5 Chapter 3
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1289 – Adoption of Amendments to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual – ( 9 December 2008) - Annex - Section II – Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual – Volume II - 5 Chapter 3

5 Chapter 3

  – Add the following text in paragraph 3.6.1 after “….., such as when the distress is in another SRR.”:

 “When an RCC or RSC receives information indicating a distress outside of its SRR, it should immediately notify the appropriate RCC or RSC and take all necessary action to coordinate the response until the appropriate RCC or RSC has assumed responsibility.”

  – Remove existing paragraph 3.6.5

  – Renumber 3.6.6 to be 3.6.5 and 3.6.7 to be 3.6.6

  – Insert new paragraph 3.6.7 as follows:

 “New subtitle:

Parent topic: Section II – Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual – Volume II

Transferring Responsibilities between RCCs and RSCs

  3.6.7 When transferring the coordination of a SAR operation to another RCC or RSC, the transfer should be documented in the RCC or RSC log. The initiating RCC may invite the other RCC to take over responsibility or the other RCC may offer to take over responsibility. The responsibility is retained by the initiating RCC until the other RCC formally accepts responsibility. All participating SAR units are to be advised of the transfer. Procedures to transfer SMC responsibility to another RCC should include:

 Personal discussion between the SMCs of both RCCs concerned; and

 Exchange of data using SITREP form including full details of action taken.

 Details to be included in the process of transfer between RCCs should be as follows:

  • Date and time of transfer:
    From (RCC):
    To (RCC):

    • .1 Identity of casualty

    • .2 Position

    • .3 Number of persons in distress

    • .4 Description of casualty

    • .5 Weather on scene

    • .6 Initial actions taken

    • .7 Areas already searched (including POD)

    • .8 Alerted units

    • .9 Current/present search in sub-areas

    • .10 Endurance of existing SAR units on scene

    • .11 Availability of SAR units on scene (hours/days)

    • .12 Communication plan

    • .13 Confirmation that all participating SAR units have been advised of the transfer of the responsibility.”

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