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

lue and white checkered flag), or signals the Morse code
signal "N" ( - þ ) by lamp.
6. Radio request from the OSC or SMC.
660 ON SCENE RELIEF AND DEPARTURE
A. SMCs obtain, brief, and dispatch relief SRUs and OSCs. As
relief SRUs arrive on scene, each should be given an initial briefing by
the OSC and monitored until in its assigned search area. The SRU being
relieved, or finishing the assigned search, reports search results to
the OSC and departs after OSC clearance.
B. Arrangements for on scene SRU reliefs must be made by the SMC
with the providing agencies. If the aircraft or vessel assigned as OSC
experiences a malfunction that prevents it from effectively carrying out
OSC duties, one of the SRUs already on scene is usually selected as an
immediate relief.
C. OSC relief involves passing information normally given to each
arriving SRU and information about SRUs currently within the search area
or SAR airspace reservation.
D. When several search areas are involved, departing aircraft may
be authorized to climb out of the search area airspace within the
lateral boundaries of the assigned search area, obtaining clearance from
ATC for the return flight.
E. Vessel departures are controlled by the OSC. Normally surface
vessels are cleared to depart the search area from their present
position. They may be used to search en route.
670 RETURN TO BASE AND DEBRIEFING
After the SRU is released from the search, operational control
returns to its parent agency. However, the crew should be debriefed by
the SMC or his representative. Proper debriefing of search crews is
frequently as important as the briefing. The use of written debriefing
forms helps ensure that all pertinent information is obtained and
recorded. A search craft debriefing form should be provided to the SRU
during initial briefing.
6-23