Search and rescue
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: ''For the TV series of this title, see [[Search and Rescue (TV series)]]''.
[[Image:SARJennyWihuri.jpg|thumb|SAR vessel at dawn]]
[[Image:CH-118103Huey02.JPG|thumb|a [[Canadian Forces]] [[UH-1 Iroquois|CH-118 Huey]] SAR [[helicopter]] from [[No. 417 Squadron RCAF|417 Combat Support Squadron]] in the mountains of [[British Columbia]] in January 1992]]
'''Search and rescue''' ('''SAR''') is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.<ref name="CF"> {{cite web|url = http://www.casaraontario.ca/~webmaster1/Manuals/NationalSARmanual_full_english.pdf|title = B–GA–209–001/FP–001
DFO 5449 NATIONAL SAR MANUAL|accessdate = 2008-07-12|last = [[Canadian Forces]]|authorlink = |year = 1998|month = May}}</ref>
==Types of Search and Rescue==
===Mountain Rescue===
[[Mountain Rescue]] relates to search and rescue operations specifically in rugged terrain such as mountains, desert and forest. Also referred to as wilderness search and rescue which includes areas such as sea, lakes, rivers or [[Cave rescue|caves]].
===Urban search and rescue===
[[Urban search and rescue]] (Also known as Suburban Search and Rescue as [[USAR Teams]] often relates to structural collapses and other [[technical rescue]]) operations are ''Search and Rescue'' operations conducted in a city. One of the most common is searching for people buried as a result of a building collapse, as might happen after an earthquake. Sometimes, urban searches are performed for [[missing person]]s with certain criteria (example, a missing [[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]] patient with a history of wandering away from their home). Also, a wilderness search may transition into an urban search. This is common when lost children are involved.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Combat Search and Rescue===
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) is a function of special [[military unit]]s during wartime. CSAR consists of operations carried out to retrieve, rescue and provide assistance to downed aircrews or allies behind enemy lines. CSAR missions generally have the mission's aircrews well armed as they cross into [[Enemy Territory|enemy territory]]. The [[United States Air Force|USAF]] [[Pararescue jumpers]] are an example of a CSAR unit. One famous CSAR mission was the rescue of US Air Force Captain [[Scott O'Grady]] after he was shot down over Bosnia in 1995. Other examples include the more recent [[Operation Anaconda]] in Afghanistan, and the famous [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]] in which the "Black Hawk Down" incident occurred.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Air Sea Rescue===
Air Sea Rescue (ASR) specifically can refer to both the use of aircraft to search for and locate or recover personnel lost at sea and the recovery of downed airmen at sea. The [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] "Air Sea Rescue Service" used dedicated and/or [[Amphibious aircraft|amphibian aircraft]] together with [[British Power Boat Company Type Two 63 ft HSL|armed high speed launches]] to recover aircrew from the [[English Channel]] and other coastal areas during [[World War II|the Second World War]] while long range [[flying boat]]s and other aircraft would pick up aircrew (or drop equipment to them) further from shore.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
==Definitions of Search and Rescue==
There are many different definitions of search and rescue, depending on the agency involved.
*[[Canadian Forces]]: "Search and Rescue comprises the search for, and provision of aid to, persons, ships or other craft which are, or are feared to be, in distress or imminent danger."<ref name="CF"/>
*[[United States Coast Guard]]: “The use of available resources to assist persons or property in potential or actual distress.”<ref>[http://www.uscg.mil/international/affairs/Publications/MMSCode/english/Chap9.htm USCG CHAPTER 9 SEARCH AND RESCUE]</ref>
*[[United States Defense Department]] policy defines a search is “An operation normally coordinated by a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) or rescue sub-center, using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress” and rescue is “An operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs, and deliver them to a place of safety.”<ref name="DoD"> {{cite web|url =http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-o/g-opr/nsarc/DOD%20Support%20to%20Civil%20SAR%203003.pdf|title = U.S. Department of Defense DIRECTIVE NUMBER 3003.01|accessdate = 2008-07-12|last = [[U.S. Department of Defense]]|authorlink = |year = 2006|month = January}}</ref>
== Operational phases ==
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Search and Rescue operations have several distinct phases or parts.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Alerting===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
{{seealso|Distress radiobeacon}}
The alerting phase consists of two key elements:
* Detecting possible alerts (i.e. radio signals on 121.5 [[MHz]], phone calls)
* Determining the probability that the alert signals actual distress{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
SAR authorities are alerted of a [[distress]] situation via [[distress radiobeacon]]s such as emergency locater transmitters, emergency position-indicating radio beacons, or personal locater beacons. They may also be notified by telephone, fax, or other means. In the case of [[distress radiobeacons]], the alert may also provide a [[lat-lon]] position of the distress to SAR authorities.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Search===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
