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

completed, the initial area, not the expanded area, is
completely covered relative to the search target.
3. When drift compensation is used, SRUs should arrive on scene
at assigned times. Delays may occur, but target motion
continues and its effect on area coverage relative to the
target should be considered. In some cases the assigned area
of a late arrival can be moved downdrift without adversely
affecting SRU separation. In other cases, the SMC will need
to determine the uncovered area and search it later to ensure
coverage. Search area prioritization also reduces the effects
of delay or interruption. Areas can be ranked according to
probability of containing the target. If this is done in
advance, SRUs can be reassigned from areas of lower
probability.
554 Search Pattern Summary
Characteristics of the various types of search patterns are
summarized in Figure 5-43.
5-41