GUYANA MARITIME ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE MANUAL

Transcription

1 GUYANA MARITIME ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE MANUAL MAY 2009

2 FOREWORD Search and Rescue (SAR) comprises the search for and provision of aid to persons who are, or are believed to be in imminent danger of loss of life. The two operations; Search and Rescue, may take many forms, depending on whether they are both required or not, on the size and complexity of the operation and on the available staff and facilities. According to the National Search and Rescue Plan, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), shall assume responsibility for maritime search and rescue in Guyana s maritime Search and Rescue Region (SRR). The National Search and Rescue Committee have been established as the coordinating body for search and rescue operations. Among its immediate tasks is the adoption of this document. It establishes the policies, standards and procedures for maritime SAR in Guyana. This manual is the standard reference document for use by the maritime SAR authority and prescribes the agreed methods of coordination through which search and rescue operations are conducted within Guyana s maritime SRR. It is supplemented by various legal, informative and instructional documents used within and between organisations concerned with search and rescue. It has been developed with due regard to the relevant international instruments such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as Amended (SOLAS); Convention on International Civil Aviation, 1944; International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979; Convention on the High Seas, 1958; the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982; and the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR). MAY 2009 Page i

3 For this document to be up-to-date and relevant, it has to be amended from time to-time during the year, and then it will have to be reviewed annually. Proposed amendments will be considered by the Maritime Administration Department and they should be sent to the Director, Maritime Safety. However, before being implemented they shall be approved by the Director General and the National Search and Rescue Committee. Record of Amendments AMENDMENT DATE DATE ENTERED ENTERED BY MAY 2009 Page ii

4 Reference Annual Amendment List Amendment MAY 2009 Page iii

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGES Foreword i Amendments ii-iii Contents v-viii Abbreviations and Acronyms v-xiv Glossary xiv-xxx Chapter 1 Search and Rescue System Organisation and Arrangements SAR Management SAR Responses and Coordination in Guyana Search and Rescue Resources Public Relations Chapter 2 Communications Overview Distress and Emergency Signals Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Emergency Signalling Devices COSPAS-SARSAT Distress Beacon Detection System Inmarsat-E (L-Band) EPIRB Radar SAR Transponder (SART) Communications in support of SAR operations Communications Facilities Chapter 3 Awareness and Initial Action Awareness and Notification SAR Stages SAR Incidents Emergency Phases Awareness Stage Sequence of SAR Events Communication Checks Intelligence Gathering and Assessment MAY 2009 Page iv

6 Chapter 4 Search Planning and Evaluation Overview Search Planning Steps Datum Definition Search Stages Factors Affecting Initial SAR Response Basic Search Planning Determination of Search Areas Coastal Search Planning Chapter 5 Search Techniques and Operations Overview General Guidelines for Searches Search Area Coverage Search Patterns Visual Search Flare Searches Electronic Searches SAR Unit Selection and Characteristics Search Unit Allocation SAR Crew Briefing SAR Crew Debriefing Chapter 6 Rescue Planning and Operations General Preparation Medical assistance Crashed Aircraft Rescue at sea Supply dropping and delivery of survival equipment Chapter 7 Conclusion of SAR Operations General Conclusion of a successful SAR action Suspension of a search when the target is not found MAY 2009 Page v

7 7.4 Reopening a suspended search Records and reports Incident Debrief Case studies Performance improvement 124 Chapter 8 Training and Exercises General Search and Rescue Exercises 8.4 Training of search and rescue units Appendix A Guyana Search and Rescue Region Appendix B Search and Rescue functions and responsibilities Appendix C Distress and Emergency Signals Appendix D Maritime SAR Recognition Code (MAREC) Appendix E Plotting symbols Appendix F Tables and graphs Appendix G Probable errors of position Appendix H Worksheets Appendix I Tier capabilities MAY 2009 Page vi

8 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS A... search area A/C..... aircraft ACC... area control Centre ACO... aircraft coordinator AES...aeronautical earth station AFN... aeronautical fixed network AFTN... aeronautical fixed telecommunications network AIP... Aeronautical Information Publication AIS...aeronautical information services AM...amplitude modulation AMS...aeronautical mobile service AMS(R)S... aeronautical mobile satellite (route) service AMSS... aeronautical mobile satellite service Amver... automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue ANC...Air Navigation Commission ARCC... aeronautical rescue coordination centre ARSC... aeronautical rescue sub-centre ASW... average surface wind ASWe... average surface wind error ASWDVe... drift velocity error due to ASWe ATC... air traffic control ATN... aeronautical telecommunications network ATS...air traffic services C... coverage factor C/C...cabin cruiser CES... coast earth station CIRM... Centro Internazionale Radio-Medico Cospas... Space System for Search of Vessels in Distress CRS... coast radio station C/S...call sign CS...creeping line search CSC... creeping line search, coordinated CSP... commence search point CW... continuous wave MAY 2009 Page vii

