Maritime SAR Operations and Towing Procedures

Posted on Feb 18, 2025 in Physical Education

Search and Rescue (SAR) Areas

SAR stands for Search and Rescue. To achieve global coverage, each maritime administration has designated specific SAR areas based on its capabilities and agreements with neighboring states. In Spain, there are four SAR areas where the state provides full rescue coverage:

  • Atlantic SAR Area: Extends from the border with France, across the Bay of Biscay, to the border with Portugal.
  • Canary SAR Area: Covers the Canary Islands region.
  • Straits SAR Area: Encompasses the Strait of Gibraltar.
  • Mediterranean SAR Area: Shared with Morocco and other European states.

Each SAR area must have adequate rescue equipment, including:

  • Rescue boats with a large radius of action.
  • Search and rescue aircraft.
  • Comprehensive radio coverage.

Towing Procedures: Giving and Taking Tow

Towing a boat is a delicate maneuver that requires careful execution. Key considerations include:

  • Speed: Maintain minimum speed (very slow) and ensure both vessels are aligned fore-and-aft.
  • Turns: Execute turns very slowly (10 to 15 degrees). If the towed vessel begins to fall to one side, the towed vessel should steer the rudder to the opposite side to correct the wake, assisting the tugboat.
  • Catenary: The towline must have sufficient catenary (sag).
  • Towline Length: The towline length should be between 75-200 meters (a multiple of the wave length).
  • Towline Material: Use an elastic material to absorb shock. Consider placing weights near the towing point to prevent collisions.
  • Attachment Points: Secure the towline to at least two strong points (cleats or bitts) on each vessel.
  • Wave Synchronization: The tug and tow should reach the wave crest simultaneously, accounting for variations in wave patterns.

Radio Beacon (EPIRB) Broadcast Frequency

An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a floating radio transmitter used in emergencies. Key features:

  • Waterproof and orange-colored.
  • Can be stowed manually or automatically (using a hydrostatic release).
  • Must be placed on a list for manual release or transport to a survival craft.
  • Hydrostatic release units and the beacon are reviewed every two years.
  • Emits on a frequency of 406 MHz worldwide.
  • Two types:
    • Type A: Transmits the vessel’s Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI).
    • Type B: Transmits the MMSI and the vessel’s position (latitude and longitude) via an integrated GPS.

Liferaft Stowage and Deployment

Manual Deployment

  1. Manually release the liferaft’s hook.
  2. Ensure the painter (rope) is firmly attached.
  3. Check that the area is clear.
  4. Throw the liferaft container into the sea.
  5. Pull the painter to trigger the inflation mechanism (compressed air inflates the raft to approximately nine times its packed volume).
  6. Bring the raft alongside the vessel.
  7. Jump into the water feet first, crossing your arms and holding your nose.
  8. Enter the raft without shoes.
  9. Cut the painter using the blunt knife found inside the raft.

Automatic Deployment

If there is no time for manual deployment:

  1. The system uses two painters. The first, 15 meters long (or 9 meters for pleasure boats), is automatically cut by a hydrostatic mechanism at a depth of approximately 4 meters.
  2. The second painter, weaker than the first, is attached to the boat and will break under the pressure of the inflating raft as it rises to the surface.
  3. The container breaks open during inflation.
  4. A sea anchor deploys automatically to keep the raft stable.