CRV Crew Training
Theory Module Workbook
Name:
Unit:
Coastguard Instructor:
Date:
SEARCH TECHNIQUES
 This workbook is to be completed as the Coastguard Instructor
works through the module
 The key learning for each section is given and the questions
relate to the key learning
 Each section is to be completed to an achieved standard
 This workbook is not an examination. It is to record your
learning, your thinking, collaboration and provide evidence of
interacting with the content of the theory module
Crew member has ACHIEVED / NOT ACHIEVED the Theory Module Workbook
Signed (Coastguard Instructor):
Search Techniques – Version 1 (2013)
Date:
©Coastguard New Zealand 2014
1
Key Learning
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This Theory Module Workbook is composed of a number of sections
Each section has a key learning that is a summary of elements of the Theory Module
Questions and activities within the workbook provide opportunities for the crew to
engage with the theory aspects in a variety of ways. The workbook provides a record
of interaction and is designed to be kept by the crew member
The Coastguard Instructor will sign off each section to evidence that the key learning
has been achieved
Section
Coastguard
Instructor
Key Learning
1. Developing the search plan
The six phases to the search planning sequence
are explained.
2. Search terminology
The specific terms used when completing a
search planning sequence are defined.
3. Search patterns
Different search patterns can be used
depending on the situation.
4. Searching and GPS
The GPS is not used as a primary navigation
tool in the execution of a search
5. Search protocols
There are procedures for commencing and
pausing a search.
6. Establishing sweep width
Sweep width can be determined both
practically and theoretically. However, it is
only the CRV crew that can provide an actual
sweep width for the prevailing conditions.
7. Establishing speed
Speed and distance tables can be used to
calculate the time to complete a search leg at a
predetermined speed.
8. Search and Rescue Boat book
Search templates, uncorrected visual sweep
width tables, speed-distance-time tables and
checklists that can be used in SAROPS can be
found in this book.
Search Techniques – Version 1 (2013)
©Coastguard New Zealand 2014
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1. Developing the Search Plan
Key learning: The six phases to the search planning sequence are explained.
1.1 Complete the table below:
Order
Phase
Definition
Define the target
Accurate description of target e.g. size,
colour, type of vessel
2
Define the datum
The most probable location of the target
taking into account the tide, wind, current
and time elapsed
3
Define the search area
The most probable area to locate the target
4
Select the appropriate search
pattern
Selected depending on datum, size of search
atrea, geographical location and available
resources
5
Determine the probability of
detection
A measure of the effectiveness of the search
6
Develop a practical search plan
Uses the information from the phases and is
dependent on conditions at the scene
1
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2. Search Terminology
Key Learning: The specific terms used when completing a search planning sequence are
defined.
Identifying Datum
2.1
A distress call was received at 0830hrs from a vessel that reported they had lost all power and
were drifting. The vessel was sighted again at 1030hrs. The time is now 1330hrs.
On the chart identify the SP, LKP and datum.
1330hr
s
1030hr
s
0830hr
s
2.2 Explain how leeway and current affect the target drift.
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2.3 Draw and label a diagram to show a single vessel searching with a coverage factor of 0.5. The
beam sight distance is 300m.
Start point
2.4 Define ‘area of probability’
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3. Search Patterns
Key learning: Different search patterns can be used depending on the situation.
What initial search pattern would best suit each of the following situations?
Give two reasons for your choice.
Draw a diagram of the search pattern
3.1 A child has fallen overboard from a small powerboat in poor visibility. Your CRV is only a short
distance away at the time.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
3.2 A diver has failed to return to the dive boat in open water. You can get to the scene of the
incident in 45 minutes.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
3.3 A kayak washes up on the bank of an estuary on an outgoing tide. A concerned member of the
public alerts your unit and a search is initiated.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
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3.4 Search Patterns. Using the image below;
a. Name as many different types of search pattern you can identify in the image.
b. Label the track space, search leg, cross leg, sweep width (assuming coverage
factor of 1.0).
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4. Searching and GPS
Key Learning: The GPS is not used as a primary navigation tool in the execution of a search
The image below is a screen shot taken from TracPlus, which shows the track of a CRV completing a
sector search for a person in the water. One line (light green) shows the planned track for the search
pattern. The blue (darker) line shows the path of the CRV.
4.1 TracPlus works on a similar principle to GPS, using coordinates to show position. In the picture
above, explain why the actual search pattern did not resemble the planned search?
4.2 Describe how a navigation tool such as a GPS or chart plotter can be used to support a search.
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5. Search Protocols
Key learning: There are procedures for commencing and pausing a search.
5.1 When pausing a search it is advised to deploy a datum and record the time. Give three reasons
why this is done.
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6. Establishing Sweep Width
Key Learning: Sweep width can be determined both practically and theoretically. However, it is only
the CRV crew that can provide an actual sweep width for the prevailing conditions.
6.1 Using the ‘Uncorrected Sweep Width’ table, calculate the sweep width given the following
information; target is white fibreglass powerboat; 5 POB with PFD’s; weather is overcast; visibility
approximately 3NM; periods of rain; wind is NW 25kt; swell is 1.0m SE .
6.2 List as many factors as possible that may affect sweep width.
6.3 How would these factors affect your calculation?
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7. Establishing Speed
Key Learning: Speed and distance tables can be used to calculate the time to complete a search leg
at a predetermined speed.
7.1 Using the DST triangle calculate;
a. The time taken to travel 6nm at a speed of 18kt
b. The distance travelled by a CRV cruising at 35kts for 30min
c. The average speed of a CRV that has travelled 4nm in 10min
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8. Search and Rescue Boat Book
Key Learning: Search templates, uncorrected visual sweep width tables, speed-distance-time tables
and checklists that can be used in SAROPS can be found in this book.
8.1 You are on a 9.5m CRV with three other crew. You have been tasked to look for a person that
has fallen from a yacht. The skipper asks you to plan the search.
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The weather is currently overcast with Easterly winds of 20kt.
Visibility is about 5nm.
The yacht was sailing from Picton to Nelson and is currently searching for the person in the
vicinity of Admiralty Bay.
Complete the template for an expanding square search, with a coverage factor of 1.0, for the first 10
legs.
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