9 D... total drift De...total drift error DD... (leeway) divergence distance DF... direction finding DMB... datum marker buoy DME... distance-measuring equipment DRU... desert rescue unit DSC... digital selective calling DVe... total drift velocity error E... total probable error of position EGC... enhanced group calling ELR...extra-long-range aircraft ELT...emergency locator transmitter ENID... enhanced identity EPIRB... emergency position-indicating radio beacon ETA... estimated time of arrival ETD... estimated time of departure F/V... fishing vessel FIC... flight information centre FIR... flight information region FLAR... forward-looking airborne radar FLIR... forward-looking infrared FM...frequency modulation fs... optimal search factor fv... search facility velocity correction factor fw...weather correction factor fz... effort factor GES... ground earth station GHz... gigahertz GLONASS... Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System GMDSS...Global Maritime Distress Safety System GNSS...global navigation satellite system MAY 2009 Page viii

10 GPS... global positioning system GS... ground speed gt...gross tonnage HEL-H... heavy helicopter HEL-L... light helicopter HEL-M... medium helicopter HF... high frequency HQ... headquarters I/B... inboard ICAO... International Civil Aviation Organization ICS... incident command system IFR... instrument flight rules ILS...instrument landing system IMC... instrument meteorological conditions IMO... International Maritime Organization IMSO... International Mobile Satellite Organization Inmarsat... satellite communication service provider for the GMDSS INS... inertial navigation system INTERCO... International Code of Signals IP... initial position ITU... International Telecommunication Union JRCC... joint (aeronautical and maritime) rescue co-ordination centre JRSC... joint rescue sub-centre khz... kilohertz km... kilometres kt... knot (nautical miles per hour) l... search sub-area length L... length Lb...datum base line LCB... line of constant bearing LES...land earth station MAY 2009 Page ix

11 LKP...last known position LOP... line of position Loran... long-range aid to navigation LRG...long-range aircraft LSB... lower side band LUT... local user terminal LW... leeway LWe... leeway error m... metres M/V...merchant vessel MCC... mission control centre MCW...modulated carrier wave MEDEVAC...medical evacuation MEDICO...medical advice, usually by radio MF... medium frequency MHz...megahertz MMSI...maritime mobile service identity MRCC... maritime rescue co-ordination centre MRG... medium-range aircraft MRO... mass rescue operation MRSC... maritime rescue sub-centre MRU...mountain rescue unit MSI...maritime safety information n... number of required track spacings N...number of SAR facilities NATO...North Atlantic Treaty Organization NBDP... narrow-band direct printing NM...nautical mile NOTAM... notice to airmen NVG... night vision goggles O/B... outboard O/S... on-scene OS... contour search OSC...on-scene coordinator MAY 2009 Page x

12 OSV... offshore supply vessel P/C... pleasure craft PIW... person in water PLB... personal locator beacon POB... persons on board POC... probability of containment POD...probability of detection POS... probability of success POSc...cumulative probability of success PRU... parachute rescue unit PS... parallel sweep search R...search radius (actual) Ro...optimal search radius R&D...research and development RANP... regional air navigation plan RB... rescue boat RC... river current RCC...rescue co-ordination centre RF... radio frequency RSC... rescue sub-centre RTG... radio telegraphy RV... rescue vessel S/S...steam ship S/V...sailing vessel S... track spacing SAR... search and rescue Sarsat... Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking SART... search and rescue transponder SC... search and rescue coordinator SC... sea current SCe...sea current error SDP... search and rescue data provider SES... ship earth station MAY 2009 Page xi

13 SITREP... situation report SMC...search and rescue mission coordinator SOA... speed of advance SOLAS... Safety of Life at Sea SPOC... search and rescue point of contact SR... separation ratio SRG... short-range aircraft SRR... search and rescue region SRS... search and rescue sub-region SRU...search and rescue unit SS... expanding square search SSB... single side-band SU... search unit SUBSAR... submarine search and rescue SURPIC... surface picture T... search time available T/V... tank vessel TAS... true air speed TC...tidal current TCe... tidal current error TCA...time of closest approach TFR... temporary flight restriction TLX... telex TSN... track line search, non-return TSR... track line search, return TWC... total water current TWCe... total water current error U... wind speed UHF...ultra high frequency UIR...upper flight information region ULR... ultra-long-range aircraft USAR...urban search and rescue USB... upper side-band UTC... coordinated universal time MAY 2009 Page xii

14 UTM... universal transverse Mercator grid v... speed of search object V... SAR facility ground speed VFR... visual flight rules VHF... very high frequency VLR...very-long-range aircraft VMC...visual meteorological conditions VOR...VHF Omni directional radio range VS... sector search w... search sub-area width W...sweep width WC...wind current WCe... wind current error WMO... World Meteorological Organization Wu... uncorrected sweep width X...initial position error Y...SAR facility position error Z... search effort Za... available datum effort Zr... relative effort Zrc... cumulative relative effort Zta... total available search effort MAY 2009 Page xiii

