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

differing requirements of each country where their SRUs are likely to
become involved. SAR should be conducted in accordance with existing
agreements. Most agreements provide for automatic SRU entry into
foreign territorial seas with timely notification to certain agencies in
that foreign state. Some go beyond customary international law,
particularly in relaxing requirements concerning aircraft entry.
1223 SAR Agreements
To respond more effectively to those in distress, the U.S. has
entered into SAR agreements with neighboring states. Negotiations of
such agreement can only be authorized by the Secretary of State. The
Commandant of the Coast Guard has been delegated the authority to
negotiate and conclude SAR agreements. Once various parties which can
participate in SAR operations are determined, agreements, understandings
or other arrangements for cooperation may be appropriate with those not
under direct control of the SAR Coordinator. These written arrangements
should be sufficiently detailed and delegate sufficient authority to
help assure immediate action. Copies of relevant parts of written
arrangements should be kept in RCCs to help avoid the risk that any
agency will be reluctant to initiate action because they feel they may
lack authority to do so. Arrangements usually cover the types of
facilities available, state of readiness, scope of assistance which can
be provided, area within which assistance can be provided, points of
contact for requesting assistance, and conditions for participation in
SAR exercises. Each federal SAR agency should provide more specific
guidance for various levels of their organization related to
establishing written SAR arrangements with other parties. See Appendix
B for various SAR treaties and international instruments.
1224 United States SAR in Foreign States
A. Factors to consider about distress incidents in foreign
countries include the responsibilities of commanders for the safety of
personnel under their command, and the general responsibility of any
government with respect to its own citizens when they are abroad. The
safety of United States citizens in foreign countries is primarily the
concern of the United States Foreign Service of the Department of State.
Since this service does not have rescue facilities, its Embassies and
Consulates depend on facilities provided by the resident country or
facilities of other United States agencies. Most Embassies have a
Defense Attache Office that deals with incidents involving United States
military craft or personnel in need of assistance, and with making
arrangements for entry of such military craft. The Defense Attache
Office can also help obtain permission to engage in operations, and can
assist in coordinating United States operations with those of the
resident country. Communications with these attaches or foreign service
posts should be used in SAR cases when no other prearranged procedure
exists.
B. The USAF Foreign Clearance Guide provides worldwide guidance
for entry of United States military aircraft into foreign countries, and
provides procedures for SAR missions in these countries. The operations