South African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Act, 2002RegulationsSouth African Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue (SASAR) Regulations, 2016Part 3 : SAR Operational Matters, Standards and Procedures20. Procedures at the scene of an emergency |
| (1) | When multiple facilities are engaged in SAR operations on-scene and the RCC designates an On Scene Commander (OSC) or Air Craft Co-ordinator (ACO) to coordinate tactical activity on-scene to improve the safety and efficiency of operations, the OSC or ACO must perform the assigned tasks in full account of the nature of the search target, the type, number and capacity of SAR Units and the environment and keep the RCC fully informed of actions taken and proposed. |
| (2) | When a pilot-in-command observes, that either another aircraft or a vessel is in distress, the pilot must, if possible and unless considered unreasonable or unnecessary: |
| (a) | keep the aircraft or vessel in distress in sight until compelled to leave the scene or advised by the ROC, that it is no longer necessary; |
| (b) | determine the position of the aircraft or vessel in distress; |
| (c) | as appropriate, report to the RCC or air traffic services unit as much of the following information as possible: |
| (i) | type of aircraft or vessel in distress, its identification and condition; |
| (ii) | position of the aircraft or vessel expressed in geographical coordinates or as a bearing and distance from a distinctive landmark or ground radio navigation aid; |
| (iii) | time of observation expressed in hours and minutes in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC); |
| (iv) | number of persons on board; |
| (v) | whether the persons have been seen to abandon the aircraft or vessel in distress; |
| (vi) | apparent physical condition of the survivors |
| (vii) | on-scene weather conditions; |
| (viii) | apparent best ground access route to the distress site; and |
| (d) | act as instructed by the ATS Unit on advice from the RCC. |