15 Aircraft (ACO) Coordinator Aeronautical drift (Da) Aeronautical position Aircraft glide Alert Phase GLOSSARY A person or team who co-ordinates the involvement of multiple aircraft SAR operations in support of the SAR mission coordinator and on-scene coordinator. Drift caused by bailout trajectory or aircraft gliding distance Initial position of a distressed aircraft at the time of re-entry, engine failure, aircrew ejection or bailout Maximum ground distance an aircraft could cover during descent A situation wherein apprehension exists as to the safety of an aircraft or marine vessel, and of the persons on board Alerting post Any facility intended to serve as an intermediary between a person reporting an emergency and a rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre. Amver Available datum effort (Za) Awareness range A world-wide ship reporting system for search and rescue The amount of effort available for assignment to a particular datum. Distance at which a search scanner can first detect something different from its surroundings but not yet recognize it. Awareness stage Captain Checksum digit A period during which the SAR system becomes aware of an actual or potential incident Master of a ship or pilot-in-command of an aircraft, commanding officer of a warship or an operator of any other vessel. A digit which is appended to a numeric data element and used to verify its accuracy. MAY 2009 Page xiv

16 Checksum digits are computed by adding the digits of the data element. Coast earth station (CES) Maritime name for an Inmarsat shore-based station linking ship earth stations with terrestrial communications networks Commence search point Point normally specified by the SMC where a (CSP) Conclusion stage Coordinated search pattern Coordinated universal time (UTC) Cospas Sarsat System Course Coverage factor (C) Craft Cumulative probability of Success (POSc) Cumulative relative effort (Zrc) Datum SAR facility is to begin its search pattern A period during a SAR incident when SAR facilities return to their regular location and prepare for another mission Multi-unit pattern using vessel(s) and aircraft International term for time at the prime meridian. A satellite system designed to detect distress beacons transmitting on the frequencies MHz and 406 MHz. The intended horizontal direction of travel of a craft. The ratio of the search effort (Z) to the area searched (A). C = Z/A. For parallel sweep searches, it may be computed as the ratio of sweep width (W) to track spacing (S). C = W/S. Any air or sea-surface vehicle, or submersible of any kind or size. The accumulated probability of finding the search object with all the search effort expended over all searches to date. POSc is the sum of all individual search POS values. The sum of all previous relative efforts plus the relative effort for the next planned search effort. This value determines the optimal search factor. Zrc = Zr-1 + Zr-2 + Zr Zr-next search A geographic point, line, or area used as a MAY 2009 Page xv

17 Datum area Datum base line Datum line Datum marker buoy (DMB) Datum point Dead reckoning (DR) Digital selective calling (DSC) Direction of current Direction of waves, swell or seas Direction of wind Distress Phase reference in search planning. Area in where it is estimated that the search object is most likely to be located. That portion of a datum line that is drawn between two specific locations, such as way points on a distressed or missing craft s intended track line. May be extended to form a datum line that accounts for the probable error(s) of one or both locations. A line, such as the distressed craft s intended track line or a line of bearing, which defines the centre of the area where it is estimated that the search object is most likely to be located. Droppable floating beacon used to determine actual total water current, or to serve as a location reference A point, such as a reported or estimated position, at the centre of the area where it is estimated that the search object is most likely to be located. Determination of position of a craft by adding to the last fix the craft s course and speed for a given time. A technique using digital codes which enables a radio station to establish contact with, and transfer information to, another station or group of stations Direction toward which a current is flowing. Also called set Direction from which the waves, swells, or seas are moving Direction from which the wind is blowing. A situation wherein there is reasonable certainty that a vessel or other craft, including an aircraft or a person, is threatened by grave MAY 2009 Page xvi

18 Ditching Divergence distance Drift Drift error (De) Effort factor (fz) Emergency Phase False alarm False alert Fetch First RCC Fix MAY 2009 and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. The forced landing of an aircraft on water Distance between the left and right leeway divergence datums The movement of a search object caused by environmental forces. See Total probable drift error. (1) For point and leeway divergence datums, the effort factor is the square of the total probable error of position (E). fzp = E2. (2) For line datums, the effort factor is the product of the total probable error of position (E) and the length of the line (L). fzl = E 6 L. A generic term meaning, as the case may be, uncertainty phase, alert phase, or distress phase. Distress alert initiated for other than an appropriate test, by communications equipment intended for alerting, when no distress situation actually exists Distress alert received from any source, including communications equipment intended for alerting, when no distress situation actually exists, and a notification of distress should not have resulted. The distance over which the wind blows in a constant direction, without obstruction RCC affiliated with the shore station that first acknowledges a distress alert, and which should assume responsibility for all subsequent SAR co-ordination unless and until responsibility is accepted by another RCC better able to take action A geographical position determined by visual reference to the surface, referencing to one or Page xvii

