The impact of the SAR mission coordinator’s decisions on its effectiveness

Abstract: Search and rescue operations conducted at sea require rapid and precise planning. Making mistakes or delaying decisions reduces the chances of saving survivors. The person responsible for the decision-making process in SAR mission planning is the coordinator. This article presents the methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of rescue operations. The article also includes an analysis of the impact of decisions made by the coordinator on the effectiveness of SAR operations.1. INTRODUCTION
Rescue operations at sea are sporadic activities with a high degree of uniqueness. The effectiveness of an operation is determined by many unpredictable factors. Therefore, using statistical methods in research on the rescue system does not allow for understanding the actual parameters of the efficiency and effectiveness of its components. Combining statistical methods with data obtained from heuristic research allows for obtaining effectiveness indicators for the maritime rescue system that are closer to reality.
The maritime rescue system is a collection of technical elements included in it, as well as a set of actions taken by people using these technical elements.
The success of a SAR operation depends on the speed of carrying out the successive stages of rescue operations. A quick and accurate analysis of information about an accident allows for selecting appropriate mission parameters and thus conducting it effectively. The rescue system is in a standby phase during periods between operations. Rescue units and the Coordination Center are in a state of constant readiness.
The rescue system includes maritime and aviation rescue assets involved in direct rescue, as well as Coordination Centers responsible for organizing and conducting rescue operations. In modern rescue systems, Coordination Centers decide on the rescue operation plan, while search and rescue units decide on its implementation. Direct responsibility for the preparation and conduct of a rescue operation rests with the SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC). The operational team prepares individual elements of the operation, while the coordinator makes the decisions personally. (…)

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