivery of supplies to sustain survivors.
• Maintaining in chronological order an accurate and up-to-date record.
• Issuing progress reports.
• Recommending to the RCC chief the abandoning or suspending of the search.
• Releasing SAR facilities when assistance is no longer required.
• Notifying accident investigation authorities.
• If applicable, notifying the state of registry of the aircraft or surface craft.
• Preparing a final report.

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