19 Forward-looking airborne radar (FLAR) more radio navigation aids, celestial plotting, or other navigation device Any aircraft-mounted radar designed to detect targets on or near the ocean surface by scanning a sector typically centred in the direction of aircraft heading. FLAR may also perform weather avoidance/navigation in support of aircraft operations. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) General communications Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Grid Grid cell Ground speed (GS) Heading An imaging system, mounted on board surface vessels or aircraft, designed to detect thermal energy (heat) emitted by targets and convert it into a visual display Operational and public correspondence traffic other than distress, urgency and safety messages transmitted or received by radio. A global communications service based upon automated systems, both satellite-based and terrestrial, to provide distress alerting and promulgation of maritime safety information for mariners World-wide position and time determination system that includes one or more satellite constellations and receivers Any set of intersecting perpendicular lines spaced at regular intervals. A square or rectangular area formed by pairs of adjacent, perpendicular grid lines The speed an aircraft is making relative to the earth s surface The horizontal direction in which a craft is pointed. Hypothermia Abnormal lowering of internal body temperature (heat loss) from exposure to cold air, wind, or water. Indicated air speed (IAS) The aircraft speed shown on the air speed MAY 2009 Page xviii

20 Initial action stage Initial position error (X) Inmarsat Instrument flight rules (IFR) Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) Joint rescue co-ordination centre (JRCC) Knot (kt) Last known position (LKP) Leeway (LW) indicator gauge. IAS corrected for instrument error and atmospheric density equals true air speed. A period during which preliminary action is taken to alert SAR facilities and obtain amplifying information. The estimated probable error of the initial position(s) at the beginning of a drift interval. For the first drift interval, this will be the probable error of the initially reported or estimated position of the SAR incident. For subsequent drift intervals, it will be the total probable error of the previous datum position(s). A system of geostationary satellites for worldwide mobile communications services, and which support the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and other emergency communications systems. Rules governing the procedures for conducting instrument flight. Also a term used by pilots and controllers to indicate type of flight plan Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling less than the minima specified for visual meteorological conditions. A rescue co-ordination centre responsible for both aeronautical and maritime search and rescue incidents. A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. Last witnessed, reported, or computed DR position of a distressed craft The movement of a search objects through water caused by winds blowing against exposed surfaces. MAY 2009 Page xix

21 Leeway divergence angle The average angle between an object s direction of leeway and the downwind direction. Leeway may diverge to either the right or the left of the downwind direction. Current evidence indicates that objects with significant leeway divergence angles rarely jibe or tack downwind. Leeway error (LWe) The probable error of the leeway estimate. Local user terminal An earth receiving station that receives beacon (LUT) signals relayed by Cospas Sarsat satellites, processes them to determine the location of the beacons, and forwards the signals Mass Rescue Operation (MRO) Search and rescue services characterized by the need for immediate response to large numbers of persons in distress, such that the capabilities normally available to search and rescue authorities are inadequate. MAYDAY The international radiotelephony distress signal, repeated three times. MEDEVAC Evacuation of a person for medical reasons. MEDICO Medical advice. Exchange of medical information and recommended treatment for sick or injured persons where treatment cannot be administered directly by prescribing medical personnel Meteorological visibility The maximum range at which a large object, such as land masses or mountains, can be seen. Also referred to as Meteorological Range. Mission control centre Part of the Cospas Sarsat system that accepts (MCC) alert messages from the local user terminal(s) and other mission control centres to distribute to the appropriate rescue co-ordination centres Narrow-Band Direct Printing (NBDP) or other search and rescue points of contact. Automated telegraphy, as used by the NAVTEX system and telex-over-radio. MAY 2009 Page xx

22 NAVAREA NAVTEX On-scene On-scene co-ordinator (OSC) On-scene endurance Operations stage Optimal search area Optimal search factor (fs) Optimal search plan Optimal search radius Overdue One of 16 areas into which the world s oceans are divided by the International Maritime Organization for dissemination of navigation and meteorological warnings The system for the broadcast and automatic reception of maritime safety information by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy. The search area or the actual distress site A person designated to co-ordinate search and rescue operations within a specified area The amount of time a facility may spend at the scene engaged in search and rescue activities A period during a SAR incident when SAR facilities proceed to the scene, conduct search, rescue survivors, assist distressed craft, provide emergency care for survivors, and deliver survivors to a suitable facility. The search area which will produce the highest probability of success when searched uniformly with the search effort available A value, based on the amount of relative effort available, which is used to estimate the optimal area to search so the chances of finding the search object are maximized. (see Optimal search radius). A plan that maximizes the probability of success of finding the search object using the available search effort. One-half the width of the optimal search area. Optimal search radius is computed as the product of the total probable error of position (E) and the optimal search factor (fs). Ro = E 6 fs. A situation where a craft has failed to arrive at MAY 2009 Page xxi

