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

directories, SMC planning and documentation forms, aircraft clearance
forms and purchase order forms, and plotting equipment.
136 On Scene Commander/Incident Commander (OSC/IC)
A. The SMC designates an On Scene Commander (OSC) (Incident
Commander (IC) is used by some federal, state, and local agencies which
employ the Incident Command System (ICS)) to manage a SAR mission at the
scene. The OSC may be assigned from the SMC's Service or from some
other agency. Like an SMC, the OSC can be assigned by name and rank or
by a particular facility. An OSC is not required for all missions,
although one is usually assigned if two or more SRUs are on scene. An
OSC should be designated whenever on scene coordination could be
improved. If an OSC is not designated, the first SRU on scene assumes
OSC responsibilities, advising the SMC. An OSC need not be an SRU. An
advanced staging base may serve as an OSC to relieve an SRU of that
burden.
B. An OSC prosecutes the SAR mission on scene using resources made
available by the SMC, and should safely carry out the SAR action plan.
If the SMC does not provide a sufficiently detailed SAR action plan, the
OSC completes SMC duties for on scene operations, notifying the SMC.
The unit designated as OSC retains OSC responsibilities from the time of
designation until relieved or until the mission is completed.
C. Frequent changes in OSC assignment are not desirable. To
provide continuity of command, any individual arriving on scene who is
senior to the OSC should not normally assume command unless ordered to
do so by the SMC. If the senior officer
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