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

potential, and with SAR authorities of neighboring nations, to
ensure mutual cooperation and coordination.
2. Preparing and distributing a current comprehensive area SAR
plan.
3. Establishing RCCs to coordinate SAR resources within the
region of responsibility and RSCs for areas where RCCs cannot
exercise direct and effective coordination, and ensuring that
operations conform with the SAR plan and the National SAR
Manual.
4. Conducting SAR, assigning SMC and SRUs until assistance is no
longer necessary or rescue has been effected. Suspend SAR
cases when there is no longer a reasonable chance of success,
and report results to the parent operating command or agency.
132 SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC)
A. A SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) is designated by the SAR
Coordinator to manage a specific SAR mission, and has the full
operational authority of the SAR Coordinator. An SMC is usually
assigned for each SAR mission. While the SAR Coordinator retains
overall responsibility, the SMC plans and operationally coordinates and
controls SAR missions from the time assigned until conclusion,
prosecuting each mission with resources available. The SMC must use
good judgement to modify, combine, or bypass SAR stages and procedures
to cope with unique, unusual, or changing circumstances.
B. The SMC may be predesignated, and may be the SAR Coordinator,
an official of the SAR Coordinator's agency, or an official of another
agency in a better position to coordinated and control a particular SAR
mission. Any agency likely to be assigned SMC functions should ensure
that agency personnel are identified and trained in SAR operations and
SMC duties, and that adequate communications capability is maintained.
A SAR Coordinator may divide a SAR mission between multiple SMCs,
specifying the boundaries of each SMC effort.
133 Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs)
A. Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) usually function as SMCs and
control and coordinate SAR operations within an assigned SRR, requesting
assistance from other RCCs or RSCs as needed. The RCC chief supervises
operations and personnel, including RCC controllers and other
watchstanders. Senior RCC controllers or experienced SAR officers
should supervise missions requiring extensive planning and coordination.
All personnel assigned to RCC watches should be fully trained and
capable of performing their duties.
B. International guidelines have been established to help
determine which RCC should be responsible for coordination of a distress
situation when an alert is received.