23 its intended destination when expected and remains missing PAN-PAN The international radiotelephony urgency signal. When repeated three times, indicates uncertainty or alert, followed by nature of urgency. Personal Locator Beacon Personal radio distress beacon for alerting and (PLB) transmitting homing signals. Pilot-in-command The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight time Planning stage A period during a SAR incident when an effective plan of operations is developed Position A geographical location normally expressed in degrees and minutes of latitude and longitude Positioning Process of determining a position which can serve as a geographical reference for conducting a search. Possibility area (1) The smallest area containing all possible survivor or search objects locations. (2) For a scenario, the possibility area is the smallest area containing all possible survivor or search object locations which are consistent with the facts and assumptions used to form the scenario Primary swell The swell system having the greatest height Probability containment (POC) of Probability of detection (POD) from trough to crest. The probability that the search object is contained within the boundaries of an area, sub-area, or grid cell. The probability of the search object being detected, assuming it was in the areas that were searched. POD is a function of coverage factor, sensor, search conditions and the accuracy with which the search facility navigates its assigned search pattern. Measures sensor effectiveness under the prevailing search conditions MAY 2009 Page xxii

24 Probability of success (POS) Probability map Probable error (from statistics) Relative effort (Zr) Rescue Rescue co-ordination centre (RCC) Rescue sub-centre (RSC) MAY 2009 The probability of finding the search object with a particular search. For each sub-area searched, POS = POC 6 POD. Measures search effectiveness. A set of grid cells covering a scenario s possibility area where each grid cell is labeled with the probability of the search object being in that grid cell. That is, each grid cell is labeled with its own POC value. The range on either side of the average or expected value such that the probability of being within that range is 50%. The amount of available search effort (Z) divided by the effort factor. The relative effort relates the size of the effort available for a particular search to the size of the search object s location probability distribution at the time of the search. Zr = Z/fZ. An operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver them to a place of safety. A unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of search and rescue services and for coordinating the conduct of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region. Note: The term RCC will be used within this Manual to apply to either aeronautical or maritime centres; ARCC or MRCC will be used as the context warrants. A unit subordinate to a rescue co-ordination centre, established to complement the latter according to particular provisions of the responsible authorities. Note: The term RSC will be used within this Manual except where it applies only to aeronautical or maritime; then ARSC or MRSC will be used. Page xxiii

25 Rhumb line Straight line between two points on a Mercator projection chart. SafetyNET A service of Inmarsat enhanced group call (EGC) system specifically designed for promulgation of maritime safety information (MSI) as a part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). SarNET A broadcast system between RCCs within the footprint of an individual satellite Scenario A consistent set of known facts and assumptions describing what may have happened to the survivors. Sea Condition of the surface resulting from waves and swells. Sea current (SC) The residual current when currents caused by tides and local winds are subtracted from local current. It is the main, large-scale flow of ocean waters. Sea current error (SCe) Search Search action plan Search and rescue airspace reservation Search and rescue briefing officer The probable error of the sea current estimate. An operation, normally coordinated by a rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre, using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress. Message, normally developed by the SMC, for passing instructions to SAR facilities and agencies participating in a SAR mission. Temporary airspace reservation to prevent non- SAR aircraft from interfering with SAR operations. An officer appointed, usually by the SMC, to brief departing SAR facilities and debrief returning SAR facilities. Search and rescue case Any potential or actual distress about which a facility opens a documentary file, whether or not SAR resources are dispatched. Search and rescue Communications necessary for the co- MAY 2009 Page xxiv

26 coordinating communications Search and rescue coordinator (SC) Search and rescue data provider (SDP) Search and rescue facility Search and rescue incident Search and rescue liaison officer Search and rescue mission coordinator (SMC) Search and rescue plan Search and rescue point of contact (SPOC) MAY 2009 ordination of facilities participating in a search and rescue operation. One or more persons or agencies within an Administration with overall responsibility for establishing and providing SAR services, and ensuring that planning for those services is properly coordinated. A source for a rescue co-ordination centre to contact to obtain data to support search and rescue operations, including emergency information from communications equipment registration databases, ship reporting systems, and environmental data systems (e.g., weather or sea current). Any mobile resource, including designated search and rescue units, used to conduct search and rescue operations. Any situation requiring notification and alerting of the SAR system and which may require SAR operations. An officer assigned to promote co-ordination during a SAR mission. The official temporarily assigned to co-ordinate response to an actual or apparent distress situation. A general term used to describe documents which exist at all levels of the national and international search and rescue structure to describe goals, arrangements, and procedures which support the provision of search and rescue services. Rescue co-ordination centres and other established and recognized national points of contact which can accept responsibility to receive Cospas Sarsat alert data to enable the rescue of persons in distress. Page xxv

