SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATİONS AND SHIP REPORTING SYSTEM

SHORE BASED SAR NETWORK

Communications links
Exploitation of the full advantages of the globally integrated GMDSS satellite
and terrestrial communications network necessitates the establishment of an
efficient communications network between Maritime Rescue Coordination
Centres (MRCCs). In addition, each MRCC is equipped with communication links
with the associated LES(s), coast radio station(s) and Cospas–Sarsat ground
station(s).
The interconnecting links between MRCCs will typically use the public switched
telecommunications network for telephone, facsimile and data
communications. Some MRCCs may also be provided with an Inmarsat SES.

SAR action in response to any distress situation will be achieved through

cooperation among SAR administrations. The MRCC nearest the distress
incident will normally acknowledge the distress alert and assume responsibility
for SAR coordination. A good explanation of the international SAR system is
contained in the ALRS, Vol 5.
Coordination of distress traffic
The MRCC which is responsible for controlling the search and rescue operation,
will also be responsible for coordinating the distress traffic relating to that
incident, or may appoint another station to do so

THE IAMSAR MANUAL

The International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR)
Manual is a comprehensive guide developed by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It
provides standardized procedures and guidelines for conducting search and
rescue operations in both the maritime and aviation domains.
 1. Organization: The manual is divided into three volumes:
 Volume I: Organization and Management
 Volume II: Mission Co-ordination
 Volume III: Mobile Facilities
2. Scope: It covers various aspects of search and rescue operations,
including planning, organization, communication, search techniques,
rescue procedures, and the use of equipment and resources.
3. Regulatory Framework: The manual aligns with international regulations
and agreements related to search and rescue, ensuring consistency and
interoperability among participating countries and organizations.
4. Standardized Procedures: IAMSAR provides standardized procedures and
protocols for responding to distress incidents, ensuring a coordinated
and effective approach to search and rescue efforts.
5. Training Resource: It serves as a valuable training resource for search and
rescue personnel, providing guidance on best practices, techniques, and
methodologies for conducting successful operations.
6. Global Application: The IAMSAR Manual is used by maritime and
aeronautical authorities, coast guards, search and rescue organizations,
and other stakeholders worldwide. It provides a common framework for
cooperation and collaboration in responding to distress situations across
borders.
7. Updates and Revisions: The manual is periodically updated and revised
to incorporate advancements in technology, changes in regulations, and
lessons learned from search and rescue operations. This ensures that it
remains relevant and effective in addressing evolving challenges in search
and rescue.

ON-SCENE COMMUNICATIONS
On-scene communications in the context of search and rescue (SAR) operations
refer to the communication processes and protocols used by responders and
individuals involved in managing and executing a rescue mission at the scene of
an incident. Effective on-scene communication is crucial for coordinating
efforts, ensuring safety, and maximizing the chances of a successful outcome.
Here are some key aspects of on-scene communications in SAR operations:
1. Establishment of Communication Channels: Upon arriving at the scene,
responders establish communication channels to facilitate coordination
and exchange of information. This may include radio channels, satellite
phones, mobile phones, and other communication devices depending on
the location and available infrastructure.
2. Unified Command: In complex incidents involving multiple agencies or
organizations, a unified command structure is often established to
streamline decision-making and communication. This ensures that all
responders are operating under a single chain of command and sharing
information effectively.
3. Standardized Communication Protocols: SAR organizations often use
standardized communication protocols and codes to convey information
efficiently and accurately. These protocols may include clear language
procedures, phonetic alphabets, and standardized radio frequencies to
minimize confusion and misunderstandings.
4. Briefings and Updates: Regular briefings and updates are conducted to
ensure that all responders are informed about the latest developments,
objectives, and tasks. This helps maintain situational awareness and
ensures that everyone is working towards common goals.
5. Safety Communications: Safety communications are prioritized to ensure
the safety of responders and individuals involved in the rescue operation.
This includes relaying information about hazards, weather conditions,
and any other factors that may affect the safety of personnel.
6. Coordination with Command Centers: On-scene responders maintain
communication with command centers, such as Rescue Coordination
Centers (RCCs) or Incident Command Posts (ICPs), to provide updates,
request resources, and receive guidance as needed. This allows for
effective coordination between on-scene personnel and centralized
command authorities.
 7. Documentation and Reporting: Accurate documentation and reporting
of on-scene communications are essential for record-keeping, analysis,
and future improvements. This may involve logging radio transmissions,
keeping written records of decisions and actions, and documenting
observations and findings at the scene.
Overall, effective on-scene communications are essential for ensuring the safety
of responders, coordinating efforts, and maximizing the effectiveness of search
and rescue operations. Clear and concise communication helps streamline
decision-making, maintain situational awareness, and ultimately contribute to
the successful outcome of rescue missions.