In the initial phase of the operation, steps are taken to ascertain a likely location of the person being searched for, so that a search area can be established if they are in fact in need of rescue. Essential information is gathered so that leaders can determine not only who is missing, but how they are equipped, how experienced, how familiar with the area, etc.. This information is then factored with other considerations to determine the initial urgency and scale of the mission.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
In the Search phase, a search is performed by personnel on foot, [[mounted search and rescue|horse]], or using vehicles, often aided by (dog) teams and, when available, [[helicopter|air support]]. Specific procedures are followed during a Search, including an initial ''hasty team'' sent to the most likely locations, ''containment teams'' which are posted or patrol likely routes of a lost subject who may be moving, and the assignment of search personnel to specific areas which are mapped out using a combination of theory, prior experience and [[Traditional knowledge|local knowledge]] of the terrain. A substantial body of [[Theory|mathematical theory]] called [[Bayesian search theory|search theory]], some initially developed for [[anti-submarine warfare]], has been developed and can be used to help choose the search area priorities for maritime and inland search operations. Search is usually an iterative process over many hours or even days, with returning field teams interviewed or debriefed to glean information to be incorporated into plans for additional deployments of field teams.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Advances in [[distress radiobeacon]] technology are aiming to significantly reduce the amount of time spent searching for persons in distress. See [[MEOSAR]].{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Rescue===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
[[Image:Gebirgstrage02 Patient Seilsicherung.jpg|thumb|right|Rescue rope training]]
In the Rescue phase, aid is rendered to the person where they are found, sufficient to allow them to be safely transported to a place where more intensive aid can be provided. This extrication of the patient often includes some aspects of [[technical rescue]]. In certain situations, the subject(s) are in a known position and the operation goes directly to the Rescue phase. The wide availability of [[Mobile phone|cellular phones]] and increasing coverage areas has increased the number of such calls for rescue without requiring a lengthy Search phase.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Recovery===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
The recovery of the body of a deceased person may be considered an aspect of ''Search and Rescue'' in some countries, though the actual Rescue phase of the operation is often known as ''recovery'' rather than rescue. In other countries rescuers are not permitted to move dead bodies as this is the sole responsibility of a [[coroner]].{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Recall and demobilization===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Once the subject has been found, rescued or recovered, then the operation is ''recalled'' and with large operations, this phase is sometimes called ''demobilization''.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Afterwards, there is often a critique phase where each phase of the operation is analysed to determine what did or did not work well, and any lessons learned, this is called a debrief. During debriefs searchers and search administrators discuss what took place during the search, the condition of the subject, and what changes could be made next time for the better.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
==Standards==
With or without formal underlying foundations, numerous SAR organisations develop their own proprietary training curricula and operational protocols, which are available and applicable only to their own members.
In the [[United States|US]] SAR standards are developed primarily by [[ASTM International]] and the [[United States|US]] [[National Fire Protection Association|NFPA]] which are then used by organizations such as the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), the [[United States|US]] National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR), and the [[United States|US]] [[National Fire Protection Association|NFPA]] to develop training that will meet or exceed those standards.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Within [[ASTM International]], most standards of relevance to SAR are developed by Committee F32 on Search and Rescue. Formed in 1988, the committee had 85 current members and jurisdiction of 38 approved standards.<ref name="ASTM"> {{cite web|url = http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/F32.htm?L+memberstore+ooef3203+1171348303|title = Committee F32 on Search and Rescue|accessdate = 2008-02-24|last = O'Toole|first = Thomas F.|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
==International Divisions of Search and Rescue Responsibility==
===International Waters===
International waters are divided into various regions according to the [[International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea|SOLAS]] convention. See the map provided by the [http://www.oceansatlas.com/unatlas/issues/emergencies/gmdss_sar/SARMAP.PDF IMO ocean atlas]
==SAR by nation==
===Antigua & Barbuda===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Antigua Barbuda Search And Rescue (ABSAR) has been providing emergency medical and rescue services to the Antiguan Yachting community for a number of years.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
ABSAR is a [[non-profit organization]] of volunteers dedicated to saving lives. Based at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina, it specializes in [[Medical emergency|medical emergencies]], but also offers assistance for search and rescue, [[helicopter]] aerial searches and [[medevac]] operations in conjunction with Caribbean Helicopters. ABSAR rescue relies 100% on donations.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Australia===