27 Search and rescue region (SRR) An area of defined dimensions, associated with a rescue co-ordination centre, within which search and rescue services are provided. Search and rescue service The performance of distress monitoring, communication, co-ordination and search and rescue functions, including provision of medical advice, initial medical assistance, or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources, including co-operating aircraft, vessels and other craft and installations. Search and rescue stage Search and rescue Sub-region (SRS) Search and rescue unit (SRU) Search area Search effort (Z) Search endurance (T) Typical steps in the orderly progression of SAR missions. These are normally Awareness, Initial Action, Planning, Operations, and Mission Conclusion. A specified area within a search and rescue region associated with a rescue sub-centre. A unit composed of trained personnel and provided with equipment suitable for the expeditious conduct of search and rescue operations. The area, determined by the search planner that is to be searched. This area may be sub-divided into search sub-areas for the purpose of assigning specific responsibilities to the available search facilities. A measure of the area a search facility can effectively search within the limits of search speed, endurance, and sweep width. Search effort is computed as the product of search speed (V), search endurance (T), and sweep width (W). Z = V 6 T 6 W. The amount of productive search time available at the scene. This figure is usually taken to be 85% of the on-scene endurance, leaving a 15% allowance for investigating MAY 2009 Page xxvi

28 sightings and navigating turns at the ends of search legs Search facility position error (Y) Probable error in a search craft s position, based on its navigational capabilities. Search object A ship, aircraft, or other craft missing or in distress or survivors or related search objects or evidence for which a search is being conducted. Search pattern A track line or procedure assigned to an SRU for searching a specified area. Search radius The actual search radius used to plan the search and to assign search facilities. It is usually based on adjustments to the optimal search radius that are needed for operational reasons. Search speed (V) The speed (or velocity) with which a search facility moves over the ground when searching. Search sub-area A designated area to be searched by a specific assigned search facility or possibly two facilities working together in close coordination. Secondary swells Swell systems of less height than the primary swell. Sensors Human senses (sight, hearing, touch, etc.), those of specially trained animals (such as dogs), or electronic devices used to detect the object of a search. Separation ratio (SR) The ratio of the divergence distance (DD) between two leeway divergence datums to the total probable error of position (E). (SR = DD/E). Set Direction towards which a current flows Situation report (SITREP) Reports, from the OSC to the SMC or the SMC to interested agencies, to keep them informed of on-scene conditions and mission progress. Sortie Individual movement of a resource in conducting a search or rendering assistance. MAY 2009 Page xxvii

29 Surface drift Vector sum of total water current and leeway. Sometimes called Total Drift. Surface picture (SURPIC) A list or graphic display from a ship reporting system of information about vessels in the vicinity of a distress situation that may be called upon to render assistance. Surface position The position of the search object on the earth s surface at the time of initial distress, or its first contact with the earth s surface. Sweep width (W) A measure of the effectiveness with which a particular sensor can detect a particular object under specific environmental conditions. Swell Condition of the surface caused by a distant wind system. The individual swell appears to be regular and smooth with considerable distance between rounded crests. Swell direction The direction from which a swell is moving. The direction toward which a swell is moving is called the down swell direction. Swell face The side of the swell toward the observer. The backside is the side away from the observer. These definitions apply regardless of the direction of swell movement. Swell velocity Velocity with which the swells advance with relation to a fixed reference point, measured in knots. Tidal current (TC) Near-shore currents caused by the rise and fall of the tides. Tidal current error (TCe) The probable error of the tidal current estimate. Time of closest approach Time during a satellite pass when the satellite (TCA) Total available search effort (Zta) Total drift error (De) is closest to a signal source. The total amount of search effort available at the scene; equal to the sum of the search efforts available from each of the search facilities at the scene. Also total probable drift error. The total MAY 2009 Page xxviii

30 Total drift velocity error (DVe) Total probable error (E) Total water current (TWC) Total water current error (TWCe) Track spacing (S) Triage True air speed (TAS) Uncertainty Phase Unnecessary SAR alert (UNSAR) MAY 2009 probable error in the datum position that is contributed by the total drift velocity error (DVe). De = DVe 6 t, where t is the length of the drift interval in hours. Also total probable drift velocity error. The total probable error of the total drifts velocity based on the probable errors contributed by the probable errors in the average surface wind, leeway, and total water current. The estimated error in the datum position. It is the square root of the sum of the squares of the total drift error, initial position error, and search facility position error. The vector sum of currents affecting search objects. Also total probable water current error. The total probable error of the total water current based on either (a) the probable error of the measured total water current or (b) the probable errors of the wind current, tidal or sea current, and any other current that contributed to the total water current. The distance between adjacent parallel search tracks. The process of sorting survivors according to medical condition and assigning them priorities for emergency care, treatment, and evacuation. The speed an aircraft is travelling through the air mass. TAS corrected for wind equals ground speed. A situation wherein doubt exists as to the safety of an aircraft or a marine vessel, and of the persons on board. A message sent by an RCC to the appropriate authorities as a follow-up when the SAR system is unnecessarily activated by a false Page xxix

