COURSE OVERVIEW

 This practical and highly-interactive course includes real-life case studies and exercises where participants will be engaged in a series of interactive small groups and class workshops. 

 

This course is designed to provide participants with a detailed and up-to-date overview of SAR Mission Coordinator (IAMSAR Manual Vol II). It covers the international aeronautical and maritime search and rescue (IAMSAR) manual; the SAR system and its global framework; the roles and responsibilities of a search and rescue mission coordinator (SMC); the role of the SMC within the SAR system including the responsibilities in mission planning and execution; the components of the SAR system and coordinating between various agencies and resources; the communication protocols and systems and proper use of SAR frequencies and equipment; and planning a SAR mission and developing a SAR plan based on initial distress information. 

 

Further, the course will also discuss the decision-making process for initiating a SAR mission and key considerations for the first response in SAR operations; the probable search area and using drift models and environmental factors; the patterns and techniques, resource allocation and assigning tasks to SAR units; the potential risks during SAR operations and implementing safety measures for SAR personnel and resources; the impact of weather in SAR planning and execution; and the access and interpretation of meteorological data for SAR missions. 

During this interactive course, participants will learn the adjacent RCCs (rescue coordination centers) and international SAR collaboration; the SAR data management systems and tracking of SAR units, progress, and communication logs; the legal aspects of SAR operations and media and public information management; navigating cultural differences in international SAR missions; conducting SAR operations in challenging conditions and specialized equipment and techniques for extreme environments; planning and executing SAR operations for large-scale incidents; coordinating with multiple agencies and managing a high volume of resources; the helicopter and fixed-wing support in SAR and survival and medical considerations; the rescue boat operations and post-mission debriefing and reporting; and evaluating SAR mission effectiveness and continuous improvement in SAR operations.