[[AusSAR]], which is part of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority ([[AMSA]]), provides a national search and rescue service.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
AusSAR operates a 24 hour Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in [[Canberra]] and is responsible for the national coordination of both maritime and aviation search and rescue. AusSAR is also responsible for the management and operation of the Australian ground segment of the [[Cospas-Sarsat]] distress beacon detection system. The service that spans the nation and covers 52.8 million square kilometres of the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
AusSAR's RCC is staffed by SAR specialists who have a naval, [[merchant marine]], air force, [[civil aviation]] or police service background. The RCC also coordinates medical evacuations, broadcasts maritime safety information and operates the Australian Ship Reporting System (AUSREP).<ref>[http://www.amsa.gov.au/Search_and_Rescue/ AusSAR]</ref>
State search and rescue
[[Image:BSAR searchers at Mount Dom Dom P3260158.JPG|thumb|right|[[Bushwalkers Search and Rescue|BSAR]] searchers in the field at [[Mount Dom Dom]]]]
[[State police|State Police]] in many states operate state-based search and rescue squads, such as the Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad, which provides specialist expertise, advice and practical assistance in land search and rescue on most terrain including snow and vertical cliff search and rescue.<ref>[http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=174 Victoria Police Search and Rescue Squad]</ref>
There are also state-based volunteer search and rescue groups such as the [[Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad]]<ref>[http://www.bwrs.org.au/ Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue Squad]</ref> in [[New South Wales]] and [[Bushwalkers Search and Rescue]]<ref>[http://www.bsar.org Bushwalkers Search and Rescue]</ref> in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]]. These state-based groups draw searchers from bushwalking, mountaineering and specialist rescue clubs within their State.
===Belgium===
Search and rescue duties along the Belgian part of the [[North Sea]] are executed by the [[Belgian Air Component]]. From its [[Koksijde Air Base]] it operates 5 [[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King Mk.48]] helicopters.<ref>[http://www.mil.be/aircomp/units/index.asp?LAN=nl&FILE=&ID=628&MENU=287&PAGE=1 mil.be] (Dutch)</ref>
===British Virgin Islands===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is the officially recognised search and rescue organisation in the [[British Virgin Islands]]. VISAR is a voluntary organisation dedicated to saving life at sea, and provides 24-hour cover every day of the year in close co-operation with the Royal British Virgin Islands police, fire and ambulance services.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Unlike many other search & rescue organisation, such as the [[United States Coast Guard]], VISAR is a charity and is funded almost entirely by charitable donation. With running costs in the region of US$150,000 per year, and a population of just 20,000 in the [[British Virgin Islands]], VISAR relies very heavily on donations made by tourists, who visit the British Virgin Islands to come sailing.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Canada===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Search and Rescue in [[Canada]] is overseen by a [[federal agency]] called the [[National Search and Rescue Program]], and is coordinated by the [[National Search and Rescue Secretariat]], which liaises with the provincial and territorial governments of Canada and other emergency services. Each province and territory also maintains its own [[emergency management]] organizations. Generally, air rescue is handled by the [[Canadian Forces]], maritime rescue by the [[Canadian Coast Guard]], and ground and inland water rescue is under the [[Rational-legal authority|legal authority]] of the individual provinces and territories (most are handled by the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP)). Extensive use of volunteer SAR groups is made by all provinces and territories.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
See also [[Heavy Urban Search and Rescue]], [[Toronto Police]] Public Safety and Search Unit and [[Toronto Police]]'s [[Toronto Police Marine Unit]].
===Denmark===
[[Image:Danish air force U-277.jpg|thumb|right|One of the old S-61's with its rescue swimmer]]
Search and Rescue operators in [[Denmark]] are primarily: [[Royal Danish Air Force|Danish air force]] Squadron 722, [[Danish Navy Air Squadron|Danish navy air squadron]], [[Naval Home Guard|naval home guard]] and the [[The Royal Danish Administration of Navigation and Hydrography|administration of navigation and hydrography]], coordinated by the [[Rescue Coordination Center|Joint Rescue Coordination Centere]], operated by the navy and air force in the [[Søværnets Operative Kommando|Danish Naval Commands]] facilities near [[Aarhus]]. Internationally the Danish works mainly with [[Germany]], [[Norway]] and [[Sweden]]. With the two later, the yearly exercises ''Baltic SAREX''<ref name="SAREX07"> {{cite web|url = http://forsvaret.dk/BHM/Nyt+og+Presse/Sarex.htm|title = Bornholms Marinedistrikt: SAREX '07|accessdate = 2008-07-07}} {{da}}</ref> and
''Scan-SAR''<ref name="SCANSAR06"> {{cite web|url = http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt+og+Presse/Nyhedsarkiv/Pressemeddelelser/2006/f%C3%A6lles+%C3%B8velse.htm|title = Flyvertaktisk kommando: Scan-SAR '06|accessdate = 2008-07-07}} {{da}}</ref> are conducted.
