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

altitude to make the sighting report and orbit the position to
aid detection by other SRUs using radar, DF, Electronic
Counter Measures (ECM), or similar equipment. The SRU should
periodically relocate the target noting its position and
condition. If authorized or directed by the OSC, aircraft may
request the assistance of and guide passing vessels, boats,
and helicopters to the distress as needed, even if the SMC has
dispatched other SRUs. However, a dangerous situation may
occur if several units converge on scene simultaneously. The
OSC should be made aware of and coordinate the arrival of all
units.
c. At night, SRUs should illuminate the scene. Vessels
may have star shells, mortar flares, or searchlights.
Aircraft can drop parachute flares. If the survivors at sea
are visually lost at dusk, or if survivors have not been
actually located but their position is fairly well
established, two float lights should be dropped to outline the
limits of the search area, the most probable position of
survivors being halfway between the lights. A search pattern
can then be executed between the lights.
D. SRUs must inform the OSC promptly and completely on any
sighting and identification developments.
1. Survivor Signal Report. If an SRU hears or detects an
emergency signal or transmission, the OSC should immediately
be advised of SRU position, description and evaluation of the
signal or transmission, time signal began and ended, bearing
of signal from SRU, signal frequency and strength, and SRU
actions.
2. Debris Sighting Report. If an SRU sights empty lifeboats,
liferafts, debris, oil slicks, sea-dye marker, flares, smoke,
or any unusual object, the OSC should immediately be advised
of the position, description, evaluation and concentration of
object(s), and wind, weather, and sea conditions.
3. Aircraft Crash Sighted Report. If an SRU sights the scene of
an aircraft crash, the OSC should immediately be advised of
the position, orientation of aircraft impact, scattered
wreckage, or parachutes along track, and condition of the
wreckage (fire/explosion, controlled or uncontrolled impact,
survivability), identity and condition of survivors. If
survivors are not seen, the SRU should advise the OSC of any
indications of direction of departure of survivors; presence
or absence of surface-to-air signals; wind, weather, and sea
conditions; SRU endurance remaining; emergency equipment
received, used, or needed by survivors; accessibility by
rescue vessels, aircraft, pararescuemen, or ground teams;
recommendations for recovery; and SRU actions.