Handing over, survivors and ending the search
1The lesson in plain words
Pass search coverage and sightings to the new OSC. Report survivors to the RCC. Only the SMC ends or suspends the search.
When better help arrives
A coastguard cutter, lifeboat or aircraft with better sensors may arrive, and the SMC may name it as the new OSC. Hand over in a short radio briefing: what has happened, datum and drift, areas searched with times and track spacing, sightings, survivors recovered, units on scene and their channels, and the weather. Confirm clearly who is now OSC, tell the RCC, then follow the new coordinator's instructions.
Survivors
Report recovered survivors to the OSC and RCC: number, condition, where and when found. A place of safety is somewhere survivors are no longer in danger and can receive basic care and shelter. Ask the RCC to arrange it and any medical support needed. For survivor care, see Emergencies: survival in water and Medical.
Ending or suspending
Only the SMC ends or suspends a search, after weighing the chance that anyone is still alive in the area. Arrange release with the OSC or RCC before leaving for fuel, weather or safety. If immediate danger requires withdrawal, act for safety and inform the OSC/RCC as soon as possible. Your duty to help does not end because the search is tiring or slow.
Record and debrief
Log every event with its time: positions, legs run, sightings, messages and survivors. The record supports the RCC, any inquiry and your own company. Afterwards, check and replace the equipment you used, debrief the crew and look after those who saw distressing scenes.
2Key data
- Handover content
- Datum, sightings, survivors, units, channels and weather
- Ends a search
- Only the SMC
- Place of safety
- Arranged through the RCC for landing survivors
- Survivor report
- Number, condition, where and when found
- Search coverage
- Areas, times and track spacing
3Key points
- 1
Hand over datum, areas, spacing and times, sightings, survivors, units, channels and weather.
- 2
Confirm who the new OSC is and tell the RCC.
- 3
Report every survivor; the RCC arranges a place of safety for landing them.
- 4
Only the SMC ends or suspends the search; log every event.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Leave the scene as soon as the lifeboat arrives.
Right: Arrange release before leaving; if immediate danger requires withdrawal, act for safety and inform the OSC/RCC as soon as possible.
Wrong: Hand over by saying that you have searched the area.
Right: Give the areas, times and track spacing used, so the new OSC knows what has really been covered.
Wrong: Steam for the nearest port with survivors without telling anyone.
Right: Agree the place of safety with the RCC, which coordinates landing and medical care.
5Practice case & exam keys
You have been OSC for 50 minutes, searching for two people from a capsized boat. You recovered one, cold but conscious. A coastguard cutter arrives and the MRCC names it OSC.
Show the answer
Brief the cutter: two people sought, one recovered, one still missing; recovery position, time and survivor condition; datum and drift; areas, legs, spacing and times searched; sightings; units, channels and weather. Confirm the cutter is OSC and tell the MRCC. Ask the RCC to arrange medical support and a place of safety. While safe to remain, keep searching as directed until released.
Exam keys
- Handover briefing: datum, drift, areas and spacing searched with times, sightings, survivors, units, channels, weather.
- Confirm the new OSC and inform the RCC.
- Only the SMC ends or suspends a search. Arrange release before leaving; if immediate danger requires withdrawal, act for safety and inform the OSC/RCC as soon as possible.
- The RCC arranges a place of safety for survivors; log everything.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
My notes for this unit
No notes