NTTP 3-50.

CHAPTER 6
Search and Rescue Communications
Procedures
6.1 IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATIONS

The importance of communications throughout a SAR mission cannot be overemphasized. From the transmission
of a distress message to notification of the search unit and from coordination of the search to intercommunication
within the individual rescue unit, communication is the thread that weaves the separate parts into an effective and
workable system.

Distress Call. The unit receiving a distress call should follow these basic guidelines:

1. Get all information possible from the distressed party including type, size, and color of craft; nature of
emergency; number of persons involved; location; local weather; and sea state (if applicable).

2. Do not switch frequencies. Use other radios if available to alert SAR units and coordinate search. Continue
to talk to party until rescue is accomplished.

6.2 CONTROL COMMUNICATIONS

It is essential that the guidelines established in IAMSAR are used by Navy units prosecuting a SAR case. The
communications responsibilities of the SMC and OSC shall be IAW IAMSAR manual. In the case of
HADR/DSCA support, it is imperative that units involved establish communication plans and airspace
deconfliction with cognizant control authorities assigned. Also reference the following publications:
NTTP 3-57.2, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Defense Support of Civil Authorities
(DSCA), NTTP 3-57.3, Navy Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Operations, Navy Warfare Publication
(NWP) 3-29, Disaster Response Operations, JP 3-28, Defense Support of Civil Authorities.

6.2.1 Search Unit Reports

Ten to 20 minutes prior to arrival at the search area, the SRU reports to the OSC. The report includes call sign,
estimated time of arrival (ETA) on scene, on-scene communications capability, planned search speed, and
on-scene endurance. Upon arrival at the designated search area, a report of the current weather at the scene is
relayed to the OSC. When an aircraft SRU reports to the OSC, the OSC accepts responsibility for flight-following
service. It is essential that each aircraft SRU makes operations normal or “OPS normal” reports to the OSC at
regular intervals. Normally, multiengine aircraft will make reports every 30 minutes and single-engine aircraft and
helicopters every 15 minutes. Upon completion of the assigned search period, the SRU reports the results of the
search to the OSC.

6.2.2 Situation Reports

Situation reports (SITREPs) are to be transmitted by the OSC to the SMC upon arrival at the search area, when
change occurs, or every 4 hours. The SITREP is to include:

1. Situation report number (numbered numerically by OSC)

2. Date/time group of SITREP

3. Search unit’s on-station arrival time, with estimated off-station time

4. On-scene weather, wind, and sea conditions

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5. Pertinent new developments

6. Major modifications to search plan

7. Requests for additional assistance

8. Summary of search areas with probability of detection

9. Recommendations.

6.3 SEARCH AND RESCUE FREQUENCIES

The following frequencies are the internationally recognized SAR frequencies:

6.3.1 Distress Frequencies

1. 500 kilohertz—International continuous wave (CW)/modulated continuous wave (MCW) distress and calling

2. 2,182 kilohertz—International voice distress, safety and calling

3. 8,364 kilohertz—International CW/MCW lifeboat, life raft, and survival craft

4. 40.5 megahertz—U.S. Army frequency modulation (FM) distress

5. 121.5 megahertz—International voice aeronautical and shipboard emergency (VHF)

6. 156.8 megahertz—International FM voice distress, emergency (VHF)

7. 243.0 megahertz—Joint/combined military voice aeronautical emergency and international survival craft
(UHF)

8. 406.0 megahertz—International voice aeronautical and shipboard emergency (UHF).

6.3.2 Commonly Used On-scene SAR Frequencies

1. 2,670 kilohertz—Coast Guard HF working frequency

2. 3,024.4 kilohertz—International voice SAR on scene (3023)

3. 5,680 kilohertz—International voice SAR on scene

4. 123.1 megahertz—National aeronautical SAR scene of action. International SAR scene of action in U.S. and
Canadian International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regions of responsibility in Atlantic and Pacific

5. 138.78 megahertz—U.S. military voice SAR on scene and DF

6. 155.16 megahertz—FM frequency used by some states and local agencies for coordinating SAR
operations

7. 157.1 megahertz—Coast Guard VHF-FM working frequency (CH 22A)

8. 282.8 megahertz—Joint/combined on scene and DF (UHF)

9. 243.0 megahertz—RIB/rescue helicopter communications

10. 381.8 megahertz—Coast Guard Command net (working frequency between United States Coast Guard
aircraft, cutters, etc.).

Shipboard preparations for SAR operations are in the SAR checklist in Appendix B.

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6.3.3 Coast Guard Datum Marker Buoys

The Coast Guard routinely deploys DMBs at search datum to assist with sea current/drift calculations. The DMB
emits an audio signal for an extended period on the following frequencies: 240.6, 242.65, 248.0, and
275.1 megahertz.

6.4 SAR BREVITY CODES

Search and Rescue brevity codes are commonly used in military searches and should be known by Navy units
participating in a SAR mission. The brevity codes are listed in NTTP 6-02.1, Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques,
and Procedures for Multi-Service Brevity Codes, and NTTP 3-22.5-SAR-TAC.

6.5 SURFACE VESSEL SAR COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES

During SAR operations, communication between all units involved in the SAR operations shall be established for
on-scene coordination. Small boats involved in SAR operations shall be equipped with radios that meet the
specifications in 5.14.3.

6.6 AVIATION SAR COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES

During rescue operations, it is essential that standardized communication procedures be utilized. The voice, hand,
and signal communication procedures contained herein are minimum procedures and will be adequate in most
situations. Additional procedures should be established as required to meet local requirements. It is essential
during the rescue phase of operations that the RA continuously update the crew on the progress of the rescue. This
is especially important at night or in low-visibility situations when pilots are on instrument, rather than visual
reference, or where pilots may not be able to see a survivor’s location from the landing or hovering site.

6.6.1 Rescue Swimmer Radio (AN/PRC-149 Radio Set and C-12631/PRC-149 Radio Control Unit)

The AN/PRC-149 is part of the aviation RS minimum equipment required for deployment and is a back-up means
of communication to rescue hand signals. Additional information on the operating limitations and inspection cycle
can be found in NAVAIR 16-30PRC149-1.

Note

Immediately after signaling I AM ALL RIGHT, the aviation RS should perform a

radio check and establish radio communications with the SRU.

6.6.2 Rescue Hand Signals

Note

Either hand may be used to perform all rescue hand signals that are communicated
with one hand.

The primary means of communication between the RS and the rescue platform in a maritime environment are the
standard hand signals contained in this chapter. In an inland SAR situation, a hand-held radio is essential
whenever crewmembers are out of visual range of the aircraft. Hand signals are to be used whenever radio
communications are not possible. For overwater situations, prudent use of the AN/PRC-149 RS radio is
mandatory when rescue hand signals are not sufficient to convey a situation. The hand signals illustrated in
Figure 6-1 are the standard signals for use by rescue personnel or survivors where appropriate. All SAR
crewmembers shall be familiar with the meaning of all rescue hand signals.

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Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 1 of 12)

Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 2 of 12)

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Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 3 of 12)

Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 4 of 12)

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Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 5 of 12)

Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 6 of 12)

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Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 7 of 12)

Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 8 of 12)

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Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 9 of 12)

Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 10 of 12)

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Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 11 of 12)

Figure 6-1. Rescue Hand Signals (Sheet 12 of 12)

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INTENTIONALLY BLANK

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