SAR-services in Denmark started in [[1957]] with seven [[Sikorsky H-19|Sikorsky S-55]]. Their [[radial engine]]s only had limited [[horsepower]] (550 hp) fuel capacity, so their operational area was also rather limited. To gain more operational area, it was decided to add some [[Percival Pembroke|Pembroke]] two engine aircraft for search. These aircraft would then localize the [[distress]]ed person(s) and the S-55's would then fly out to that location for rescue. Originally the only SAR-service performed, was for crashed fighter-planes (79 aircraft crashed, with 62 dead, in the period [[1950]]-[[1955]])<ref name="DAFHIS">{{cite web|url = http://www.flv.dk/flyvevaabnet/historie_flyvevaabnet.htm|title = Flyvevåbnets historie|accessdate = 2008-07-09}} {{da}</ref>, but today also civilan SAR-duties are taken care of.
In [[1962]] eight ship-based [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette III]] was received. These was primarily ment for the ships patroling in the North Atlantic, but also supported the S-55's. In [[1964]] - [[1965]] the seven S-55 was replaced with eight Sikorsky [[SH-3 Sea King|S-61A]] helicopters<ref name="DAFS61">{{cite web|url = http://forsvaret.dk/NR/rdonlyres/C605235C-4851-457B-BFDA-75C3473573CF/0/HS61ASEAKING.pdf|title = Danish air force S-61A fact sheet|accessdate = 2008-07-09}} {{da}}</ref>. This helicopter, was originally inteded for - and constructed as such - [[anti-submarine warfare]]. On this danish variant, the heavy [[sonar]] equipment was removed and instead extra fuel storage was added. This gave these helicopters a very large operational area. In [[1977]] [[radar]]-equipment was installed and in [[1990]] a [[FLIR]] was added. Further [[avionics]] and [[navigation|navigational]] systems (such as [[GPS]]) has also been added through time.
In [[1977]] the naval air squadron was exfilled and created as an independent squadron in the navy and began replacing the Alouette III's with [[Westland Lynx]] helicopters. Their primary operational area was still the North Atlantic, but they continued their (much lesser since the introduction of the S-61) support roles. In [[2006]], the first of the S-61 was replaced by one of 14 new AugustaWestland [[AgustaWestland EH101|EH-101 "Merlin"]] helicopters.
{{CommonsCat|Rescue helicopters in Denmark}}
In [[2007]] the [[Danish Defence]] held a public display in [[Horsens]], to raise awareness about resuce services and maritime safety (Denmark has a relative large amount of costal line)<ref name="DAPD1">{{cite web|url = http://forsvaret.dk/SOK/Nyt+og+Presse/2007-07-04.htm|title = Temadag om søredning og badesikkerhed|accessdate = 2008-07-09}} {{da}}</ref><ref name="DAPD2">{{cite web|url = http://forsvaret.dk/FTK/Nyt+og+Presse/Billeder+fra+s%C3%B8redningsdagen+2007.htm|title = Pictures from the public display|accessdate = 2008-07-09}}</ref>.
Today the SAR-components in Denmark are eight EH-101's, one or two Lynx's, 34 naval home guard vessels and 21 rescue vessels<ref name="DAPD1">{{cite web|url = http://www.fomfrv.dk/om_frv/hovedopgaver/kystredning.htm|title = Kystredning i Danmark|accessdate = 2008-07-09}} {{da}}</ref> as well as the naval vessels at sea. The EH-101's are operates from bases in [[Aalborg]] ([[EKYT]]), [[Skrydstrup]] ([[EKSP]]) and [[Roskilde]] ([[EKRK]]). In rough weather aircraft are also posted on the island of [[Bornholm]] ([[EKRN]]) in the [[Baltic Sea]]. The Lynx's operates from [[KARUP]] ([[EKKA]]). The maritime vessels are spread out through the entire coastline and on islands. The S-61' and EH-101's has a crew of six: Two [[pilot]]s, a [[navigator]], a [[medic]], a [[physician]] and a [[Rescue swimmer#Denmark|rescue swimmer]].
===Germany===
[[Image:050625-Kiel-x42-600.jpg|thumb|right|A cruiser of the [[Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger|DGzRS]] and a SeaKing helicopter of the [[German Navy]]]]
Search and Rescue in German waters is conducted by the [[German Navy]], the German [[Küstenwache|Coast Guard]] or the [[Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger]] DGzRS (literally translated: German Society for the Saving of Shipwrecked, more common: German Maritime Rescue Service GMRS).
