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

1. The shore station nearest the reported alert should
acknowledge it; other shore stations receiving the alert
should acknowledge it if the nearest station does not appear
to respond. The shore station that acknowledges the alert
should maintain communications with the casualty unless
relieved of this duty under SAR arrangements described below.
2. The RCC affiliated with the shore station that first
acknowledges the alert (First RCC) should assume
responsibility for all subsequent SAR coordination unless and
until responsibility is accepted by another RCC better able to
take action. If it is not immediately clear which RCC has
become the First RCC because more than one shore station has
acknowledged the alert, the RCCs concerned should as soon as
possible agree which is to become the first RCC to ensure the
distress is acted upon promptly.
3. If the distress situation is within the SRR of the First RCC,
that RCC should coordinate the SAR response using national
resources and requesting assistance from other RCCs if needed.
4. If the distress situation is within the SRR of another RCC,
the First RCC should:
a. Inform the responsible RCC of the alert and confirm
that it has assumed coordination.
b. Maintain communication with the casualty until the
responsible RCC confirms it has established reliable
communications with the casualty.
c. Exchange information with the responsible RCC.
d. If for any reason the responsible RCC informs the
First RCC that it cannot take
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