Purpose
To provide guidelines regarding SAR briefings.
Policy
Comprehensive briefing and de-briefing of search crews is a vital component of search planning. They are time-consuming processes, and in the case of briefing, preparation must commence at an early stage and, whenever possible, in good time before departure. It must be appreciated that many personnel engaged for search operations are neither trained for, nor experienced in the search role. Field SAR personnel shall therefore be given every opportunity to familiarise themselves with all relevant details of the distress. All instructions for the SAR operation shall be clearly and precisely presented.
The Briefing Officer appointed to the briefing task must be thoroughly familiar with the overall plan and individual search unit tasks
Procedure
Search Briefing
Comprehensive briefing of search units is vital to every search operation. The Incident Commander should be satisfied that the briefings are well prepared, and that where group briefings are to be conducted, the venue is suitable for the purpose.
Briefings for marine units will cover similar topics to those given to air and land units, but there may be less opportunity for face-to-face briefing contact. Appointed Briefing Officers (Patrol Captains/Duty Officers/ Lifeguard Supervisors) should be aware of the difficulties inherent in briefing indirectly and the increased potential for misunderstanding.
Similar arrangements shall be made for debriefing SAR units.
SMEACS
A standard sequence for issuing orders or instructions is used to convey operational plans to all personnel (especially in inter-agency training exercises and operations).
This sequence is known as SMEACS, referring to:
- S (Situation)
- M (Mission)
- E (Execution)
- A (Administration and Logistics)
- C (Command, Control and Communications)
- S (Safety).
Using the SMEACS system to sequence your delivery is commonly utilised and understood and can enhance briefings.