PSS 10.4 SAR Information Factors

Purpose

To provide an overview of search and rescue information factors.

Policy

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) provides guidelines regarding search and rescue information factors to assist lifesaving personnel in undertaking their duties effectively.

Procedure

General Considerations for the Incident Controller

Incident Controller (IC) duties can be demanding, the gathering of information, evaluation of this information and initiation of action all require concentrated effort on many details. The IC will find the various forms, checklists, worksheets, tables and graphs provided in the appendices to be very helpful.

The following provides some general guidance for the early stages of a SAR operation, including information gathering and preparation for the possible need to plan searches.

Several factors will influence the extent and manner of an initial SAR response. In general, these are the:

1. Extent/reliability of information about the location of the distressed craft/occupants;
2. Availability of aircraft, marine craft and land parties for searching;
3. Actual and forecast weather conditions;
4. Times of daylight/darkness;
5. Nature of terrain;
6. Availability of survival supplies and supply dropping teams;
7. Sea currents; and
8. Time delay in notification

Location Clues

Some of the clues that may indicate the survivors’ location or situation include:

• Intentions;
• Last known position;
• Hazards;
• Condition and capabilities;
• Crew behaviour;
• On scene environmental conditions; and
• Results of previous searching.