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

on scene conditions advising the SMC of all major changes.
2. Establish and maintain communications with all SRUs using
assigned on scene channels, requiring all aircraft to make
"operations normal" reports to the OSC every 15 minutes (30
minutes for multi-engine fixed-wing). Position reports from
SRUs are not required as long as they remain in their assigned
search areas. However, if practical, SRU positions should be
obtained periodically and plotted so that their navigation can
be verified.
3. Establish a common altimeter setting for all on scene
aircraft.
4. Obtain necessary information from arriving SRUs, provide
initial briefing and search instructions, and provide advisory
air traffic service to aid pilots in maintaining separation
from one another.
5. Receive and evaluate sighting reports from all SRUs, and
divert SRUs to investigate sightings.
6. Obtain search results from departing SRUs.
7. If the OSC must depart, shift OSC duty to the SRU remaining
which is best able to perform OSC duties; brief the relief OSC
on the current situation, advising the SMC of the change.
8. Submit serially numbered situation reports (SITREPs) to the
SMC at regular intervals. Include the on scene weather in
SITREP ONE, and submit it immediately upon arrival on scene or
upon assuming OSC. When an OSC is relieved, the new OSC
continues the SITREP numbering sequence. SITREP information
and formats are discussed in Vol. I, Chapter 3, and Vol. II,
Chapter 5.
H. Coordinator Surface Search (CSS) is an "OSC" established in the
Merchant Vessel Search and
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