ACN 018/19 - FEB 2019 SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) CASE STUDY POLICY UPDATE

united states coast guard

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                                                 CANCEL DATE 27 FEB 2020


R 281250 FEB 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-5R//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N16130//
ACN 018/19
SUBJ:   SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) CASE STUDY POLICY UPDATE
A. U.S. Coast Guard Addendum to the United States National Search and Rescue Supplement (NSS)
to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual,
COMDTINST M16130.2 (series)
1. For more than three decades, policy regarding the administration of SAR case studies and
the adjudication of recommendations has remained relatively unchanged. Consequently, SAR
case study policy has not kept pace with Coast Guard modernization efforts and the restructuring
of policy and capability functions within Headquarters. Many SAR case study recommendations now
span the purview of various stakeholders within two or more Headquarters offices. This has
hindered the Coast Guard’s ability to effectively and efficiently adjudicate SAR case study
recommendations and leverage SAR case study outcomes to support systemic improvements within the
SAR system. This policy update addresses these concerns and provides further guidance to those
assigned to lead a SAR case study.
2. COMDT (CG-SAR)’s portal site provides two enclosures that represent wholesale changes to
Coast Guard SAR case study policy. Enclosure (1) replaces SAR case study policy within
paragraph 3.9.4 of REF (A). Enclosure (2) replaces Appendix M of REF (A).
These changes can be found at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/cgsar/SAR%20Case%20Studies/Forms/AllItems.aspx.
3. Major changes to SAR case study policy include:
    a. Definition of the Final Action Authority role.
    b. Clarification over SAR case study triggers.
    c. Established timelines and routing procedures.
    d. Centralized routing of all SAR case studies to Coast Guard Headquarters.
    e. A simplified format for use when a SAR case review of limited scope is warranted.
    f. Requirements for requisite training and experience for personnel to conduct a SAR case study.
4. Questions regarding this change should be directed to LCDR Juan Carlos Avila, COMDT (CG-SAR-1)
at JuanCarlos.Avila@uscg.mil.
5. These changes are in effect and shall be incorporated into the next version of REF (A), which
will be released within the next year.
6. Always Ready, That Others May Live.
7. Released by RDML J. Vogt, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy.
8. Internet release is authorized.