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

300 General
CHAPTER 3. SAR COMMUNICATIONS
310 Emergency Communications
311 Visual Signals
312 Electronic Signals
313 Emergency Frequencies
314 IFF Equipment
315 EPIRB and ELT
316 Sound Communications
317 SAR Transponder
318 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
320 Communication Facilities
330 SAR Mission Communications
331 General Channels
332 Aircraft/Marine Channels
340 SAR Mission Messages
341 Situation Reports
342 Search Action Plan
343 Rescue Action Plan
344 Alerting Ships at Sea and En Route Aircraft
345 MEDICO Messages
300 GENERAL
SAR Communications may be the most important, and often the
weakest, link in the SAR system. SAR communications occur between the
distressed unit and the SAR system, and between the components of the
SAR system. Ensuring that the message sent is the message received is
crucial to the success of SAR operations. See Chapter 8 for specifics
involving Land SAR.
310 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Personnel in distress have a variety of methods, ranging from
sophisticated electronic devices to waving a piece of cloth, for
alerting the SAR system. SAR personnel should be familiar with
emergency signals and devices.
311 Visual Signals
The visual signals most commonly used are listed in Appendix C. In
addition to these signals, daylight visual signals may include mirrors,
fluorescent material, sea dye markers, or smoke signals. Night devices
may include strobes, incandescent or chemical lights, fires, and star
shells or other pyrotechnics or reflective materials.
312 Electronic Signals
A. Radio alarms are international radio alarm signals to alert