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

manning and configuration. Larger vessels are often more
suitable because more crew members, positioned higher to see
farther, may be lookouts.
7. Electronic capabilities help determine the ability to
effectively navigate and complete a SAR mission, and also
determine SRU selection and use.
a. While navigational accuracy of vessels is within 5
miles in oceanic areas, sophisticated navigation equipment may
reduce errors to less than a mile. Small boats may have only
minimal navigation equipment. The ability to home on a
distressed craft is desirable; the homing range is usually
line of sight. Some SRUs are not equipped with automatic
direction finding.
b. Communication with the OSC and distressed craft or
survivors is the desired minimum. Small boats generally have
limited communications, consisting of VHF-FM, and possibly HF,
equipment. SAR vessel communications usually span the low
frequency, medium frequency, high frequency, very high
frequency (both AM and FM), and ultra-high frequency bands.
Medium- and high-endurance Coast Guard cutters and Navy
vessels of frigate size and above may also have radio
teletype, facsimile, and data communications capability.
c. Only specially equipped surface vessels and submersibles
can conduct underwater search and recovery operations. The
Navy operates, or contracts for, most of these vessels.
8. Other capabilities and equipment
a. Surface delivery. Marine craft are usually reliable
platforms, especially under adverse conditions, for towing or
delivering resources such as dewatering pumps, firefighting
equipment, and damage control and medical personnel.
b. Surface recovery. SAR boats are ideal for recovery
of persons in sheltered and semisheltered waters. SAR vessels
are used for personnel recovery offshore and in open seas.
SAR vessels may be able to recover persons from the water by
launching small boats, using rescue swimmers, or bringing the
vessel alongside.
c. Survivor support. Medium- and high-endurance Coast
Guard cutters and Navy vessels of frigate size and above can
usually accommodate 100 to 150 survivors for several days.
SAR vessels can usually provide emergency care and continuing
life support for survivors. SAR boats provide more limited
emergency care, but may be capable of providing first aid.
d. Rescue and illumination equipment. SAR vessels
normally carry a variety of specialized equipment, including