On-scene coordinator

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The On-Scene-Coordinator (OSC) is the term used in sea ​​rescue to refer to the ship that is in charge of on-site operations in the event of a sea ​​emergency . This ship coordinates the search and rescue activities of all on-site helpers. The term on-scene coordinator must not be confused with SAR coordinator (SC), this is a term for the person or organization entrusted with the establishment and maintenance of the sea ​​rescue and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in a sea area is, in Germany the DGzRS . The SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC) is the person who directs a specific mission from the MRCC, usually the shift supervisor in the MRCC.

Choice of OSC

The OSC is normally determined by the MRCC responsible for the sea area (or the SMC responsible for the emergency). For this purpose, it will primarily assign a coast guard or sea rescue ship that is on site or nearby. Every merchant ship also carries Volume 3 of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual in order to take over the task of the OSC if necessary. In principle, however, every ship can find itself in the situation of having to coordinate the rescue measures in the event of an emergency. Before the MRCC has assigned the task, the first ship at the damage site generally takes over the task of the OSC. If no MRCC can be reached or communication between MRCC and OSC is difficult, the OSC must also take on some tasks that are normally dealt with in the MRCC.

Tasks of the OSC

The primary task of the OSC is to coordinate all rescue activities of the various rescue units on site. It is helpful to be equipped with the best possible communication device. For example, most ships do not have radios on board that enable communication with aircraft ( VHF marine radio and aeronautical radio both use different frequency ranges and a different type of modulation ).

The OSC coordinates the execution of search patterns in order to locate missing persons or ships as efficiently and quickly as possible. The most efficient pattern is usually planned by the MRCC, if this is available, otherwise the OSC must plan the search pattern and the areas to be searched itself.

If the situation requires it, the OSC must rearrange and assign the search patterns and the tasks of the individual participants. It is important that the OSC knows the positions and intentions of the search units at all times, in order to prevent them from endangering each other during the search. The OSC regularly forwards a status report ( situation report , SITREP) to the MRCC , which provides information on weather and sea conditions, current search results and activities carried out or planned.

The OSC must keep a log of all actions carried out and the ships and aircraft involved, so that it is known at all times who has searched which search area and what may have been found. The log must also state when and how many people were rescued, where they are and in what condition they are. The MRCC may have to organize the rapid onward transport of the seriously injured.

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  • International Civil Aviation Organization and International Maritime Organization: IAMSAR Manual , Volume III: Mobile Facilities, 2007 Consolidated Edition. PDF