Frequencies for on-scene communications

In addition to VHF channel 16 and 2 182 kHz, the frequencies of 3 023 kHz, 4
125 kHz, 5 680 kHz, 121.5 MHz, 123.1 MHz, and VHF channel 6 (156.30 MHz)
may be used between ships and aircraft. Passenger ships are required to carry
equipment providing operation on the VHF aeronautical air/sea frequencies of
121.5 MHz and 123.1 MHz from the position from which the ship is normally
navigated.
LOCATING AND HOMING SIGNALS
1. Locating signals
Locating signals are radio transmissions intended to facilitate the finding of a
ship in distress or the location of survivors. These signals include those
transmitted by the ship in distress, by survival craft and by survival craft radar
transponders (SARTs).

Frequency bands for locating and homing signals

• 117.975 to 126 MHz — EPIRBs homing frequency 121.5 MHz
• 156 to 174 MHz — EPIRBs operating on VHF Channel 70 and AIS-SARTs
operating on 161.975 and 162.025 MHz
• 406 to 406.1 MHz — 406 MHz EPIRBs
 • 9.2 to 9.5 GHz — X band radar and radar SARTs.

2. Homing signals
Homing signals are those locating signals which are transmitted by a ship in
distress or by survival craft for the purpose of providing searching vessels and
aircraft with a signal that can be used to determine the bearing of the
transmitting station.
Homing signals include the 121.5 MHz transmissions from a 406 MHz EPIRB.

SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS

1. MASTREP
Participation in MASTREP is mandatory for certain vessels and others are
encouraged to participate. The International Convention on Maritime
Search and Rescue was opened for signature in 1979.

By becoming a signatory to the search and rescue (SAR) convention,

Australia has accepted SAR responsibility for the Australian SAR Region
(SRR).

The MASTREP system is used to track vessels in the SRR and allows
Australia to meet its SAR obligations.

MASTREP provides positional data on vessels transiting Australia’s region

through automatic identification system (AIS) technology which ensures
that only the closest vessels are requested to assist in a SAR incident,
reducing the need for vessels to travel long distances from their intended
voyage plan.

Given the vast area of Australia’s SRR, merchantmen are often the only
resources available that can quickly respond to an incident.
Application
The requirement to report applies to the each of the following ships while in
the MASTREP area:
• a regulated Australian ship
• a foreign ship from its arrival at its first port in Australia until its
departure from its final port in Australia

Obligation
Position Reports are to be transmitted by AIS. The Master of a ship, to which
Regulation 19.2.4 of Chapter V of SOLAS applies, must ensure the ship is fitted
with a system to automatically transmit the following information:
• identity and type
• position, course and speed
• navigational status
• safety related information
• Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Australia (JRCC Australia) 24 hour
emergency contact telephone numbers:
1800 641 792 (Maritime)
1800 815 257 (Aviation)
MMSI: 005030001
2. THE REEFREP SYSTEM
The Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Ship Reporting System (REEFREP) was
established in 1996 as a mandatory ship reporting system to improve the safety
and efficiency of shipping traffic transiting the region. Marine Order 63 (Vessel
reporting systems) 2015 states that ships which are required to report to Reef
VTS must do so irrespective of the nature of their journey ie international,
interstate or intrastate.
Main features of the system
A ship must send the following reports to Reef VTS at the time and place
specified:
• Pre–entry position report at least 1 hour prior to entering the Reef VTS
Area
• Final report (FR) on leaving the Reef VTS area or arrival at an Australian
port.

Additional Reports must be sent to Reef VTS where applicable:

• Intermediate position reports where automatic positioning data (Sat C),
radar positional data and AIS positional data is not available
• Route deviation report

Ships required to participate in the REEFREP system

The following categories of ships are required to report to Reef VTS under
REEFREP:
• all ships of 50 metres or greater in overall length
• all oil tankers, liquefied gas carriers, chemical tankers or ships coming
within the INF Code, regardless of length
• ships engaged in towing or pushing where it, or the ship being towed or
pushed is a ship described in a where the overall length of the tow is or
exceeds 150 metres. The overall length of the tow is measured from the
stern of the towing ship to the after end of the tow.
3. THE AMVER SYSTEM
 The Automated Mutual–assistance Vessel Rescue(AMVER) system operated by
the United States Coast Guard is a voluntary global ship reporting system used
worldwide by search and rescue authorities, to arrange for assistance to
persons in distress at sea. Merchant ships of all nations making offshore
voyages are encouraged to send movement reports and periodic position
reports to the AMVER centre at Coast Guard New York via selected radio
stations or the Inmarsat system.
4. OTHER SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMS
Other ship reporting systems in accordance with SOLAS include the Japan Ship
Reporting System (JASREP), China Ship Reporting System (CHISREP), South
Korea Ship Reporting System (KOSREP), and many others.
Details of these are published in the ALRS, Vol 6.