LS10.13 SAR BRIEFINGS

Section: LS10 SAR Operations

Date: 20th September 2016

To provide guidelines regarding SAR crew briefings.

Page: 1 of 2

Comprehensive briefing and de-briefing of search crews is a vital component of search planning. They are time consuming processes, and in the case of briefing, preparation must commence at an early stage and, whenever possible, in good time before departure. It must be appreciated that many personnel engaged for search operations are neither trained for, nor experienced in the search role. Field SAR personnel shall therefore be given every opportunity to familiarise with all relevant details of the distress. All instructions for the SAR operation shall be clearly and precisely presented.

The Briefing Officer appointed to the briefing task must be thoroughly familiar with the overall plan and individual search unit tasks.

Comprehensive briefing of search units is vital to every search operation. The Incident Commander should be satisfied that the briefings are well prepared, and that where group briefings are to be conducted, the venue is suitable for the purpose.

Briefings for marine units will cover similar topics to those given to air and land units, but there may be less opportunity for face-to-face briefing contact. Appointed Briefing Officers (Patrol Captains/Duty Officers/ Lifeguard Supervisors) should be aware of the difficulties inherent in briefing indirectly and the increased potential for misunderstanding.

Similar arrangements shall be made for debriefing SAR units.

There are many ways of describing search patterns and the boundaries of search areas. In selecting the method to be used, Briefing Officers must consider the SAR knowledge of the recipients and the method to be used for the transmission of the information.

A standard sequence for issuing orders or instructions is used to convey the operational plan to all personnel. This sequence is known as SMEAC. Using the SMEAC system to sequence your delivery can enhance briefings.