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

PREFACE
Volume I: National Search and Rescue System
1. PURPOSE. This Manual, prepared under the direction of the
Interagency Committee on Search and Rescue (ICSAR), provides guidance to
federal agencies concerning implementation of the National Search and
Rescue Plan. It was promulgated primarily to establish standards and
provide guidance to all federal forces, military and civilian, that
support civil search and rescue (SAR) operations.
2. BACKGROUND.
a. The National Search and Rescue Plan, which is promulgated as
Appendix A to this Manual, centers on three key concepts. First the
plan implements the provisions of several conventions of the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International
Maritime Organization (IMO). These conventions require establishment of
a national civil system with internationally recognized aeronautical and
maritime SAR coordination responsibilities. Secondly, the plan includes
provisions to satisfy national civil SAR requirements. Finally, since
no single U.S. organization has sufficient SAR resources to provide
adequate SAR services, the National Search and Rescue Plan establishes
the principle that Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) should use "all
available" resources, to include federal, state, local and private, to
respond to cases of persons and property in distress.
b. ICSAR, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a federal
interagency standing committee chartered to accomplish the following
objectives:
(1) Oversee the National Search and Rescue Plan and coordinate
development of interagency policies and positions on SAR
matters;
(2) Provide an interface with other national agencies involved
with emergency services; and
(3) Provide a forum for coordinated development of compatible
procedures and equipment to increase the effectiveness and
standardization of SAR operations.
ICSAR member agencies include: the Department of Transportation, the
Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Interior.
c. This Manual serves both as a model for the international SAR
manuals promulgated by ICAO and IMO, and incorporates provisions of
those manuals. Civil SAR organizations worldwide, as well as state,
local and private organizations nationally, often either use this Manual
or base their own publications upon it.
3. SCOPE. This Manual was based on accumulated experience, research