Dispatching personnel to scene, incident management response including conducting searches and rendering assistance and care to patients where applicable.
For inshore SAR operations the use of RWCs and IRBs is extremely useful. They are designed and suited for these operations. For SAR beyond these boundaries, larger craft are more suitable due to reduced Crewperson fatigue and longer operational range.
Where personnel are in the water, the role of an RWC or IRB can vary from undertaking searches, acting as observation points and communication relays, to coordinators for in-water personnel and water safety for in-water personnel. It is important that in-water personnel keep in constant contact with the powercraft, overseeing their safety and constantly communicating, including use of signals.
- RWC and IRB Operators will be instructed to keep safe distances from personnel in the water and to react immediately if assistance is required.
- Where multiple powercraft are deployed for a SAR, on water command may be established by using a senior RWC/IRB Operator to deliver and coordinate the incident commander’s instructions.
When participating in a SAR, the following general principals and elements will need to be considered:
- Dispatching SAR assets to the scene
- Conducting searches
- Rescuing survivors,
- Assisting distressed targets
- Providing necessary emergency care for survivors
- Handover casualties to medical professionals
Visibility from an RWC or IRB on the water is limited. The maximum distance that an object on the surface of the water will be visible from the IRB depends on its height above sea level and the water conditions at the time. The direction of the sun and the height of the sun above sea level can also impact on your ability to see the patient.
If you are searching for a person in the water, they will be at or below the surface of the water and therefore visibility will be extremely compromised.
