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

snowmobiles, scuba teams, and tracking dog teams. Most of these
facilities are radio equipped and coordinated by a central
communications system. These agencies can perform harbor, small boat
launching ramp, and airport checks. They also can provide data, recover
drowning victims, coordinate ground search teams, provide vehicle and
spectator control at distress scenes, and transport survivors.
226 Commercial Agencies and Resources
Assistance of various types may be available from various
commercial agencies and resources. Oil companies, fishing companies,
rescue squads, and aeroclubs may voluntarily help with SAR missions.
Aircraft and vessels in transit, while not suited for extensive
searching, often assist in SAR. They may have a moral or legal
obligation to assist. The SAR coordinator can only request assistance
from such craft, not compel them. Commercial towing and salvage
companies have a variety of equipment to assist distressed vessels, and
may provide vessels to take over towing or salvage of a vessel no longer
in immediate danger. The owner or agent of the disabled vessel usually
arranges for such services. SRUs should not interfere if commercial
facilities can safely complete the operation. SAR coordinators usually
do not have authority to hire commercial facilities or personnel for SAR
missions, and should be guided by agency directives. SAR coordinators
may be able to have local or State officials procure such services, if
they are legally able.
227 Private Agencies and Resources
SAR services may be provided by various private organizations and
resources. Such organizations should be asked to coordinate activities
with RCC SAR operations. If such groups want to assist, the RCC may
advise them of cases occurring in their area. Specialized private
groups are described below.
A. National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) members are
dedicated to increasing Federal, State, local, and volunteer
coordination, to making improvements in SAR services, and to promoting
survival education programs. NASAR promotes improvement in SAR
throughout the United States, but has no dedicated SAR facilities.
B. Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) mountain rescue teams are
located in Alaska, Canada, and more than a dozen States. Mountain
rescue teams are proficient in conducting rough terrain or mountain
searches and rescues of lost or stranded persons. These teams may be
requested by contacting AFRCC, which maintains a 24-hour alert list.
C. National Ski Patrol members are trained in first aid, search in
snow-covered and avalanche areas, and ground evacuation of injured
persons from such terrain. Ski patrol rescue teams can usually be
alerted through any major ski resort.
D. National Speleological Society members explore and map
underground caves. They have established a national cave rescue