31 Unreported Vector Visual flight rules (VFR) Visual meteorological conditions (VMC) Wave (or Chop) Wind-corrected heading Wind current (WC) alert. A situation where a craft has failed to report its location or status when expected and remains missing. A graphic representation of a physical quantity or measurement, such as wind velocity, having both magnitude and direction. Rules governing procedures for conducting flight under visual meteorological conditions. In addition, used by pilots and controllers to indicate type of flight plan. Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from cloud, and ceiling equal to or better than specified minima. The condition of the surface caused by local wind and characterized by irregularity, short distance between crests, whitecaps, and breaking motion. The actual heading an aircraft is required to fly to make good an intended course. The water current generated by wind acting upon the surface of water over a period of time. Wind current error (WCe) The probable error of the wind current estimate. MAY 2009 Page xxx

32 Chapter 1 Search and Rescue System 1.1 SAR System Organisation Global SAR System Organisation The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) coordinate, on a global basis, member States efforts to provide search and rescue (SAR) services. Briefly, the goal of ICAO and IMO is to provide an effective worldwide system, so that wherever people sail or fly, SAR services, as referenced in the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, Resolution A.894 (21), will be available if needed. The overall approach a State takes in establishing, providing and improving SAR services is affected by the fact that these efforts are an integral part of a global SAR system Maritime search and rescue services are defined as the performance of distress monitoring, communication, coordination and search and rescue functions, provision of medical advice and initial medical assistance to ships at sea, through the use of public and private resources, including cooperating aircraft, vessels and other craft and installations In providing assistance to persons in distress and to survivors of SAR incidents, member States shall do so regardless of the nationality or status of such a person or the circumstances in which that person is found. National SAR System Organisation Guyana, by being Party to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and the Convention on International Civil Aviation, has accepted the obligation to provide aeronautical and maritime SAR co-ordination and services within its Search and Rescue Region (SRR) The Government of Guyana has established a national SAR Committee in the year 2008, to carry out these responsibilities, Guyana s maritime SRR coincides with the aeronautical SRR as defined in the ICAO Regional Air Navigation Plans (RANPs). MAY 2009 Page 1

33 The purpose of having a SRR is to clearly define who has primary responsibility for coordinating responses to distress situations in every area of the world, which is especially important for automatic routing of distress alerts to the responsible Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC). In accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue 1, the Government of Guyana through Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), accepts responsibility for the coordination of maritime search and rescue in Guyana s Search and Rescue Region (SRR). These responsibilities shall be exercised through a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) 2. The RCC is to be staffed continuously and is responsible for: a. coordinating SAR in respect of civil aircraft in the maritime SAR area; b. coordinating maritime SAR for all classes of ships c.. promulgation of Maritime Safety Information (MSI); d. provision of information on maritime activities such as oil pollution, offshore mineral exploration and dumping at sea; 1.2 SAR MANAGEMENT Overview There are three levels of management within the SAR system. Overall management of SAR responsibilities by SAR Authority, management of individual SAR incidents by SAR mission coordinators (SMCs), and direction of SAR activities at an incident by on-scene coordinators (OSCs) specifically designated by the SMC. This section outlines, in general terms, the management and 1 Guyana is not a Signatory to this Convention, but the National SAR Committee has recommended that the Government accept it. Nevertheless since it is the basis of maritime search and rescue, it is relied upon heavily inn this document. 2 The Guyana RCC has not yet being established, but since it is a condition precedent for the establishment of a search and rescue regime, therefore, this document is being prepared as if it is already in place. MAY 2009 Page 2

34 coordination actions required when a decision is made to implement procedures in prosecuting a SAR.). SAR Authority A SAR Authority shall ensure that a SAR operation can be promptly initiated and prosecuted with the efficient use of available SAR resources, until rescue has been completed or until the chance of success is no longer a reasonable possibility The Guyana SAR Authority has the overall responsibility for establishing, staffing, equipping and managing the SAR system, including providing appropriate legal and funding support, establishing RCCs, providing or arranging for SAR assets, coordinating SAR training and developing SAR policies. The SAR authority, where applicable, shall: a. establish a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) to coordinate all participating search and rescue assets and facilities; b. ensure that the RCC conforms to the SAR procedures contained in this manual or local SOPs and manuals; c. establish close liaison and formulate agreements with other authorities and organisations having SAR potential; d. establish liaison with SAR authorities of adjacent areas to ensure mutual cooperation and coordination in combined operations; e. ensure that a comprehensive and current SAR plan is prepared and distributed; f. establish and supervise communication facilities and assign SAR frequencies from those authorised to assets designated for SAR tasks; g. establish communications with adjoining RCCs and appropriate organisations to ensure two-way alerting and dissemination of SAR information; h. ensure immediate action is taken to provide assistance, advising the appropriate SAR authorities and passing all information received concerning the distress incident and any action taken; i. ensure that the operating authority or agency of any craft, aviation asset or land party in need of assistance has been advised of initial actions taken, and they are kept informed of all pertinent developments; j. designate an SMC for a specific SAR incident; MAY 2009 Page 3

