I’ve been asked to help in a search, what now?

29 Sep 2026 The Navigator

Kamil Woźniakiewicz from Poland’s Maritime Search and Rescue Service explains the actions and expectations of an MRCC during an SAR operation.

by Kamil Woźniakiewicz Maritime Search and Rescue Service, Poland

The MRCC uses specialised software to narrow down the area where a casualty might be found. Based on the size of this area, probability distribution and available units, MRCC staff prepare a search plan to be followed by vessels on scene.

When there is a need to perform a maritime search, especially away from land, merchant vessels will usually be the first to arrive on scene. In coastal waters, you may be relatively close to the reported incident; on the high seas, you may be tens or hundreds or miles away – in the case of the Bourbon Rhode, one vessel involved in the search was initially 800 miles away.

Who does what?

The MRCC will appoint an On-scene Coordinator (OSC) to oversee actions locally on scene. This is usually the Master of the first vessel to arrive, until another OSC is designated by the MRCC. This vessel becomes the eyes and ears of the MRCC.

The OSC is aware of all circumstances in the area that might not be immediately obvious to the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (SMC), who is based in the MRCC. The exchange of information between both coordinators is crucial.

When a search is in progress, all tasked units report directly to the OSC. The OSC is the only unit maintaining communication with the SMC and is responsible for distributing tasks directly on scene.

The On-scene Coordinator

The OSC is responsible for:

  • Establishing and maintaining communication with the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator via the most effective means. High-quality communication between the vessel’s Master and the staff of the MRCC is the absolute foundation of effectiveness. It is good practice to have one person dedicated to handling communications, while another handles the vessel manouevres/operations.
  • Evaluating the situation on scene – depending on the circumstances of the case (MOB, sinking, capsizing, etc.), the MRCC will require first-hand information about the current situation.
  • Assessing weather conditions – providing the most accurate weather parameters (wind force, sea state, visibility, etc.) will enhance the accuracy of drift calculations. Comparing the analysis/forecast available at the MRCC with actual weather conditions on scene allows us to increase the quality of these calculations.
  • Commencing the search – using one of the search patterns described in the IAMSAR Manual Vol. III (available on every bridge). The MRCC will decide which pattern to use and will provide you with basic information to follow. This includes CSP (commence search point), first leg course and distance, and track spacing. It is important to remember that, depending on conditions on scene, amendments to the original instructions might be necessary. The Master should inform the SMC of any changes to ensure that MRCC staff is aware of the situation.
  • Reporting – reports sent using the standard format available in IAMSAR Vol. III at intervals indicated by the MRCC will be crucial for effective monitoring and coordination of the SAR mission.

For a vessel joining a search that is already in progress: 

  • The MRCC will provide the vessel joining the search with information about the search object, the OSC and the VHF channel used for onscene communication.
  • The vessel should contact the OSC in advance to receive specific instructions regarding how and where to join the search. Depending on the circumstances, the vessel might receive its own area to cover with a search pattern or join an existing pattern executed jointly with other units.

Communications matter!

It is important to maintain clear communication throughout the entire mission, especially during complex operations. If you happen to be the OSC, you are the one who ensures the flow of information between the MRCC and tasked vessels. The SMC will indicate the most effective means of communication. On scene, you will use VHF to distribute instructions. Be aware that if you are communicating with a helicopter, there will be a lot of background noise and it may be difficult to communicate clearly.

If there are many tasks to be executed simultaneously, other channels might be assigned so as not to overload the primary communication channel. When joining a search where an OSC has already been appointed, communicate with them and follow their instructions.

During the search

Specialised software enables the MRCC to determine basic search parameters: probability of containment (POC), probability of detection (POD), and probability of success (POS), which enhance the decision-making process to make it as effective as possible.

The MRCC is always interested in the search capabilities of a particular unit. This includes available equipment, personnel, height of the observer’s eye and an assessment of search effectiveness based on conditions (sea state, night time, etc.).

During a search, make the best use of the equipment you have: binoculars, night vision goggles, radars, radio direction finders, etc. This can make all the difference in locating survivors. Extra lookouts should be posted both on deck and, if possible, at sea level.

The crew knows best how to make effective use of their vessel – do not hesitate to communicate any ideas to the OSC that could improve the search.

Remember that some search patterns (e.g., sector search, expanding square) are most effective when executed through the water, not over ground. This means that following a straight line visible on your ECDIS overlay might not get you any closer to locating survivors. Crew fatigue deteriorates visual search effectiveness quickly – if the number of available personnel permits, make sure to provide appropriate rest periods.

Other support

In addition to searching, there are many tasks that commercial vessels might be involved in at the MRCC’s request. Within the Polish Search and Rescue Region, MRCC Gdynia often tasks merchant ships to:

  • Confirm whether distress really occurred at the indicated position – especially if the position is located far from our SAR bases.
  • Cooperate during a medical evacuation, which includes proceeding along the assigned course to meet the tasked SAR unit, preparing the vessel for boarding, and cooperating with a rescue helicopter, if tasked.
  • Make a lee for smaller craft, especially during demanding weather conditions.
  • Facilitate communication at sea as a relay station, e.g., between a coast station and survivors outside its radio range.

The IAMSAR Manual Vol. III is available on your bridge with additional details regarding internationally recognised procedures to follow when involved in a SAR mission.

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