Besides the offshore Search And Rescue services, the German Air Force provides such as well, using Bell UH-1D "Huey" helicopters.<ref> {{cite web|url = http://www.rth.info/betreiber/betreiber.php?show=bw|title = Bundeswehr (in German language)|accessdate = 2008-05-22|last = Team www.rth.info|authorlink = |year = 2002|}}</ref>
===Hong Kong===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Search and rescue in and around the waters off [[Hong Kong]] are directed by the [[Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre]] with assistance from:
* [[Government Flying Service]]{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
* [[Fire Services Department]] {{Fact|date=February 2008}}
* [[Hong Kong Airport Authority]] / [[Hong Kong Police Force]]{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Iceland===
Search and Rescue operations in Iceland are mainly handled by the [[Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue]] (Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg) which operates numerous vehicles and boats across the country, along with the [[Icelandic Coast Guard]] which operates SAR helicopters and patrol vessels.<ref name="ICG1"> {{cite web|url = http://www.lhg.is/english|title = The Icelandic Coast Guard|accessdate = 2008-03-07|last = Icelandic Coast Guard|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
The unique thing about Iceland Association for Search and Rescue is that it is operated almost solely on volunteer’s contribution. The rescue units are more than 100 in total and are located in almost every part of the country. All the units contain groups of specially trained individuals.<ref name="Slysavarnafélaginu"> {{cite web|url = http://www.landsbjorg.is/category.aspx?catID=250|title = ICE-SAR A Tale of Great Achievements |accessdate = 2008-03-07|last = Slysavarnafélaginu Landsbjörg|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
===Ireland===
SAR services are provided by a civilian body, the [[Irish Coast Guard]].<ref name="IRCG1"> {{cite web|url = http://www.transport.ie/marine/IRCG/index.asp?lang=ENG&loc=2029|title = Irish Coast Guard IRCG|accessdate = 2008-02-24|last = Department of Transport|authorlink = |year = 2002}}</ref> It has responsibility for the Irish Search and Rescue Region.<ref name="IRCG1"> {{cite web|url = http://www.transport.ie/viewitem.asp?id=8622&lang=ENG&loc=2103|title = The Irish Search and Rescue Region|accessdate = 2008-02-24|last = Department of Transport|authorlink = |year = 2006}}</ref>
Also [[Civil Defence]] in Ireland also known as [[Civil Defence Search and Rescue or Recovery]], a volunteer based Rescue Service take care of most rescues. In Dublin, Ireland [[Civil Defence Search and Rescue]], is the only rescue service in the county, who also provide for Wicklow and surrounding areas. This unit also do [[Fire]], [[Radioactive]] monitoring, extricating, treating and looking after most of the [[Casualty]] or casualties found. It is funded by the state and [[Defence Forces]].{{Fact|date=April 2008}}
[[Irish Coast Guard]] who also help Civil Defence was formerly provided by the [[Irish Air Corps]], from 1963 to the early 21st century. The need for longer range helicopters encouraged the [[Irish Government]] to create a civilian organisation which hires private companies to provide the service.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
This procedure has worked successfully, providing a greatly increased SAR range and [[forward basing]] of the SAR service on coastal bases, greatly improving their speed to incident and time on site compared to previous centralised [[military operation]]s near Dublin.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
The introduction of the privatised service also allowed Ireland to field the first female SAR helicopter pilot in Europe, at the time.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===Malta===
The responsibility for SAR at sea in the Malta Search and Rescue Region falls under the [[Armed Forces of Malta]] (AFM). It is carried out by maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and vessels under the co-ordination, command and control of the Rescue Co-ordination Centre.<ref name="MaltaSAR"> {{cite web|url = http://www.sarmalta.gov.mt/sar_in_Malta.htm|title = Search and Rescue (SAR) in Malta|accessdate = 2008-03-13|last = Search and Rescue Training Centre - Armed Forces of Malta|authorlink = |year = 2004}}</ref>
The AFM, in close collaboration with the US Coast Guard, also runs a Search and Rescue Training Centre for International Students[http://youtube.com/watch?v=fL7oPxdqvbM] in Maritime SAR Mission Co-ordination and Planning.<ref name="MaltaSARtrg"> {{cite web|url = http://www.sarmalta.gov.mt/sar_training_centre_malta.htm|title = Search and Rescue Training Centre - AFM|accessdate = 2008-03-13|last = Search and Rescue Training Centre - Armed Forces of Malta|authorlink = |year = 2004}}</ref> To date more than 30 foreign students from 15 countries including Albania, Cameroon, Croatia, Equatorial Guinea and Kenya have attended these courses.<ref name="USEmbassyMalta"> {{cite web|url = http://malta.usembassy.gov/saramb.html|title = AFM SAR TC Graduation|accessdate = 2008-03-13|last = U.S. Department of State.|authorlink = |year = 2007|month = November}}</ref><ref name="Brincat"> {{cite web|url = http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61285|title = Search and rescue training certificates awarded|accessdate = 2008-03-13|last = Brincat|first = Erika F.|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
