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

Rescue Manual (MERSAR). If SRUs are not available to act as OSC, but
merchant vessels are involved, one is designated by mutual agreement as
CSS. The CSS should be designated before vessels arrive on scene.
137 Search and Rescue Unit/Strike Team (SRU/ST)
A. The Search and Rescue Unit (SRU) (Strike Team (ST) is used by
some federal, state and local agencies which employ the ICS) is a
resource performing search, rescue, or similar operations. It may have
SAR as a primary duty, or it may be made available for a SAR mission by
a parent agency not having primary SAR duty. SRUs are normally assigned
by name if a large vessel, submarine, or ground party, or by type,
"TAIL" number, or call sign if an aircraft, boat, or ground vehicle.
SRU designation by classified, tactical call signs should be used only
in hostile territory. Some SAR coordinators authorize more specific SRU
abbreviations, such as Search Unit (SU), Rescue Unit (RU), Pararescue
Unit (PRU), and Mountain Rescue Unit (MRU).
B. SRUs should be manned, equipped, and proficient in the SAR
skills necessary to accomplish the mission. Normally, SRUs having SAR
as a primary duty are used first. If the SRU is alone on scene, it
performs OSC duties and keeps the SMC advised. Multiple SRUs comply
with OSC directions, ensuring that SRUs in adjacent areas are not
endangered, search efficiency is not reduced by duplication of search
effort, and all areas are searched.
C. SRUs should contact the OSC approximately 15 minutes before
arrival, informing OSC of Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), operational
limitations, on scene communications capability, planned search speed,
and on scene endurance. If no OSC is assigned, the SRU is under the
direct operational control of the SMC while on scene.
D. SRUs normally:
1. Execute SAR action plans; after searching, report to the OSC
the area searched, ceiling, visibility, wind, and search
results, including any electronic searches; after return to
base, debrief the SAR Mission Debriefing Officer or SMC.
2. Maintain communications with the OSC from 15 minutes before
arrival on scene until released by the OSC. Aircraft SRUs
make "operations normal" reports every 15 minutes (30 minutes
for multi-engine, fixed-wing).
3. When survivors are sighted, advise the OSC as soon as
possible, including position, survivor identity and physical
condition, wind, weather, sea conditions, and SRU endurance on
scene. Signal to the survivors, keep them in sight if
possible and effect a rescue if this is within SRU capability.
If a rescue is not possible and the SRU must depart, note
survivor position precisely, and mark if possible.
4. When wreckage, unusual ground disfiguration, debris, empty