1
United States
National Search and Rescue Plan--1999
POLICY
1. It is the policy of the signatory federal agencies to provide a National Search and Rescue Plan
for coordinating civil search and rescue (SAR) services to meet domestic needs and international
commitments. Implementing guidance for this Plan is provided in the International
Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual (IAMSAR Manual discussed below),
the National Search and Rescue Supplement (a domestic interagency supplement to the
IAMSAR Manual), and other relevant directives of the Participants to this Plan.
PURPOSE
2. This Plan continues, by interagency agreement, the effective use of all available facilities in all
types of SAR missions. The National Search and Rescue Plan-1986 is superseded by this Plan.
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
3. The following terms and definitions are based on international usage for civil SAR. For more
information about these terms and others commonly used for civil SAR, refer to the IAMSAR
Manual, which is jointly published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and
the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Search and rescue coordinator. A federal person or agency with overall responsibility for
establishing and providing civil SAR services for a search and rescue region(s) for which the
U.S. has primary responsibility.
Search and rescue region (SRR). An area of defined dimensions, recognized by ICAO, IMO or
other cognizant international body, and associated with a rescue coordination center within which
SAR services are provided.
Search and rescue services. The performance of distress monitoring, communication,
coordination and SAR functions, including provision of medical advice, initial medical
assistance, or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources including
cooperating aircraft, vessels and other craft and installations.
Rescue coordination center (RCC). A unit, recognized by ICAO, IMO or other cognizant
international body, responsible for promoting efficient organization of civil SAR services and
for coordinating the conduct of SAR operations within an SRR.
Rescue sub-center (RSC). A unit subordinate to an RCC established to complement the latter
according to particular provisions of the responsible authorities.
Joint rescue coordination center (JRCC). An RCC responsible for more than one primary type
of SAR services, e.g., both aeronautical and maritime SAR incidents. NOTE: The term “JRCC”
will not be used for civil SAR purposes solely on the basis that an RCC is staffed by personnel
from, or is sponsored by, more than one organization.