Malta is also in talks with [[Libya]] about enhancing SAR cooperation between the two countries.<ref name="MaltaMedia"> {{cite web|url = http://www.maltamedia.com/artman2/publish/govt_politics/article_4810.shtml|title = Search & Rescue meeting between Libya and Malta|accessdate = 2008-03-15|last = MaltaMedia News.|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = January}}</ref>
===Netherlands===
SAR responsibility in the Netherlands is held by the [[:nl:Kustwacht|Dutch Coast Guard]], carried out by vessels and aircraft from various organisations among which the [[Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij]], [[Ministry of Transportation and Water Management (Netherlands)|Ministry of Transportation and Water Management]] and the [[Royal Netherlands Navy|Navy]] and [[Royal Netherlands Air Force|Air Force]].<ref> {{cite web|url = http://www.marine.nl/nlmarfor/helikopters/marheli/vsq7/nieuws/|title = VGSQ 7 (Dutch language article)|accessdate = 2008-05-30|last = NLMARFOR|authorlink = |year = 2008|month = May}}</ref>
===New Zealand===
[[New Zealand]]'s Search and Rescue Region extends from the [[South Pole]] to the southern border of the [[Honolulu]] region, including Norfolk, Tonga, Samoa, and [[Cook Islands]].<ref name="NZAIP"> {{cite web|url = http://www.aip.net.nz/|title = AIPA New Zealand GEN 3.6 Search and Rescue|accessdate = 2008-02-24|last = Civil Aviation Auithority of New Zealand|authorlink = |year = undated}}</ref>
Land-based search and rescue operations (called LSAR, for ''Land Search and Rescue''), such as for lost [[hiking|hikers]], are controlled by the local [[New Zealand Police|police]]. Maritime search and rescue, as well as reports of overdue aircraft, fall under the control of the National Rescue Coordination Centre, based in [[Wellington, New Zealand|Wellington]], which coordinates response from local coastguard, helicopter operators, merchant marine, [[New Zealand Air Force|air force]] and [[New Zealand Navy|naval]] resources.<ref name="NZAIP"/>
===Norway===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Norwegian SAR-services are carried out through cooperation between government agencies, voluntary organisations and private companies who have resources appropriate for rescue services. The Norwegian Joint Rescue Coordination Centres ("Hovedredningssentralene") have the overall operational responsibility during search and rescue operations.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
Typical providers of SAR are The Norwegian Coast Guard (Kystvakten), the Norwegian police, firebrigades and the military.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
In addition many privately owned institutions exists such as The Rescue Company (Redningsselskapet) and the Norwegian Air Ambulance (Norsk Luftambulanse). Funding is typically provided from its members and the government.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
===Philippines===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Philippine SAR Operations are the responsibility of the [[Philippine Air Force]] and the [[Philippine Coast Guard]]. The Air Force has a dedicated SAR formation, the 505th Search and Rescue Group. The group is equipped with the Bell [[UH-1]], [[Bell 205]] and the Sikorsky [[S-70]] helicopters, along with the locally upgraded [[Huey II]] helicopter. The 505th SAR has the capability of carrying out search and rescue in mountainous areas as well as over the ocean.
The Coast Guard patrols Philippine waters and conducts search and rescue operations with '78 Halter patrol craft.{{Fact|date=March 2008}}
===Poland===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
The SAR Service was established on [[January 1]], [[2002]] by virtue of the Safety at Sea Act ([[November 9]], [[2000]]){{Fact|date=February 2008}}
SAR Service takes part in search and rescue of human life at the sea and the tasks related to combating sea pollution. Because [[Poland]] is a part of International Conventions like ''The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue'' and ''The Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the [[Baltic Sea]] Area'', Maritime Search and Rescue Service (called SAR Service) was established.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
The SAR Service is a state owned budget unit subordinated to the competent Minister for Maritime Economy.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
===South Africa===
[[Image:SAAF Oryx hoisting medic and stretcher.jpg|thumb|right|An [[Atlas Oryx|Oryx helicopter]] of the [[South African Air Force]] hoisting a medic and stretcher during an exercise.]]
Major search and rescue events, such as missing ships or aircraft, are coordinated by SASAR, the South African Search and Rescue Organisation. These operations are often carried out in conjunction with the [[South African National Defence Force]], the Civil Aviation Authority and the South African Police Services. Local search and rescue efforts are coordinated by provincial emergency services often in conjunction with the South African Police Services. There are numerous specialist search and rescue organisations such as the [[National Sea Rescue Institute]], [[Wilderness Search and Rescue]] and the [[Mountain Club of South Africa|Mountain Club of South Africa's]] search and rescue team. Many of these teams are staffed by volunteers.
