JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

E. Orienting Search Areas Search patterns should be oriented to
maximize target exposure to SRUs. This is especially important in any
combination of high sea state, low target freeboard, and low searcher
height. Under these circumstances, search leg headings perpendicular to
the seas or swells, whichever is dominant, prolong the time that objects
are visible on the beam as the SRU passes. This search leg orientation
is also best for minimizing roll motion of surface SRUs. This technique
is illustrated in Figure 5-20.
543 Assigning SRUs to Search Areas
A. After dividing overall search area into subareas, the SMC
usually assigns an SRU to each subarea, designates search pattern
execution and direction of pattern creep, and assigns search altitudes
for aircraft. SRU safety is a most important consideration when search
areas are being assigned.
B. Occasionally, the SMC requires the OSC to make various search
decisions, such as search pattern selection, track spacing, and
individual SRU search area assignments. The SMC normally prescribes the
overall search area and decides on subareas for SRUs.
C. When allocating subareas, each SRU should used only for
searches for which it is operationally suitable. For example, if only
aircraft are available, the following considerations are relevant:
1. Short-range or medium-range aircraft should be used for areas
close to a base.
2. Fast, long-range aircraft should be used for more distant
areas.
3. Aircraft with poor navigation capability should be used in
areas with prominent landmarks, or for searches requiring
constant visual reference, as in shoreline searches.
4. During good weather, search areas in coastal waters may be
laid out so aircraft can fly search legs perpendicular to the
coast line. This allows aircraft without modern navigation
equipment to obtain a fix at the land end of each leg.
However, terrain clearance must be considered.
D. The SMC normally specifies the commence search point (CSP)
which, along with pattern creep and search altitude, is used to maintain
lateral and vertical separation. While SRUs should help themselves by
using IFF/SIF interrogators, radar, air-to-air TACAN, and visual
lookouts, the SMC and OSC also plan for safe separation between SRUs.
An example of a separation plan (see Figure 5-21) follows:
1. The SMC first assigns all search patterns to creep north.
This will help ensure that the aircraft in areas A-1 and A-2
maintain lateral separation of one search area width from the
aircraft in areas A-3 and A-4 (assuming they begin their