Encl (2) to COMDTINST 16010.8
Search and Rescue - Property Saved
Why We Act
Over 50,000 search and rescue cases occur annually. In these cases, the Coast Guard
saves over .5 billion in property. No other government agency or private organization
has the expertise, assets, and 24 hour-a-day readiness to conduct search and rescue
missions in all areas of the maritime region.
Key Factors
Saving lives always takes priority over property. To the extent that both can be
accomplished, the Coast Guard makes the effort to secure the safety of property. The
same factors that make saving lives difficult also impact property: untimely
notification, incorrect or unknown information, and severe weather. The number of
recreational and commercial marine users continues to rapidly grow as more people move
toward coastal regions and global trade increases. Current Coast Guard search and rescue
resources will be strained to meet future demand.
Strategies
The Coast Guard seeks to prevent distress cases from occurring by conducting safety
boardings, Coast Guard Auxiliary courtesy safety examinations, and public service
campaigns that serve to improve mariner knowledge and skills. To maximize property loss
chances in incidents that do occur, we maintain a continuous response capability in
coastal and deepwater areas using shore stations, boats, cutters, and aircraft; maintain
a VHF-FM distress network providing extensive coverage of U.S. coastal waters. Our
search and rescue personnel are experts in search techniques, and rescue procedures. We
employ advanced search sensors and search planning models and require mariners to carry
effective distress locating and survival equipment. We work with the international
search and rescue community to implement new technology such as the Global Maritime
Distress and Safety System which will greatly improve the ability of mariners to notify
others of their distress. We also maintain AMVER, a vessel tracking system that allows
us to divert nearby commercial vessels to render assistance.
Coordination
The Coast Guard partners with international, state, and local agencies that have
response expertise and responsibilities. We work with the International Maritime
Organization to implement standards that improve are ability to save property. Within
the U.S., the Navy and Air Force also maintain limited rescue capabilities. Each agency
assists the others depending on need, and the best response capability for a particular
location and situation.
8 Safety
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