===United Kingdom===
In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], maritime search and rescue is coordinated by [[Her Majesty's Coastguard|HM Coastguard]], while land-based operations are usually coordinated by the local [[Policing in the United Kingdom|Police]] force. The operation itself is carried out with aircraft from the [[Royal Navy]], [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] or Coastguard, [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution|RNLI]] [[lifeboat (rescue)|lifeboat]]s and police, military or volunteer [[mountain rescue]] or [[ALSAR]] (Association of Lowland Search and Rescue) teams. Aircraft coordination is carried out by the UK Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre ([[ARCC]]) based at RAF Kinloss in the north of Scotland. The centre is responsible for tasking and coordinating all of the UK's search and rescue helicopter and RAF mountain rescue teams.<ref name="Baugher_f4_41"> {{cite web|url = http://www.kinlossrescue.com|title = Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre|accessdate = 2008-02-24|last = ARCC Kinloss |authorlink = |year = 2005}}</ref>
In 2006, the government announced controversial plans to effectively [[privatise]] provision of search and rescue helicopters in order to replace the aging [[Westland Sea King|Sea King]]s currently in use, although they have suggested that crews may, at least partially, still be made up of [[Soldier|military personnel]].<ref name="BBC09May06"> {{cite web|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4753961.stm|title = Private bids plan for air rescue|accessdate = 2008-02-24|last = BBC|authorlink = |year = 2006|month = May}}</ref>
===United States===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
The National Search and Rescue plan designates the [[United States Coast Guard]] as the federal agency responsible for maritime SAR and the [[United States Air Force]] as the federal agency responsible for inland SAR. Both agencies maintain [[Rescue Coordination Center]]s to coordinate this effort. The jurisdiction for local lost person SAR operations varies from state to state in the [[United States]], and depends upon the nature of the operation.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
'''''Urban SAR'''''<br>
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Urban SAR operations involve searching through debris and are often but not always under the jurisdiction of the [[fire department]] especially when a rescue is involved. If there is a criminal element, such as abduction, then a [[law enforcement agency]] will usually have jurisdictional authority. {{Fact|date=February 2008}} The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains 28 national USAR teams stationed in various major cities around the nation to respond to disasters when requested by impacted states.<ref>[http://www.fema.gov/emergency/usr/about.shtm FEMA USAR Information Site]</ref>
'''''Wilderness SAR''''<br>
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Authority for Wilderness SAR and [[Mountain Rescue]] varies, with some states (e.g., [[New Mexico]]) supervising operations from a state-wide office such as state police or [[Office of Emergency Management|office of emergency management]]. Many states place authority for SAR with the local [[sheriff]] of the county in which the incident took place (e.g., Colorado). The [[United States Forest Service]] may also be involved. State fish and game wardens may also be responsible (e.g., [[New Hampshire]]). Within [[United States National Park|U.S. national parks]] and monuments, the [[National Park Service]] maintains authority, "exclusive jurisdiction," regardless of [[state law]]. Most wilderness SAR operations involve volunteer groups such as members of [[NCCERT]], Mountain Rescue Association and [[US-HERO]], who work for the jurisdictional authority.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
In addition to their responsibilities in the area of missing aircraft SAR, the [[Civil Air Patrol]] (USAF Aux) often assists in wilderness SAR when activated by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.<ref>[http://www.cap.gov/visitors/about/our_programs/operations.cfm CAP Operations Site]</ref>
'''''Water SAR'''''<br>
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
SAR on federal waters is usually the responsibility of the [[United States Coast Guard]], but in inland and joint jurisdiction waters state and [[local government]] agencies assume some or all responsibility for SAR.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
In some situations, body recovery may fall under a separate command, such as the state medical investigator or county [[Coroner|medical examiner]], depending upon the local laws.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
'''''Missing Aircraft and ELT beacon searches'''''<br>
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Where downed aircraft are involved, the state aeronautics commission (or their delegate) is responsible for the recovery and subsequent investigation. Most states use the [[Civil Air Patrol]] (CAP) in conjunction with their local SAR team. CAP is the Air Force Auxiliary. CAP SAR teams are activated through the [[USAF|United States Air Force]] [[Rescue Coordination Center]] to conduct searches for possible or actual missing aircraft. CAP conducts over 95% of all federal search and rescue missions directed by the Center for possible or actual missing aircraft. CAP also helps with missing person searches as requested by county, state and other agencies.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
