COMPETENCE : Coordinate search and

rescue operations
KUP: A thorough knowledge of and ability
to apply the procedures contained in the
International Aeronautical and Maritime
Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual
Methods for demonstrating competence:
Examination and assessment of evidence
obtained from practical instruction or
approved simulator training, where
appropriate
Criteria for evaluating competence: The
plan for coordinating search and rescue
operations is in accordance with
international guidelines and standards.
Radio communications are established
and correct communication procedures
are followed at all stages of the search
and rescue operations
 SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION

CO2 Coordinate search and rescue

operations
TOPIC: Actions by an assisting vessel
3 The contents of the International
Code of Signals (INTERCO)
LO5 Describe a Search and Rescue
operation
TEACHER ACTIVITY CADET ACTIVITY
1. Present the topic Let the students
to students summarize the
contents of INTERCO
PUB. 102 INTERNATIONAL CODE OF
SIGNALS
1. CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING
INSTRUCTIONS
2. CHAPTER 2.— GENERAL SIGNAL
CODE
3. CHAPTER 3.—MEDICAL SIGNAL CODE
5. CHAPTER 4.—DISTRESS AND
LIFESAVING SIGNALS AND
RADIOTELEPHONE PROCEDURES
6. Index for Signaling Instructions and
General Signal Code
7. Index for Medical Signal Code
INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS
CHAPTER 1.—SIGNALING
INSTRUCTIONS
SINGLE LETTER SIGNALS
A – I have a diver down; keep well clear at
slow speed.
B – I am taking in, or discharging, or
carrying dangerous goods.
C – Yes (affirmative or “The significance of
the previous group should be read in the
affirmative”).
D – Keep clear of me; I am maneuvering
with difficulty.
E – I am altering my course to starboard.
F – I am disabled; communicate with me.
G – I require a pilot. When made by fishing
vessels operating in close proximity on
the fishing grounds it means: “I am
hauling nets”.
H – I have a pilot on board.
I – I am altering my course to port.
J – I am on fire and have dangerous cargo
on board: keep well clear of me, or I am
leaking dangerous cargo.
K – I wish to communicate with you.
L – You should stop your vessel instantly.
M – My vessel is stopped and making no
way through the water.
N – No (negative or “The significance of
the previous group should be read in the
negative”). This signal may be given
only visually or by sound. For voice or
radio transmission the signal should be
“NO”.
O – Man overboard.
P – In harbor.—All persons should report
on board as the vessel is about to
proceed to sea.
– At sea.—It may be used by fishing
vessels to mean: “My nets have come
fast upon an obstruction”. It may also be
used as a sound to mean: “I require a
pilot”.
Q – My vessel is “healthy” and I request
free pratique.
S – I am operating astern propulsion.
T – Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair
trawling.
U – You are running into danger.
V – I require assistance.
W – I require medical assistance.
X – Stop carrying out your intentions and
watch for my signals.
Y – I am dragging my anchor.
Z – I require a tug. When made by fishing
vessels operating in close proximity on
the fishing grounds it means: “I am
shooting nets”.
The standard form of message for the
initiation of a pattern and subsequent
messages relating to its conduct or
adjustment:
FR1 - Carry out search pattern ______
starting at ______ hours. Initial course
______ , search speed ______ knots.
FR2 - Carry out radar search, ships
proceeding in loose line abreast at
intervals between ships of ______ miles.
Initial course ______ , search speed
______ knots.
FR3 - Vessel indicated (call sign or identity
signal) is allocated track number _____ .
FR4 - Vessel(s) indicated adjust interval
between ships to ______ miles.
FR5 - Adjust track spacing to ______ miles.
FR6 - Search speed will now be ______
knots.
MH - You should alter course to ______ (at
time indicated).
MG - Your should steer course ______ .
FR7 - Alter course as necessary to next
leg of track now (or at time indicated).
Other useful signals in the International
Code of Signals:
FR – I am (or vessel indicated is) in charge
of co-ordinating search.
SJ – My maximum speed is ______
(number) knots.
OI – I have no radar.
ON – I have an echo on my radar on
bearing ______ , distance ______ miles.
MI – I am altering course to ______ .
GH – I have sighted survival craft in lat.
______ long. ______ (or bearing ______
distance ______ from me).
GL – I have located (or found) wreckage
from the vessel/aircraft in distress
(position to be indicated if necessary by
lat. ____ and long. ______ or by bearing
______ from specified place and
distance ______ ).
FP – Estimated set and drift of survival
craft is ______ degrees and ______ knots.
YY – I wish to communicate by VHF
radiotelephony on channel indicated.
INTERNATIONAL CODE OF SIGNALS
Chapter 2 – General Signal Code
Section 1: Distress—Emergency
Abandon
Accident—Doctor—Injured/Sick
Assistance
Boats—Rafts
Disabled—Drifting—Sinking
Distress
Position
Search And Rescue
Survivors
FJ 4 Position of accident (or survival
craft) is marked by radio beacon.
FR I am (or vessel indicated is) in charge
of coordinating search.
FZ You should continue search according
to instructions and until further notice.
GB You should stop search and return to
base or continue your voyage.
HM Survivors are in bad condition.
Medical assistance is urgently required.