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National Search and Rescue School 

Overview

The National SAR School is the world's premier source for Search and Rescue (SAR) training. The joint Coast Guard / Air Force staff provides training in oceanic, coastal, and inland search planning procedures to SAR professionals from all U.S. military branches, various U.S. government agencies, volunteer SAR organizations, as well as members of the international SAR community.

Courses

  • International SAR - The National SAR School teaches a variety of International SAR training courses including Maritime SAR Coordination and Execution, Maritime SAR Planning, International Maritime SAR Planning w/manual plot solution, SAROPS, and Inland SAR.

  • National Search And Rescue School - Basic Inland SAR Planning: 3-day exportable course that provides instruction of Inland SAR fundamentals, resources, search theory and mission coordination.  The course is delivered by USAF personnel. To apply: contact: afrcc.console@us.af.mil.

  • NSARs Module 1 - Complete the games to learn about the terminology, roles and responsibilities of the SAR system.

  • NSARs Module 2 - Complete the game to learn about the basics of distress communications and signals.

  • NSARs Module 3 - This facilitated online course focuses on actions taken during the awareness and initial action stages of a SAR case through a mix of self-paced study and group labs. 

    Concepts covered include: Application of general SAR policies, initial interview with reporting sources, dispatching resources and conducting investigative work.

  • NSARs Module 4 - This in-resident course provides instruction and in-depth study in maritime search planning, methods, and models, namely the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS).

  • NSARs Module 5 - This facilitated online course prepares SAR personnel to effectively execute the operations stage via interactive workshops and case studies.  Concepts covered include: SRU coordination and rescue planning.

  • NSARs Module 6 - This facilitated online course prepares SAR personnel to effectively conclude search and rescue operations. Concepts covered include: case closure, active search suspension, SRU debriefs, survivor debriefs, and the continuous improvement program.

  • NSARs Module 7 - This 2-day in-resident course provides instruction and robust practice of Next of Kin interactions and public affairs for SAR Mission Coordinators. 

    The primary audience for this course is SMCs and ACTSUS personnel, but all interested SAR system personnel may apply for attendance.

  • Sector Department Head - This two-week course is intended for officers, O-4 and O-5, assigned as prospective sector department heads (response, prevention, and logistics) and ashore executive officers (e.g., MSUs, Bases, Intelligence, DSFs) if space is available. 

    The course prepares the student to plan, organize, and lead his or her sector department’s readiness and response missions. Topics include: sector organization; partnerships; the 11 mission areas;leadership and personnel management; supply and finance; and senior officer survival skills review.

  • Sector Commander Course – This one week FOT and one week in person course is designed to prepare prospective sector commanders and deputy 
    sector commanders to accomplish the Coast Guard mission responsibilities assigned to their unit. 

    This course is intended for officers, O-5 and O-6, assigned as prospective sector commanders and deputy sector commanders. The course prepares sector commanders and deputy sector commanders to plan, organize, lead, and control their sectors to provide effective and efficient mission (prevention, response, and logistics) accomplishments in their assigned area of responsibility (AOR).

  • Proficiency & Currency Assessment (SMM) - Determine your current proficiency in SAR mission management through a virtual assessment. 

    Enrollment coming soon via CG OWL.

    Completion of the PCA-SMM meets the SAR watchstander formal course currency requirements mandated by section 1.3.3.2. of CG Addendum.

  • Proficiency & Currency Assessment (SMC) - Determine your current proficiency as a SAR Mission Coordinator through a virtual assessment. 

    Enrollment coming soon via CG OWL.

    Completion of the PCA-SMC meets the SMC formal course currency requirement mandated by section 1.3.3.2. of CG Addendum.

  • Search Coordination & Execution (SC&E) - Search Coordination and Execution: 4-day exportable course that provides basic SAR knowledge necessary for Coast Guard SRU personnel to properly coordinate and execute a SAR case on-scene.  Enroll now via ETR and coordination with District POC.

Coast Guard Employee Access

It is recommended each Coast Guard employee visit TCYorktown's Portal site for additional SAR training information. Coast Guard Employee Access.

Contact Information

Email: NationalSARSchool@uscg.mil

Senior Instructor: (757) 856-2358

Mailing Address:

Commanding Officer (tsar)

National Search and Rescue School

USCG Training Center

Yorktown, Virginia 23690-5000