'''''Personnel'''''<br>
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Urban operations are generally staffed with paid personnel from fire, [[Emergency Medical Services|EMS]], law enforcement agencies and volunteer teams with [[mutual aid]] agreements.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Wilderness operations are usually staffed with a combination of paid and volunteer personnel. Volunteers may be members of a [[Public Safety|public safety]] agency such as a fire department or county [[sheriff]] but are also likely to be members of an independent non-profit group with specialized skills such as ground search and rescue, airborne search, wilderness [[navigation]], [[cave rescue]], [[mountain rescue]], [[ski patrol]] and [[wilderness first aid]]. Large operations can bring a dozen or more separate groups and government agencies to a single operation, which is usually managed using the [[Incident Command System]] (ICS) originally developed for management of diverse resources to combat large [[wildfire]]s. The managing agency tends to be state law enforcement, or the county that the search is being staged in.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Marine operations in the U.S. are generally staffed by the [[United States Coast Guard]] including its [[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary|Auxiliary]], and on inland waters county and state public safety agencies will also participate.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
Aviation search operations in the U.S. are staffed by [[Civil Air Patrol]] volunteers, which include both aircrews and ground teams trained for wilderness search in coordination with aircraft. CAP members also perform SAR and disaster relief activities of other natures, in the effort to assist local, state, and national authorities as directed by CAP Incident Commanders and the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
'''''SAR Units'''''<br>
{{Unreferencedsection|date=April 2008}}
Most SAR units in the United States are all-volunteer groups that work under the jurisdictional authorities. These may be sponsored by a jurisdictional authority (Sheriff's Office or Police Department) or be an [[Independent Group|independent group]] with a Mutual Aid Agreement with the jurisdictional authorities. Examples of all volunteer groups are [[NC K9 Search and rescue| NCCERT]], [[US-HERO]], [[ASRC]], [[ESAR|Explorer Search and Rescue]], and [[US Search And Rescue Task Force]].{{Fact|date=February 2008}}
== See also ==
*[[Avalanche]]
*[[Cave rescue]]
*[[Mountain rescue]]
*[[Mounted search and rescue]]
*[[Search and rescue dog]]
*[[International Search and Rescue Advisory Group]]
[http://www.ispt.org International Society of Professional Trackers]
*[[Volunteer Search & Rescue]]
*Satellite distress detection - [[Cospas-Sarsat]] (C-S)
== Groups ==
*[[NCCERT|North Carolina Canine Emergency Response Team]] (NCCERT)
*[[United States Homeland Emergency Response Organization]] (US-HERO)
*[[Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter]]
*[[Civil Air Patrol]] (CAP)
*[[Coast Guard]]
*[[Emergency Locator Transmitter]] for missing aircraft
*[[Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon]] (EPIRB)
*[[ESAR|Explorer Search and Rescue]]
*[[MEDEVAC]]
*[[United States Coast Guard]]
*[[United States Coast Guard Auxiliary]]
*[[USAR Teams]]
*[[National Association of Volunteer Search and Rescue Teams]] (NAVSAR)
*[[Ski patrol]]
*[[Wilderness first aid]]
*[[103 Search and Rescue Squadron CFAC]]
*[[New York Search and Rescue]]
*[[US Search And Rescue Task force]]
*[[Air Force Rescue Coordination Center]]
*[[Maryland State Police]]
*[[Cardiff and Vale Rescue Association]]
*[[Long Beach Search & Rescue]]
*[[Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue]]
*[[Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue]]
*[[Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue]]
*[[Scarborough and Ryedale mountain rescue team]]
*[[Arapahoe Rescue Patrol]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{dmoz|Health/Public_Health_and_Safety/Emergency_Services/Search_and_Rescue}}
* [http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jdw/jdw060803_1_n.shtml Rotary rescue] Extract from Jane's Defence Weekly article ([[3 August]] [[2006]])
* [http://www.InternetSAR.org InternetSAR.org Volunteer Project]
* [http://www.nasar.org NASAR.org] National Association for Search and Rescue (U.S.)
* [http://www.sasar.gov.za/ South African Search and Rescue Organization]
* [http://www.newyorksearchandrescue.org/index.html New York Search And Rescue]
* [http://www.navsar.org National Association of Volunteer Search And Rescue Teams]
* [http://wsar.hypermart.net/ Wilderness Search and Rescue (Cape Town South Africa)]
[[Category:Rescue]]
[[da:Search and rescue]]
[[de:Search and Rescue]]
[[es:Búsqueda y rescate]]
[[fr:Recherche et sauvetage]]
[[id:SAR]]
[[it:Ricerca e salvataggio]]
[[ms:Mencari dan menyelamat]]
[[nl:Search And Rescue]]
[[pl:Morska Służba Poszukiwania i Ratownictwa]]
[[ru:Search and Rescue]]