CRV Crew Training
Theory Module Workbook
Name:
Unit:
Coastguard Instructor:
Date:
On Scene Command
 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):
On Scene Command – Version 1 (2013)
Date:
©Coastguard New Zealand 2014
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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
1. What is On Scene Command?
2. Multi Vessel Searches
3. Initial Assessment
4. Briefing
5. Turning the Search Pattern
6. Key Responsibilities
Coastguard
Instructor
Key Learning
During a multi vessel operation there will
be somebody appointed by the IMT as On
Scene Command (OSC). They are the link
between the IMT and operations at the
scene.
On Scene Command has the responsibility
of managing other resources. This is not
the same as the responsibilities of each
Skipper for their vessel.
On Scene Command will decide how best
to utilise resources once their general
capability has been assessed.
It is the job of the On Scene Command to
organise and manage the resources
effectively. To do this they will need to
brief the skippers and the crew of the on
scene resources.
At the end of a search leg the search will
need to be turned. There are two common
methods used to complete the turn.
On Scene Command can be a complex role
and the key responsibilities are vital in
ensuring the effectiveness of the search.
On Scene Command – Version 1 (2013)
©Coastguard New Zealand 2014
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1. What is On Scene Command?
Key learning: During a multi vessel operation there will be somebody appointed by the IMT
as On Scene Command (OSC). They are the link between the IMT and operations at the
scene.
1.1 The On Scene Command is the link between the IMT and the operations at the scene.
Key responsibilities can be described using action verbs. But who are they directed at?
Complete the table below.
Action verbs
Who or What?
Providing
Details of resources to Operation (IMT)
Appointing
Line command to coordinate multi vessel
search
Tasking
Resources provided by IMT
Communicating
Sit Reps to IMT and briefing all resources
Managing
On Scene response to incident
Co-ordinating
Vessels (assets) on scene
Establishing
Establishing communications with IMT
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2. Multi Vessel Searches
Key Learning: On Scene Command has the responsibility of managing other resources. This is
not the same as the responsibilities of each Skipper for their vessel.
2.1 Who has responsibility for;
a. CRV?
The CRU Skipper
b. Other Vessels?
Skipper of each vessel
c. Crew of the Coastguard vessel?
cer skipper
d. The coordination of the search?
On scene command
e. The safety of the other vessel crew?
Skipper of that vessel skipper
f. Overall assessment of risk for the search?
Incident controller
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3. Initial Assessment
Key learning: On Scene Command will decide how best to utilise resources once their general
capability has been assessed.
3.1 Determining initial assessment factors
Create a brainstorm or mind map of all the various factors that could be considered as part
of the initial assessment.
Crew available
Search
equipment
number
Assests
First aid
Type
training
capability
equipment
Recovery
Equipment
Blind
Comms
spots
Initial Assessment
Vessel speed
Crew expertise
weather
Search
equip
no. of
vessels
tide
Crew
Search
capability
Conditions
to shore
Equipment
height of
Search
eye
pattern
Proximity
hazards
Time delay
type
Search urgency
Target
Initial Assessment
time
et
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 Has completed a discussion around the components of each factor.
On Scene Command – Version 1 (2013)
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4. Briefing
Key Learning: It is the job of the On Scene Command to organise and manage the resources
effectively. To do this they will need to brief the skippers and the crew of the on scene
resources.
4.1 You have been tasked by the IMT as On Scene Command. You have the following
information. Use this to write a briefing, using the GSMEACR tool, for a search vessel.
Description of casualty
Type of search
Male, 47 years and son, 17 years. One wearing yellow
lifejacket and one wearing red jacket. Both were wearing
wetsuits.
Shoreline search from Sticking Point to Taylors Mistake
Identified On Scene Command
Roger Lewis on CRV ‘Z Energy Rescue’
Identified line commander
None
Navigational safety / skipper
responsibility
Approx speed of search
Sea state is rough, visibility fair. High tide is in 1 hour and
wind is Easterly blowing onshore. Rocks closer to the
shore. Sunrise in 2 hours.
Reminder that YOU (the skipper) is responsible for….
15kt
Distance between each vessel
Sweep width is 100m
Maintaining position
Stay on starboard side of our vessel.
VHF Channel for inter vessel
comms
Cell phone use
Ch 74
Observation techniques
Spotlight or torch. Observer position and responsibility.
Rotation of observers
Remind skipper to rotate observers because….
Actions on sighting object of
interest
Turning the search pattern
Call on CH74. Stop. Wait for tasking.
Use of search light, torches
Reminder not shine on vessel. Sweep area.
Stopping and listening
When given command to stop and listen, stop vessel, turn
off engine. Call and listen for response.
Does your vessel have radar. If yes…
Use of Radar
022 243 2234 (OSC)
None
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Example briefing
The general search area is between Sticking Point
Ground
and Taylors Mistake
Two persons lost at night in rough seas. One
yellow lifejacket and one red jacket. Both wearing
Situation
wetsuits. High tide in 1 hour. Easterly on shore
wind. Rocky shoreline. Sunrise in two hours.
To locate two missing persons.
Mission
You are to commence shoreline search from
Sticking Point to Taylors mistake. Speed of 15kt,
Execution
sweep width is 100m (look 50m each side of
vessel). Stay on our starboard side 100m away. If
anything spotted call ch 74 OSC.
Number POB and crew list recorded.
Administration
Record GPS of any sighting. Provide search vessel
name and call sign.
Roger Lewis on ‘Z energy rescue’ is on scene
Command,
Control,
Communication
command. His cell is 022 243 2234. Inter vessel
comms on VHF 74. Sit reps every 15min between
vessels.
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It is nighttime, ensure nav lights on. All crew to
wear lifejackets. As skipper you are responsible for
Risk
safety of crew and vessel. Be aware of rocks in
vicinity. Take care with sea state as rough. Rotate
observers to lessen fatigue. Any concerns contact OSC.
5. Turning the Search Pattern
Key Learning: At the end of a search leg the search will need to be turned. There are two
common methods used to complete the turn.
5.1 Walking the turn!
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You have been placed into a smaller group of 4/5 people.
Nominate one person as OSC.
Take part in a creeping line search (with each person being a vessel) and have the
OSC turn the search three times.
Repeat the process with a new OSC and use the Admiralty turn.
 Participated in the search activity
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6. Key Responsibilities
Key learning: On Scene Command can be a complex role and the key responsibilities are vital
in ensuring the effectiveness of the search
6.1 Individually rank the key responsibilities of the On Scene Command in an order that
makes sense to you. The responsibility that you think is most important rank as 1, the least
important rank as 5.
Key Responsibilities
Rank
Regularly inform IMT of search status
Inform IMT of all changes in personnel and environmental conditions
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Flexibility and adaptability are key skills
OSC must keep a big picture view and not get obsessed by detail
OSC must maintain situational awareness and is the key link between the IMT and scene
NOW... discuss your ranking choice with a colleague.
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 Participated in the discussion
On Scene Command – Version 1 (2013)
Individual
ranking
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