SEARCH SAR Crew Manual Chapter 9

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SEARCHSAR Crew ManualChapter 9
2008
CANADIAN COAST GUARD AUXILIARY - PACIFIC
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Search Operations
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Search Operations

• Require meticulous habits and thoroughness to
  perform effective searching, spotting and
  accurate manoeuvring through search patterns

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Search Operations

• A search operation may involve numerous
  resources, and JRCC will appoint an On Scene
  Commander
• This is dependent upon the capabilities of the
  resources
• The JRCC may appoint your vessel as Co-ordinator
  Surface Search

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Search Operations

• There is no time limit on a search so be careful
  and methodical
• Make sure you are properly prepared to be out on
  the water for a long time, and are fully equipped
• Stop and talk to other vessels that are met in
  the area

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Search Operations

• Keeping a safe lookout under the collision rules,
  applies to search operations although the two
  operations are entirely separate
• This means using sight, hearing and all other
  appropriate means to assist in the search

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Searching
Port
Starboard
Lookout eye movement when searching
Track Spacing
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Searching
Port
Starboard
Maximum Detection Range
Track Spacing
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Searching
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Search Operations

• With overdue vessels, JRCC may request
• 1. contacting with marina manager or wharfingers
  to check whether boat has been seen there
• 2. check every vessel carefully for license
  number, description and name
• 3. check the parking lot of their marina for
  their vehicle
• 4. ask other people out on the floats

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Search Objects
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Search Objects

• The persons or objects that are being searched
  for may have been given by JRCC
• However the searchers should be looking for
  anything that could give a clue of the incident
• Anything of note should be reported to JRCC

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Search Objects

• This could include
• Persons in the water
• Persons on the shore, or indication that people
  have been recently there, e.g. wet drag marks up
  a dry rock, discarded clothing
• Boats, canoes, sail boards, either floating
  normally, water logged or floating upside down

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Search Objects

• EPIRBs
• Distress signals
• Survival craft, liferafts, lifebuoys, lifejackets
• Garbage on the water which may be from a boat
• Flotsam and jetsam
• Oil slick on the water

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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
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Search Objects
Flotsam isnt always this big!
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Distress Signals

• All are listed in Annex IV of the collision
  regulations
• Recognize the signs
• Know what to do
• Be familiar with your own signaling devices

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Search Patterns
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Search Pattern Definitions

• Commence Search Point - where to start first leg
  of search
• Search Leg - one of successive tracks run by
  search vessel
• Cross Leg - tracks that connect search legs
• Track Space - distance between adjacent tracks
• Major Axis - longest axis of rectangular search
  area

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Search Pattern Definitions

• Minor Axis - short side of a rectangular search
  area
• Creep Direction - direction of advance of search
  vessel within search area
• Beam Sighting Distance - lateral distance
  searched on both side of search vessel (1/2)
  track spacing and normally less than maximum
  detection range

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Track Spacing

• This is dependent upon the detection range of the
  object that is being searched for, with smaller
  objects requiring a smaller track spacing
• It is a function of Sweep Width and the desired
  coverage factor

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Sweep Width

• This is dependent upon the detection range of the
  object that is being searched for, with smaller
  objects requiring a smaller track spacing

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Sweep Width

• Sweep width is governed by
• 1. Size and type of the search object
• 2. Weather and sea conditions, e.g seas, spray
• 3. Flotsam
• 4. Type of search craft and speed
• 5. Search altitude for aircraft
• 6. Search crew fatigue

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Course and Leg Identifier

• For Expanding Square Pattern Sector Pattern
  Searches.
• This tool is a must have for anyone else who
  might have to run a search pattern. The Course
  Leg Identifier quickly calculates the heading and
  run time for each leg of either an expanding
  square pattern or sector pattern search, giving
  you more time to focus on the search.

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Search Pattern Card
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Creeping Line Search
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Parallel Track Search
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Sector Search
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Expanding Square Search
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Barrier Search
Current
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Shoreline Search
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Search Aids
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Search Aids
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Search Aids

• Use primarily your eyes and ears for searching
• Raise your height of eye if possible to increase
  the range you can see
• Only use binoculars if you see something that is
  not clear to normal vision
• Do not smoke as it adversely affects night vision

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Search Aids

• The Datum Marker Buoy is used to assess the
  actual movement of bodies in the water.
• When deployed on arrival at the scene, its
  movement can be tracked and passed to JRCC for
  live information on any set and drift being
  experienced to assist with the accuracy of the
  search

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Search Aids
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Search Aids

• White illumination flares can be used to
  illuminate the scene
• If in radio contact with a distress in an unknown
  location, they can tell the rescue vessel if the
  flare can be seen, if no other conspicuous
  landmark or navigation mark can be seen

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Search Aids
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Search Resources

• These may include
• 1. Canadian Coast Guard vessels and hovercraft
• 2. Boats
• 3. Ships
• 4. Naval ships
• 5. Police vessels

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Search Resources

• 6. Fishing vessels
• 7. Pleasure craft
• 8. Harbour Authority craft

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Search Resources

• Other Resources that may be involved
• Land based rescue volunteers
• Police
• DND Cormorant helicopters and aircraft

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Search Resources
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Search Resources