Maritime Search and Rescue Background Program Objectives and Goals

SAR background statistics/information:
	· 95% of all Coast Guard SAR occurs less than 20 nautical miles offshore.
	· Approximately 90% of cases involve assist/rescue only.
	· 8% of cases involve minor searches (less than 24 hours).
	· 2% of cases involve major searches (greater than 24 hours).
	· Those 10% of cases involving searches (minor and major) cost the Coast Guard more than $50 million annually.
	It is advantageous to reduce the time spent searching in order to:
	· Save more lives
	· Save Coast Guard resources
	· Place fewer Coast Guard personnel at risk
	The school provides search planners with the skills and practice they need to become SAR detectives and information distillers.
	They must aggressively pursue leads and obtain all information available to successfully prosecute cases.
	SAR program objectives are:
	1. Minimize loss of life, personnel injury, property loss and damage to the maritime environment.
	2. Minimize search duration and crew risk during SAR missions.
	3. Maintain a world leadership position in maritime SAR.
	SAR program goals are (after Coast Guard notification):
	1. Save at least 93% of those people at risk of death on the waters over which the Coast Guard has SAR responsibility.
	2. Prevent the loss of at least 85% of the property at risk on the waters over which the Coast Guard has SAR responsibility.