35 k. ensure that each incident is prosecuted until assistance is no longer necessary, rescue has been completed or chance of success is no longer a reasonable possibility; l. ensure that if the scope of the operation exceeds the authority s capacity to plan and execute the operation, it shall seek advice and assistance from, or by mutual agreement, hand over coordination, to an appropriate authority; m. maintain and preserve adequate records; and n. develop new and improved techniques and procedures SAR Coordinators SCs have the overall responsibility for establishing, staffing, equipping, and managing the SAR system, including providing appropriate legal and funding support, establishing RCCs and rescue sub-centres (RSCs), providing or arranging for SAR facilities, coordinating SAR training, and developing SAR policies. SCs are the top level SAR managers; each State normally will have one or more persons or agencies for whom this designation may be appropriate. More information on SAR management responsibilities may be found in the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual on Organization and Management. SCs are not normally involved in the conduct of SAR operations RCC Staff RCC staff performs duties in the prosecution of search and rescue events. In addition they have responsibility for maintaining the RCC in a continuous state of preparedness. RCC staff shall consist of personnel who are experienced and/or trained in SAR operations. When a period of heavy activity is anticipated or during major SAR incidents, the regular staff may be supplemented as required Authorities and agencies that may be involved in providing services to an RCC in the event of an incident are to be alerted as early as practicable so that staffing can be managed. SAR Mission Coordinator Each SAR operation is carried out under the coordination of a SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) designated for the purpose. MAY 2009 Page 4

36 The SMC must understand the extent of their authority and responsibility and must be capable of taking immediate and adequate action, basing their decisions on knowledge, logic and good judgment. Qualifications The SMC must have completed appropriate SAR training and must review and maintain proficiency as per the organisational procedures. The SMC must be capable of performing all SAR functions required by the Guyana SAR Authority To fulfill the foregoing requirements, the SMC must have a good knowledge of the communications available, the geographical features of the region, and the capabilities and limitations of SAR assets. The SMC must use initiative and be inquisitive in the search for information, cross-checking the sources in doubtful cases. Responsibility The SMC is responsible for efficiently prosecuting a SAR incident using the assets available. The SMC is responsible for all stages of the SAR operation. Their responsibilities include the prompt dispatch of appropriate and adequate SAR assets and the prosecution of SAR operations until rescue has been completed, or chance of success is no longer a reasonable possibility The SMC is responsible for ensuring that the following duties are carried out depending on the SAR incident and local circumstances: a. Obtaining and evaluating all information pertaining to the incident, including emergency equipment carried by the person or craft in distress. b. Classifying the SAR incident into the appropriate emergency phase (Uncertainty, Alert/Urgency, or Distress). c. Alerting appropriate SAR assets and SAR organisations that may be of assistance during the incident. d. Conducting a risk assessment. e. Dispatching SRUs immediately, if situation warrants. f. Conducting initial communications checks. If unsuccessful, making an extended communications search to obtain additional information on the MAY 2009 Page 5

37 incident, personnel involved and equipment carried by the vessel, aircraft or party in distress. g. Calculating the search area. Preparing optimum plans and promulgating attainable plans; h. Obtaining past/present/forecast weather, drift information and oceanographic conditions if applicable. i. Providing for SAR crew briefing, dispatching of appropriate SRUs, or other assets. j. Organising logistical support for all SAR assets including fuel, food and accommodation, through to the completion of the incident. k. Making arrangements for appropriate communications. l. Maintaining a continuous, chronological plot showing, for example sighting and hearing reports, DF bearings, air plot, radar plot, fixes, reports of debris, areas searched or not searched and other intelligence. m. Maintaining a continuous, chronological record or log of the search effort, including actions taken in relation to intelligence, SRUs employed, sorties, hours flown/underway, sightings, leads, results obtained, message traffic, briefing notes, telephone calls, daily evaluation of progress and probability of detection. n. Initiating maritime distress broadcasts or maritime information broadcasts and initiating the alerting of en-route aircraft. Consideration should be given to arranging for announcements to be made over radio and TV networks. o. Arranging communication schedules when and if needed. p. Requesting additional SAR assets, as required. q. Exercising overall coordination of SAR assets. r. Maintaining liaison with the next of kin, owner, agent or management of the missing craft or persons. s. Keeping all authorities involved fully advised of SAR incident progress with timely and regular situation reports (SITREPs). SITREPs should be sent in a numbered sequence. t. Making recommendations in relation to the continuation or suspension of searches. u. Issuing news media releases on the progress of incidents in accordance with the local SAR organisational procedures and policies. v. Providing debriefs of SRUs, cancel alerts, release SAR assets and organisations involved, and issuing the final SITREP to all concerned. MAY 2009 Page 6