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

(day or night), date, search area assignments, SRUs assigned, PODs
obtained for each search area, and total size in square miles of area
searched. As each assigned search is completed, it should be crosshatched
on the chart.
B. SAR mission overlays are used when the SAR case continues
beyond one day and the SAR case chart, if continued in use, would become
too cluttered for effective planning. Transparent overlays of thin
plastic or tissue should be used on top of the original SAR chart, and
sequential search efforts (first-day search, first-night search, secondday
search, etc.) plotted on successive overlays using the same mission
data and color codes used on the original SAR mission chart. When the
SAR chart and overlays are placed on an underlit table, the top overlay
will show only its information when the table is unlighted, but the
entire mission effort is presented when the table is lighted. This is
useful only when using charts blank on the reverse side. Some SMCs file
a color photograph of each search overlay in the SAR case folder.
C. Color codes, as follows, have proven effective when plotting on
SAR mission charts and overlays:
1. Search area boundaries and all lettering - black.
2. Last known position, last communications position, planned
track of distressed craft, and objects sighted - red.
3. SRU tracks - blue.
4. Permanent land areas - brown.
5. All other - black.
6. Completed search areas - cross-hatching color optional, but
different for each day, or night, and not blue, brown, red, or
black.
D. For large missions, charts outlining search areas should be
prepared by the briefing officer and delivered to SRU commanders. These
SRU charts should include boundaries of the assigned search area, en
route track, return track, and search tracks. This is effective in
overwater searches where the SMC directs searching by aircraft and
vessels proceeding to and from the scene. Information about adjacent
search areas and SRUs should also be on the chart.
1150 SAR CASE STUDIES
A. A SAR Coordinator should always consider SAR case studies if it
will enhance the SAR system.
11-3