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

concludes that a change of command is essential to mission success and
the SMC concurs, or if the OSC specifically requests relief, an OSC
change should take place. The relieved OSC reports OSC relief to the
SMC.
D. An OSC has full operational authority of the SMC, and
operational control of all SRUs on scene. The parent agency retains
operational control of SRUs en route to and from the scene. If an
agency must withdraw its SRUs from a SAR mission, it should advise the
SMC as early as possible to permit suitable reliefs to be dispatched to
maintain OSC resources.
E. Multiple OSCs may be assigned, especially when the area to be
searched is large. When this is done, the SMC specifies areas of
responsibility for each OSC. Multiple OSCs may also be needed when
several aircraft are participating with surface craft. For flight
safety, it may be wise to split OSC responsibilities between surface and
air; in this case, geographic boundaries are not specified. Surface and
airborne OSCs are also assigned when there is no communications link
between the surface craft and aircraft.
F. OSCs should have adequate manning and equipment, and should be
thoroughly familiar with the National SAR Manual and appropriate SAR
plans. Since continuity of operations enhances coordination, OSCs
should be able to remain on scene for extended periods of time, and to
communicate with all on scene SRUs, the SMC, and the distressed craft.
1. Large fixed-wing SAR aircraft make excellent OSC platforms
because of their extensive communication capability,
relatively long on scene endurance, and adequate space for
planning, plotting, and coordination duties. For large
searches the SMC should consider augmenting a flight crew with
qualified personnel to assist with OSC duties.
2. Medium- and high-endurance Coast Guard cutters (over 150 feet
in length) and Navy vessels of destroyer-escort size and above
make excellent OSC platforms. They possess extensive
communications capabilities, ample working space, and enough
personnel to establish effective reliefs.
3. A suitably equipped ground facility may serve as an OSC if
communications and adequately trained personnel are available.
4. The training and experience of OSC personnel are important.
Preference should be given to units having SAR as a primary
mission.
G. OSCs perform the following duties (Land SAR OSC/IC described in
Chapter 8):
1. Establish and maintain communications with the SMC, assume
operational control and coordination of all SRUs assigned, and
execute SAR action plans; modify plans to cope with changing