SAR POLICIES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | LATEST SEARCH AND
RESCUE STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
Statutory Authority for the SAR program (USCG SAR Addendum to the US National SAR
Supplement to the International Aeronautical & Maritime SAR Manual) - correct answer ✔✔-
The Coast Guard shall develop, establish, maintain, and operate SAR facilities and may render
aid to distressed individuals and protect and save property on and under the high seas and
waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
-Nevertheless, judicial rulings have made it clear that the Coast Guard undertakes a particular
mission, we must conduct that mission with due diligence, we must not worsen a situation by
our actions, and we must meet a reasonable standard of performance. (US Code Title 14,
Section 102, 521, 701)
3 General Objectives for the SAR program
(USCG SAR Addendum to the US National SAR Supplement to the International Aeronautical and
Maritime SAR Manual) - correct answer ✔✔1. Minimize loss of life and injury in the marine
environment
2. Minimize property loss and damage
3. Minimize Crew Risk
2 SAR Program Goals - correct answer ✔✔1. Optimize use of resources in conducting SAR
2. Maintain a worldwide leadership position in maritime SAR
4 Primary Geographic Divisions of Responsibility for US SAR - correct answer ✔✔1. Atlantic
Maritime
, 2. Pacific Maritime
3. Aeronautical Atlantic
4. Aeronautical Pacific
State the two geographic areas of CG responsibility for SAR - correct answer ✔✔1. Pacific Area
(PAC Area)
2. Atlantic Area (Lant Area)
SAR Chain of Command - correct answer ✔✔1. SAR Coordinator (district, manage total SAR ops,
strategize resources, assigns SMC, suspends SAR)
2. SAR Mission Coordinator (Sector, manages SAR missions, coordinates resources, assigns
missions, designated by the SC)
3. On Scene Coordinator (OSC), (when can stay on scene longer, can be the SRU)
4. SRU (Search and Rescue Units), station personnel, trained in SAR
State the understanding of search and rescue agreements
(Chapter 1, USCG SAR Addendum to the US National SAR Supplement to the International
Aeronautical and Maritime SAR Manual - correct answer ✔✔Search and Rescue agreements are
formal written documents used to resolve coordination problems (ex. guidance for entering
another AOR or providing search and rescue units to assist another agency or country)
RESCUE STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
Statutory Authority for the SAR program (USCG SAR Addendum to the US National SAR
Supplement to the International Aeronautical & Maritime SAR Manual) - correct answer ✔✔-
The Coast Guard shall develop, establish, maintain, and operate SAR facilities and may render
aid to distressed individuals and protect and save property on and under the high seas and
waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
-Nevertheless, judicial rulings have made it clear that the Coast Guard undertakes a particular
mission, we must conduct that mission with due diligence, we must not worsen a situation by
our actions, and we must meet a reasonable standard of performance. (US Code Title 14,
Section 102, 521, 701)
3 General Objectives for the SAR program
(USCG SAR Addendum to the US National SAR Supplement to the International Aeronautical and
Maritime SAR Manual) - correct answer ✔✔1. Minimize loss of life and injury in the marine
environment
2. Minimize property loss and damage
3. Minimize Crew Risk
2 SAR Program Goals - correct answer ✔✔1. Optimize use of resources in conducting SAR
2. Maintain a worldwide leadership position in maritime SAR
4 Primary Geographic Divisions of Responsibility for US SAR - correct answer ✔✔1. Atlantic
Maritime
, 2. Pacific Maritime
3. Aeronautical Atlantic
4. Aeronautical Pacific
State the two geographic areas of CG responsibility for SAR - correct answer ✔✔1. Pacific Area
(PAC Area)
2. Atlantic Area (Lant Area)
SAR Chain of Command - correct answer ✔✔1. SAR Coordinator (district, manage total SAR ops,
strategize resources, assigns SMC, suspends SAR)
2. SAR Mission Coordinator (Sector, manages SAR missions, coordinates resources, assigns
missions, designated by the SC)
3. On Scene Coordinator (OSC), (when can stay on scene longer, can be the SRU)
4. SRU (Search and Rescue Units), station personnel, trained in SAR
State the understanding of search and rescue agreements
(Chapter 1, USCG SAR Addendum to the US National SAR Supplement to the International
Aeronautical and Maritime SAR Manual - correct answer ✔✔Search and Rescue agreements are
formal written documents used to resolve coordination problems (ex. guidance for entering
another AOR or providing search and rescue units to assist another agency or country)
